Worried as can't pay minimum payment on 2 credit cards this month

Scoobz01

I'm really worried as can't afford to pay Halifax and Nationwide Credit Cards this month. I was injured at work and suffered cracked ribs and internal bruising due to being punched by a patient down south. My employer has only paid me my basic wage until investigated. I normally work extra hours but since being off sick I've been unable to do this. I've never defaulted before but had to this month on my Nationwide Card and will also need to default next month as I've only just returned from being of sick. Things will be back to normal after that but will they understand. I'm becoming more and more stressed thinking about defaulting and probably still psychology unwell after attack.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

and welcome.

Can you contact them and explain the situation, if your payment record is excellent they may allow you a payment 'holiday'.

If you default you could affect your credit score.

longtermplanner

You will get missed payments marked on your credit record, but the lenders shouldn't default you until you owe 3 months payments. So if you are right that you will be back to normal in a couple of months you should be OK.

However this might be a good point to think hard about your finances. Before your health problems, were the debts going down or up? IF they were going down, fine. But if they were going up, then have a go at this online tool putting in what you were earning before and see what it says http://www.stepchange.org/Debtremedy.aspx

sourcrates

Don't get stressed out by money OP, its more important you get your self well, its not the end of the world to miss a few credit card payments, they will not come round knocking on your door, nor will the walls crumble around you.
Its all about communication, I suggest you write to your lenders, explaining the situation, tell them when you expect to be able to resume normal payments, and that's it, there is no great mystery, you are not the first to miss a payment, you wont be the last, they are used to dealing with peoples problems, keep them informed, you should be fine, although be aware, you may get a stream of computer generated letters from them, which you can quiet safely file in the recycle bin.
Most of all don't let this rule your life, hope your well again soon, good luck !!

debtbgone

If you were seriously assaulted by a patient, was this not reported to the police? In my experience (nhs) we have a zero tolerance policy on violence against staff and we have staff liaison who support staff to prosecute and claim compensation, especially since you have suffered loss of earnings through a work related injury? Not meaning to pry or tell you what to do it's just you seem to have been quite poorly treated by a patient then your employer...

Scoobz01

Yes was reported to police and person has been charged with common assault and due to attend court shortly. Claim has gone in but can take up to 1 year to sort out.

debtbgone

I'm sorry to hear that Scoobz, I hope it gets sorted quickly for you and I'm sorry you are in this situation. I hope you get some good advice here xxx

happy_bunny_2

Talk to your card companies, explain.

Then, follow up in writing with what you agree if they are helpful, requesting written confirmation.

If you can make it up in a few months, should be ok.

Be sure to ask how this will be reported to the credit agencies, as maybe as an arrangement to pay which isn't great.

If they refuse to help, send a written complaint. Post back for wording advice, depending what they say.

Try not to stress, not much they can do really.

HB

Scoobz01

Well been in touch with both Halifax and Nationwide and explained the situation I'm currently in. To my surprise both Credit Card Companys were extremely sympathetic and are arranging payment plans till end of September. I made the kind lady laugh from Halifax as I informed her I was scared stiff ringing and was expecting an unpleasant reply!

Pixie5740

I'm glad that you managed to get things sorted with Halifax and Nationwide. Now you can relax and focus on getting better.

I think lenders are much more likely to be flexible if you contact them before payments are late or missed altogether.

sourcrates

Pixie5740 wrote: »

I think lenders are much more likely to be flexible if you contact them before payments are late or missed altogether.

I think its more to do with them been issued new guidelines by central government to take note of an individuals personal, as well as financial circumstances now, before taking further action.
When I first got into trouble with money, early 2000`s, I had never missed a payment before, contacted all my creditors for help, they didn't want to know, "cant do anything till you default" was the gist of the response's from them all, nice to see attitudes have now changed.