Question re hardship bank charges reclaim

Goldie4711

I have been on benefits the significant part of the last 10 years. During that time I have had to increase my overdraft facility as a result of intense financial pressures during periods of unemployment. It was £800...it now stands at £2,030, and I am using all of the facility.
My "fees" for this "authorised" amount is £60 per month. My benefits are £124 per fortnight.
The problem is that when I read Martin's guide, it specifically says that what can be reclaimed is -
**We're talking about charges and related costs for going beyond your overdraft limit, or bounced cheques and direct debit.**
This suggests that I can't claim as I never exceed my AUTHORISED limit, even though the fees are totally disproportionate. Am I right? I'm really angry if I'm right because it's destroying me financially.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Wywth

Goldie4711 wrote: »

I have been on benefits the significant part of the last 10 years. During that time I have had to increase my overdraft facility as a result of intense financial pressures during periods of unemployment. It was £800...it now stands at £2,030, and I am using all of the facility.
My "fees" for this "authorised" amount is £60 per month. My benefits are £124 per fortnight.
The problem is that when I read Martin's guide, it specifically says that what can be reclaimed is -
**We're talking about charges and related costs for going beyond your overdraft limit, or bounced cheques and direct debit.**
This suggests that I can't claim as I never exceed my AUTHORISED limit, even though the fees are totally disproportionate. Am I right? I'm really angry if I'm right because it's destroying me financially.
Any advice would be appreciated.

No, you are not in financuial hardship; you are just habitually spending beyond your means.

I would urge you to post your SoA over on the Febt Free Wannabe board (details in a sticky thread on that board) where you will get the help you obviously need.

Goldie4711

@Whywth,
Thanks for the response. I did some research and I can't claim for fees for having an authorised overdraft. However, it is those fees which have pushed me to a situation where I am in financial hardship. I am currently making a claim for the £35 bank charges in the past which I incurred for exceeding my authorised limit directly as a result of £60 / month overdraft fees. I am confident of success under the "hardship principles" as detailed in Martin lewis' Guide.
Thanks for the advice about the debt free thread...I'll check it out.
Goldie.