Positive Experience +Bank Question

psycrow57

Hi all

Just wanted to post a positive story for all those worrying about an imminent bankruptcy.

I acquired the majority of my debt whilst trying to get my degree without any financial assistance other than a student loan (which barely covered rent) and a holiday job. When I finally graduated, I struggled to find a well paid job and when I did, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness which meant I was made redundant. Then my illness got worse and I lost two more jobs, and my debt got far worse.

It took me a year to get the bankruptcy fee together and I was really scared about the implications and what would happen, I lost a lot of sleep! Turns out that I didn't need to worry - filling in the forms was probably the hardest part. At the court I didn't need to see the judge, all the dealings with the OR have been done over the phone, I've never felt judged or belittle by anyone. I filed at the start of July and the OR has told me I'm likely to be discharged early (possibly as little as 6 months). As I was only well enough to work part time, I didn't have to contribute any money (only earned £600 a month) but they are changing my tax code and I will have to give them the tax I would normally have paid until the end of the tax year. However, Ive just lost my job again so it'll be a while before that happens.

I'm trying to sort out a bank account at the moment - I've applied to Bank Of Scotland and should hear within 7 days, but have just found out that they usually reject undischarged bankrupts. I want to call the Co-op bank and apply for one, but will it make a difference if I've applied for another one already, or do I need to wait and see if I'm rejected first and then apply? I want to get it sorted asap, but don't want to jeapordise my application.

Thanks all.

rog2

Hi psycro - and welcome to 'Bankruptcy and Living with it'.
I'm pleased to see that you are being considered for early discharge, already.
There should be no problem applying for a bank account with the Co-op bank - it is unlikely to jeopardise your BOS application.

susiepink

I've opened an account with the co-op bank and they confirmed my basic bank acct would not be closed once I made myself bankrupt.

psycrow57

Thanks guys, I'll get on the phone then!

What kind if ID do you need to send? Do you need proof of address? I've only recently moved so don't have much with my address on it yet!

susiepink

I needed 2 utitility bills and a copy of my passport signed by my doctor.

cinnabar

The Co-op just asked me for sort code and account number of the account I held with Barclays so they could get a reference- I was a bit worried about this because of going BR today but she said they just use it to verify your address so no need for any paper documentation.