reclaiming overdraft charges

Jemmeh

So i understand that this only works now for those in financial hardship.

I am not in dire financial hardship at the moment but at the time I was being charged I was. This was around 5 years ago, I was unemployed as I had lost my job and I was living on my own. I was unable to pay my bills and so every direct debit that was comming out of my account was bouncing and I was charged £35 each time.

I was also made to enter into an overdraft reducing plan of £50 per month which I had no means of paying and so this would also bounce each month and incur charges, I was even told once that I should be paying this out of my housing benefit instead of my rent.

Would I have a case for past financial hardship or are they only taking current financial hardship into consideration?

I am probably talking about £1000 or more in charges.

Little_Mo_70

Jemmeh wrote: »

So i understand that this only works now for those in financial hardship.

I am not in dire financial hardship at the moment but at the time I was being charged I was. This was around 5 years ago, I was unemployed as I had lost my job and I was living on my own. I was unable to pay my bills and so every direct debit that was comming out of my account was bouncing and I was charged £35 each time.

I was also made to enter into an overdraft reducing plan of £50 per month which I had no means of paying and so this would also bounce each month and incur charges, I was even told once that I should be paying this out of my housing benefit instead of my rent.

Would I have a case for past financial hardship or are they only taking current financial hardship into consideration?

I am probably talking about £1000 or more in charges.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/bank-charges
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The text below should answer your question.

Who can go to the Ombudsman? The Ombudsman has said it will only look at cases based on the ‘fairness' criteria – in other words, if you have been harshly or unfairly treated. It's specifically noted three different reasons which it would be likely to look at on this basis.
The reasons can either apply to your situation now, or at some point in the past. Yet importantly, if you're no longer in hardship the Ombudsman will look at how your bank treated you at the time and whether you are still struggling. To help your case you should have contacted your bank for help when you had the difficulties.

Jemmeh

Thanks Little Mo