Shell and debt

TGB2022

I am disabled and like many disabled people, am on a very low income. I work but am not on benefits.

I have been falling behind on my energy bills as I simply cannot afford them. I already turn everything off (except fridge/freezer) at 9pm and have adjusted my waking hours so that I am awake during the daylight so as not to need the lights on and whatnot. I do not use my heating at all. But still I am falling behind. I pay them every month but it is not the full amount of my bills. But I do make a regular monthly payment.

Without any discussion with me or notification, it seems that Shell have farmed my underpayments out to a debt collection agency. Is this right? Do they not have to contact me first and talk about repayment plans? As I say, I do pay every month, it's just not the full amount as I literally cannot afford it.

Any help on what my rights are would be gratefully received. 

pochase

Problem I see here is that every month you are paying less than you owe.  A repayment plan would mean that you reduce your debt, but you are increasing it every month.

How much are your monthly energy bills? From what you describe it should be almost nothing.

Do you get WHD? 

MWT

TGB2022 said:

Do they not have to contact me first and talk about repayment plans? As I say, I do pay every month, it's just not the full amount as I literally cannot afford it.

Any help on what my rights are would be gratefully received. 

I would suggest you post on the 'Debt Free' board for some help with this... https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/debt-free-wannabe

It is unusual for an energy supplier to go straight to a debt collection agency without encouraging you to talk to them about the problem first, are you sure there has been nothing in your bills about this at all?

Either way though, if you cannot pay any of the regular energy bills in full then there doesn't seem to be any way for you to enter into any sort of payment plan with them anyway, so I would seek some wider ranging help with your debt problem on the forum I linked above...

TGB2022

I wish they were almost nothing! What am I supposed to do then? I do not get warm home discount, no. I have always lived hand to mouth but never gone into debt before now.

But are they not supposed to contact me and offer a repayment plan or something before they farm the underpayments out to a debt collection agency?

victor2

TGB2022 said:

I am disabled and like many disabled people, am on a very low income. I work but am not on benefits.

I have been falling behind on my energy bills as I simply cannot afford them. I already turn everything off (except fridge/freezer) at 9pm and have adjusted my waking hours so that I am awake during the daylight so as not to need the lights on and whatnot. I do not use my heating at all. But still I am falling behind. I pay them every month but it is not the full amount of my bills. But I do make a regular monthly payment.

Without any discussion with me or notification, it seems that Shell have farmed my underpayments out to a debt collection agency. Is this right? Do they not have to contact me first and talk about repayment plans? As I say, I do pay every month, it's just not the full amount as I literally cannot afford it.

Any help on what my rights are would be gratefully received. 

Welcome to the forum!

Have you looked at the "Debt Free Wannabe" section on here (https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/debt-free-wannabe)?

You might find some general help there.

As for your energy bills, people might be able to look at ways to reduce your costs for ongoing usage here.

A bit more information is needed though...

Are you all electric, or also have gas?

Do you have smart meter(s), provide manual readings or are estimated ones used?

What sort of debt do you have?

Didn't your supplier suggest higher monthly payments at any point to pay for your usage?

Have you tried Citizens Advice for help? They might be able to point you in the best direction.

TGB2022

Okay, thanks guys. I will try citizens advice and the other forum then. They definitely didn't contact me about help with my bills, no.

TGB2022

I just checked and there is no warning on my bill. I'm only in debt for just shy of £60 as my monthly SO payment is £70pcm. Kind of cruel to farm it out so quickly when they also know I am disabled.

Mstty

Have you contacted Shell about this?

This link may help it's always best to discuss it with them than wait for a debt collector to turn up at the door.

You may be able to go on their vulnerable list.

In addition are you eligible for the £150 council tax rebate. Do you live in a band A-D property? That may help advising them you will send them this as soon as it arrives from the local authority.

https://help.shellenergy.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/360001044218-I-m-struggling-to-pay-my-bill-What-should-I-do-

MWT

TGB2022 said:

I just checked and there is no warning on my bill. I'm only in debt for just shy of £60 as my monthly SO payment is £70pcm. Kind of cruel to farm it out so quickly when they also know I am disabled.

Have you received a communication from a collections agency, or was it a notice of intention to make a visit to assess your ability to pay the outstanding amount?

Some of the suppliers do use an agency as their means of direct contact to resolve debt problems...

.. however, I'd suggest posting the answer on the 'Debt Free' forum, it is a 'judgement-free' zone and usually better suited to getting help for this sort of thing.

TGB2022

i have contacted shell but they have not replied but it was only today that i got the text from the debt collection agency telling me that shell had farmed the debt to them. i am going to call CAB tomorrow, because i am sure you cannot farm things out to a debt collection agency without talking to customers first.

i am eligible for the council tax rebate as i am in social housing. i have not received it though.

MWT

TGB2022 said:

i am eligible for the council tax rebate as i am in social housing. i have not received it though.

If you are currently eligible for a 100% discount on the council tax, or do not pay by DD, you will have to actively contact the council to get the refund, most are providing a form for the purpose....