Appointment with DRO unit?

Jr14

So I have recently applied for a DRO with cab and the lady said I'd hear from them this week for an appointment which can be done over the phone! Does everyone have this and what do they ask? I thought once applied you received your barcode to pay.
I've not yet received my final soa from cab, do j need to wait until I receive this before my appointment? She has changed some figures for me that's all.
Thanks in advance

fatbelly

I completely understand why you're confused.

When DROs started in 2009 the branch of the insolvency service that was set up to deal with them (based in Plymouth) was called the DRO Unit, and I think that's still their email address.

Later on, the Money Advice Service started a centre to offer a processing service primarily to ease the pressure on debt advisers working under a MAS contract, and most of those are CAB. They decided to call it the DRO Unit and based it in Durham.

The former DRO Unit then changed its name to the DRO Team.

Anyway you've been referred to the DRO Unit in Durham who will process the application. They will send you the barcode and someone from that 'Unit' will be your intermediary, not the lady at the CAB. However, please feed back your experiences to her.

Jr14

Ah I see thank you! It doesn't take much to confuse me

After my appointment and they've processed things is there still a 3-4 week wait do you know at all?

fatbelly

The 'DRO Unit' seems to have a fair turnover of staff and a lot of delays.

Once they submit your application the dro is usually approved in 2 days. But getting to that point can take a couple of months

Jr14

They've just said 10-12 weeks on the phone 😩😩 what happens with all my bills in that time? I'm already getting millions of phone calls eek!

StopIt

Jr14 wrote: »

They've just said 10-12 weeks on the phone 😩😩 what happens with all my bills in that time? I'm already getting millions of phone calls eek!

You pay all of the priority bills that you can (Energy, Rent/Mortgage, Utilities, TV License), and none of the non priority ones that'll be included in the DRO. So any credit cards, loans and overdrafts etc. They'll be in the DRO so no point in paying them now. You may want to write to your creditor saying you're pending a DRO and can no longer afford to pay.


Council Tax is a bit up in the air as it appears the current years liabilities are included in insolvencies but may be worth paying if you can.


Block any numbers from your creditors, or if you're able to answer the phone, tell them about the DRO and to conduct any communication in writing only.

Jr14

Thank you! Can they send anyone to my house in this time?
I feel really anxious now!
I've just called stepchange to see if the process is any quicker with them ��

I've stopped paying all my credit cards etc - all up to date with rent and utility bills etc though.

StopIt

Jr14 wrote: »

Thank you! Can they send anyone to my house in this time?
I feel really anxious now!
I've just called stepchange to see if the process is any quicker with them ��

I've stopped paying all my credit cards etc - all up to date with rent and utility bills etc though.

No, nobody with any powers at least.


In order to get bailiffs at your door you need a CCJ (28 days notice, then the judgement, then needing to default), escalation to enforcement etc.


It can't and wont happen.


Anyone who may visit (Completely unlikely, and it you write to your creditors advising of the upcoming DRO, near 100% not going to happen) will not have any powers, and you can tell them through the letterbox that you're dealing with this via a DRO.

Jr14

Thanks! I can't believe the wait is so long I wouldn't have started my application with them if I'd have known!

Hopefully step change will be quicker I've just filled out the info online - fingers crossed!
Thank you:)