Student loan help

Angeline

Hi,

Im new to this but could use a nit of advice. A few yrs ago, I was supposed to defer my student loan as I made less than 15000 per year and still do. I sent in my form but it was claimed that I didnt and therefore they said I was liable for the charges to that date and they couldnt back date it. It went ot a debt collecting agency as I wouldnt pay their admin fees ect. I asked how could I pay these fees if I couldnt pay the loan?! I ended up paying the 300 or so pounds. The same happened a few yrs later, claiming that they hadnt received my forma dn again , I am paying money towards this debt £20 per month until the debt is paid.

I am due my first child in 3 weeks and my wage is low enough as it is,when I go onto smp, I really ownt be able to aford this.

What I want to know is, wre they legally allowed to do what they did? If not, can I get my money back?

Thanks in advance

Angeline

kelloggs36

The only way you can prove that they got the form is if you sent it by recorded delivery - did you do this? If they genuinely didn't get the form, they can't act upon it. However, if you can prove your earnings it seems that they are being particularly harsh. do they have an appeal process or anything that they should offer you?

BrunoM

A few years back in vaguely similar circs, they backdated the deferment by 1 month and said that was all they were allowed.

Angeline

Hi, well I didnt think the same thing would happen twice as I was defering in between ithappening. But how can they prove it wasnt sent in? They are very rude when I call in and its quite upsetting. What my point is, is how can I afford topay these arrears but not the loan? How can they do this and should I seek legal advice?

dmg24

But how can they prove it wasnt sent in?

Unfortunately the burden of proof is on you, to prove that you did send it.

adouglasmhor

You do not need to send it recorded to prove you sent it but you do to prove they recieved it - just get a proof of postage from the post office otherwise.

Angeline

Just called them to see if I could provide a statement of finance to prove that I will not be able to afford the payment and the cheeky cow said no, that what I was paying, was low enough as it was. I said, well I contacted the citizensd advice bureau who said I was well within my legal rights to do so. She had no reply! Am looking intot his with the citizens advice bureau just now.

dmg24

Angeline wrote: »

Just called them to see if I could provide a statement of finance to prove that I will not be able to afford the payment and the cheeky cow said no, that what I was paying, was low enough as it was. I said, well I contacted the citizensd advice bureau who said I was well within my legal rights to do so. She had no reply! Am looking intot his with the citizens advice bureau just now.

You're doing the right thing Angeline. Let us know how you get on x

Angeline

Will do tomorrow. I cant believe they dont train their staff enough to know what people's rights are! They be lucky if I pay them a 5iver a month!

Angeline

I got my payment down form £20.00 to £ 5.00! Success!