How to get out of BT contract

annikins171

My husband died 3 weeks ago, and I am now to live off just my own pension.   Looking at all my outgoings my BT Bill is the largest, for landline, broadband and 1 mobile.  Because the contract is in my name, BY want nearly £700 To cancel the contract.  I have told them I cannot afford this monthly bill of £65,  I have been told by Sky that I can have landline and broadband for £21 a huge saving. BY won't budge, suggesting a payment plan, which is ridiculous, if I can't afford the bill now, why should I do thus, plus the fact that if I don't pay them it will go against me, and my bank will be happy to charge me for being unable to honour my direct debit.  No empathy or understanding, any suggestions pls?


   

shiraz99

When did you start the contract with BT?

annikins171

March 2022. Before my husband became ill. X

Brie

Have you tried talking to their bereavements team - i'm assuming they must have one.  They may be a bit more sympathetic than the average customer service person if they realised the reason for cancelling isn't simply because you found a better deal somewhere else. 

If not you have the choice of stop paying and risk debt recovery action and a kick to your ability to get credit in the near future - if that's not an issue for you then this may be a trump card that you need to play.  In the meantime there's no benefit to switching as then you would simply have 2 bills to pay instead of one.

Sorry for your loss and I hope you get it sorted out satisfactorily.

400ixl

Sorry for your loss.

The bereavement team may be a good option. Express to then that the contract is in your name, but the mobile and maybe broadband were for your husbands use.

If you get any pension credits you may also qualify for the £15 a month Line & broadband offer https://www.bt.com/broadband/home-essentials if that makes it affordable.