DMP mutual support thread part 13 !!

rcc1986

Hi, I currently have DMP with step change however, due to COVID 19 my husbands are less meaning our househols is depending on my income only - i have spoken with step change who have cancelled my direct debit and told me to get back intouch in three months i reinstate - however, i am really concerned how my creditors will take this, i know i wont be the only person out there who is struggling at this time - just looking some general re assurance really?

cherokee

rcc1986 said:

Hi, I currently have DMP with step change however, due to COVID 19 my husbands are less meaning our househols is depending on my income only - i have spoken with step change who have cancelled my direct debit and told me to get back intouch in three months i reinstate - however, i am really concerned how my creditors will take this, i know i wont be the only person out there who is struggling at this time - just looking some general re assurance really?

It will be ok, I contacted my debtors direct by email and told them due to reduced income I was pausing my payments on DMP for 3 months and I was doing it in agreement with Stepchange.  So far I've had one response from PRA saying they would put account on hold for that time, so that's what I wanted.  They have to understand as so many will be affected.

Suseka97

rcc1986 said:

Hi, I currently have DMP with step change however, due to COVID 19 my husbands are less meaning our househols is depending on my income only - i have spoken with step change who have cancelled my direct debit and told me to get back intouch in three months i reinstate - however, i am really concerned how my creditors will take this, i know i wont be the only person out there who is struggling at this time - just looking some general re assurance really?

As you quite rightly surmise - you will definitely not be the only one, so there's really no need to worry.  People who are not currently on DMPs are going to find over the coming months that they'll not be able to make their contractual payments - and creditors are just going to have to accept that.  So don't fret about what they think - you are nothing more than a number to them. SC are happy with you putting things on hold and that's all that matters.

ditty1234

I have now cancelled my direct debit, I can't get in touch with Stepchange as they have closed their phone line so I will call or write them and my creditors and claim at least a 3 month break as my income wont be back to normal till October (supply teaching). Feeling a bit sad about that, but I will need to keep pay my rent and keep up my EF at some level however small. With everything that is going I feel it is even more important to have an extra month worth of money for food and rent in the bank!

lola_girl

Just to put anyones mind at rest - stepchange have sent a recent email update saying they understand that people may need to reduce or cancel their DMP payments during to financial impact of coronavirus and that to email them and let them know if you need to, also that they will not be cancelling anyone's DMP for missed payments at this time.  Debt repayment is not a priority! 

Dallas13

Hi I'm on a DMP with stepchange, I have have 3 creditors to pay, 2 of them say default payments and the other says late payment,
When I check my credit score.
 I know what date it needs to be paid by and I pay it. Since starting my DMP I've never missed a payment or sent them a late payment.
So why does it come up as "late payment".
My credit score goes up one month and then it's back down then next.
Is there anyway I can get them to change it.

Thanks

sourcrates

Dallas13 said:

Hi I'm on a DMP with stepchange, I have have 3 creditors to pay, 2 of them say default payments and the other says late payment,
When I check my credit score.
 I know what date it needs to be paid by and I pay it. Since starting my DMP I've never missed a payment or sent them a late payment.
So why does it come up as "late payment".
My credit score goes up one month and then it's back down then next.
Is there anyway I can get them to change it.

Thanks

Your credit file reflects your financial behavior before you entered debt management.

Your accounts were defaulted, or were paid late, due to you not paying the contractual payment, hence why you went on a DMP.

Your current payment has no effect on what’s on your file now, except to reduce the balance.

Headabovethewater

Could I have a refresher please, I had written hold letters, following sc advice, to then read in here it wasnt the best thing (dont hold / default). We've been in the process of saving for ef, with me awaiting furlough and hubby self employed this will now be gone this month.  I need to do a 2nd letter to all the debts, (guess I'm overdue with this) we've not had many calls, I requested for none but weve had lots of letters.  I want to get the next bit right,  Do I just say it how it is - we will be starting a self managed dmp in xx months.   Due to current Corona/wages situation we will not be in a position to offer anything yet, please default this account?  Should I mention I'm ill and receice pip or put as little as poss?

I'm weirdly positive - they can't have anything we dont have - nice to have that realisation but gutted my ef is now down to £45.   Truly appreciate this forum and hope everyone's well.

sourcrates

You will find at present creditors are all on skeleton staff, and the situation is likely to be ongoing for a number of months, non payment usually gets defaults, no need for too much letter tennis right now, no one to respond but a computer.

Everything is frozen for at least 3 months just now, just let nature take its course.

Whatamidoinghere

Does anyone know if stepchange are replying to emails. Need to give payment details for one of my debts which is being held so cant change it online myself. Phones log you out when trying to ring them.