Provident help

Mummymummy

I owe about £400 to provident it was a mistake getting the loan (was on mat leave at the time) I'm struggling to pay now I am a single mother with 3 children and no job (I get I/s)

I'm not trying to get out of paying what I owe but the agent is giving me attitude about my payments I've been giving her £10 a week (should be £17.50) but I'm struggling with rent and ct and feel paying these is more important

but I'm worried about her coming round every week I want to pay something more like £5/£10 per month so I can get on top of priority debts

any help is appreciated I'm starting to dread Friday nights

egrescrimp

Call their customer service line, setup a payment arrangement that comes off your card each week and you won't have to deal with the agent

The agent is only frustrated and giving attitude because they don't get commission unless you pay in full.

Mummymummy

I don't really like the thought of them having my debit card details I was planning on paying by standing order or something

ill call them later & see what my options are I just don't want the agent coming round I'm always worried one of my friends or kids friends will be round at the same time it'd be so embarrassing

egrescrimp

If they won't do standing order (they should do though, they are getting paid!), perhaps look at getting a pre-paid card that won't allow them to take whats not present plunging you into arrears.

patchwork_cat

Why are you paying rent and council tax if you are on I/S?

Mummymummy

patchwork_cat wrote: »

Why are you paying rent and council tax if you are on I/S?

I have to pay a % towards each

[Deleted User]

Over what term was the loan?

patman99

Provi loans are high-interest loans usually over 1-5 years.
The reason that the Agent is getting the hump is that they get a fine if they fail to collect the full amount each week.

[Deleted User]

patman99 wrote: »

Provi loans are high-interest loans usually over 1-5 years.

I'm aware of how Provident loans work.

I'm thinking that, if the loan was over a fairly short term, the OP might be able to extend the term, thereby reducing the weekly payment.

fatbelly

patchwork_cat wrote: »

Why are you paying rent and council tax if you are on I/S?

Because the days of a basic benefit (IS, JSA, ESA) qualifying you for full HB and CTB are over.

Localisation of council tax relief, local housing allowance rules and bedroom tax have seen to that.

The rates of (IS, JSA, ESA) didn't go up to cover the changes so that's why so many are struggling and foodbanks are going ballistic.

OP- if you get problems with Provi's head office, and I don't think you will, try your local CAB. I find them easy to deal with and I've got lots of £1 per month arrangements over the years.

30oddngrumpy

It is worth speaking to the local office, but it does sound like you shouldn't of taken the loan.
Don't blame the agents, they are only doing there jobs.
It annoys me people who blame PPC, they don't force loans on people, they see an easy route to money, all charges are explained.