Spouse in Hospital

momuse

My spouse is in hospital with neuro condition. Cannot really comprehend anything. I'm being chased for debts, tax credits overpayment, Council PCN and other debts. Some have threatened bailiffs.

What are my rights in this? What should say to each creditor, I've told them about hospital and sent all hospital documents, but they are still chasing me with court/bailiff action.

sourcrates

First off, who is chasing you, and for what ? (list in order would be helpful).

Consumer credit debts are easy to deal with, tax credit overpayment can be dealt with via an arrangement made with HMRC.

As for the PCN, advice on that should be sort on the parking board.

Bailiffs can only be engaged after a creditor takes you to court and obtains a county court judgment against you, and you fail to make an arrangement to pay the debt, so take no notice of such threats.

stymied

Are the debts in your name or spouse’s name?

momuse

The PCN is in his name, and they are not taking no for an answer. So if he is threatened with court action, what do I do then?

The tax credit overpayment seems to be under both our names - I've had 2 separate letters for the same amount addressed to me and to my spouse, but its the first I've heard about it. We only claimed for 1 or 2 years and they are asking for 1200 back. With my spouse in hospital I cannot afford to pay anyway.

Can I ask to hold off on it all until he is out of hospital?

sourcrates

You tell them to hold off action until your situation improves.

If its not in your name, its not your issue to deal with, there are data protection issues dealing with someone's else's debt.

Is it a council or a private parking notice ?

Tax credit overpayments can be disputed if you don`t agree with the amount they say you owe, Google is your friend here.

Repayment action takes a very long time, and they usually just pass the debt to a debt collector to manage, you will be able to make an affordable arrangement with them.

RAS

momuse said:

Council PCN 

Council PCN

sourcrates

RAS said:

momuse said:

Council PCN 

Council PCN

Missed that, thanks RAS.

RAS

Do you have Power of Attorney?

If not, you can't legally do anything about your partner's sole debts apart from tell them he is in hospital and no-one had the authority to act.

With respect to your own situation, is your spouse likely to return home? Take advice on whether you can claim things like CT single person's allowance, any other benefits and check if there is a charity associated with his health problem. They may well have someone who can help you with benefits and other avenue of support.

Concentrate on the housing situation, Council Tax and food on the table. If you are driving, then the fundamentals of tax MOT and insurance.