I need advise on debt 6+years old

National_Debtline

We actually work with Stepchange for DMPs and refer our suitable clients to them. They haven’t informed us of any minimum debt level and the criteria they gave us to refer someone for a free DMP are the ones MrsTinks quoted.

We may question whether a DMP is really a suitable option if it would take a very short amount of time to repay e.g. under 6 months, but there is no minimum debt level.

James
@natdebtline

StepChange_Kirsty

Hi,

Sorry for the delay in responding, I’ve just come across this post.

I just thought I would clarify that we don’t have any minimum or maximum debt level policy in place. We’re here to offer help and advice to anyone who is struggling with problem debt, whatever the value is.

I’m sorry to hear GeordieStacey that you thought we couldn’t help because your debt is under £3K. We can absolutely help and I would encourage you to get back in touch with us so we can look into your situation further.

Alternatively you can use our Debt Remedy tool where you can enter your budget details online and we will give you advice in the form of a personal action plan.

All the best.

Kirsty

Geordiestacy24 wrote: »

They said they couldn't help as my debt is under 3000 (literally) £2960 .....

zenshi

I was declined help by SC too as I couldn't afford more than £100 per month for my creditors. I started self managed, it really is easy so don't give up hope

sourcrates

zenshi wrote: »

I was declined help by SC too as I couldn't afford more than £100 per month for my creditors. I started self managed, it really is easy so don't give up hope

Thats interesting zenshi.

Its not often you get feedback from people declined help by a debt charity.
I`m wondering if this is an across the board policy, or just certain individual call handlers misinterpreting the rules ?

Perhaps some one from stepchange would care to clarify further ?

tallyhoh

My friend was refused help from stepchange as her debts were fairly low. Could it be that they have enough for minimum payments? only thing I can think of.

StepChange_Kirsty

Hi Sourcrates,

Yes of course I’d be happy to.

We would never refuse help to someone who is struggling to make payments to their debts, whatever the value or surplus available.

Occasionally we’ll hear from people who, on paper, can maintain more than minimum payments to their creditors but can’t see the debt reducing. Often in these situations we don’t feel it is appropriate to put those clients on a DMP but we will offer advice around budgeting.

A DMP is a good solution but we don’t believe it is right for everyone. Our Debt Advisor’s (including myself) are trained to identify the best solution for the client’s individual circumstances. If a DMP is not the best advice we will not offer it.

In these situations we will always look at the best alternatives. Not all of the solutions we suggest will be supported, such as a DMP where we distribute payments, but we will always offer advice.

Kind regards,

Kirsty

sourcrates wrote: »

Thats interesting zenshi.

Its not often you get feedback from people declined help by a debt charity.
I`m wondering if this is an across the board policy, or just certain individual call handlers misinterpreting the rules ?

Perhaps some one from stepchange would care to clarify further ?