Progressive Illness and Debt.

LukeM44

Hi all,

Hope you're well, i have been suffering from a Neurological condition for over 8 years and sadly over the past 6 months it's been progressing quite rapidly.

I have had to leave my job due to my illness. 

I am struggling to pay my NatWest Credit Card i have explained my circumstances to them and they won't budge at all they say it must go into default and have my credit file damaged for the next 6 years.

I spoke to a man in my local branch who suggested they could write it off, however when i spoke with the Debt team they only gave me 1 option.

I have explained to them my condition is only going to progress and it's unlikely it will be repaid.

Can anyone give me some advice on what to do? 

Thanks.

ManyWays

Does your credit score really matter in your situation?
Normally token payments arent a good idea long term, but as your income has dropped, this is probably a very good place to offer a token £1 a month and then in 6 months time you ask for a write off. 
Its very rare to get a lender to write off a debt that hasnt even defaulted.

LukeM44

Sound's silly but i used to work in Mortgage arrears and debt collections, so i feel a little bit of shame.

Stupid i know

ManyWays

Understandable! But shame and guilt dont help you to move forward into this different world.

Brie

You say you have an ongoing neurological condition.  You haven't said what it is and frankly we don't need to know.

But this made me think of the mental health and debt form that some agencies use to get leverage with creditors.

Details here = Debt and Mental Health Evidence Form. StepChange

Now the thing about this is that it provides evidence from a medical professional that there are issues that will make it difficult for you to manage or clear a debt.  Often it's used where someone suffers from depression or anxiety but may also be used where the individual has had a stroke or something similar.  

The other thing to be aware of is that debt and mental health issues often happen together, like they feed off each other.  Makes perfect sense to me - you spend money, get into a bit of debt which gets you stressed, anxious so you ignore your debts which makes the problem worse and makes your mental state worse too.  

If any of this sounds remotely like you I suggest you have a look at the StepChange info on the DMHEF.  Of special note - the medical professional cannot charge you to fill out the form.

Now with one of these forms debt advice agencies (like StepChange, Citizen's Advice etc) submit them to the creditor as evidence that having debt is detrimental to the individual's well being.  It also show that there may be very good medical reasons why someone has gotten in to debt or will have great difficulty getting out.  As a result some (not all) creditors will write off the debt.  Or they may reduce the amount expected to a very minimal amount.
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The other thing is in the overall scheme of things your NatWest credit card is a very low priority bill to pay.  What is known as a "non-priority debt".  As opposed to a priority debt like paying your rent, council tax - the stuff that keeps you with a roof over your head.  So you could say to NW to get stuffed.  You don't have the money, you won't be paying it and they can do whatever but you simply don't have anything to give them.  

Have you considered talking to a debt advice agency?  They can be very supportive if you find the right match for you.  StepChange is one of the big ones.  NationalDebtline is also well known.  Citizen's Advice can give a more holistic approach to your life and situation.  Likewise Christians Against Poverty (CAP) - nice with many of them is that they might arrange to do home visits to save you having to go to wherever they are located.  Community Money Advice (CMA) is another good one.  All of these are charities so no charge to you for their services.  

The other possibility is if there is a charity or support organisation for your particular condition.  MS Society for instance if that's what is affecting you.  Same as MacMillan will support everything to do with a person's life when they have cancer.  Beyond that you might look for a one off bit of support (i.e. pay off NatWest) if you have an employment link.  SSAFA for ex military, Bank Workers' Charity for those who are ex finance/banks, unions might assist etc.  (just spotted your ex mortgage comment - check out BWC = The Bank Workers Charity)

good luck getting things sorted - come back if you want a bit more clarity on anything.

tigergambit

I think it may be worthwhile having another go at NatWest, but make sure you speak to someone in their vulnerable customer team. Just ask for this when you call them. 

It does sound like the guy you spoke to was having a bad day / had no understanding or empathy.

I'm just suggestig this as a way of getting it off your mind - I don't think you should be considering paying them anything.

LukeM44

Thanks for all your comments, i will have another go with NatWest.

Stepchange have advised me they are happy to help me to if i don't get anywhere with NatWest.

Think NatWest are incredibly cold, and kept repeating to me 'When your circumstances improve' they don't seem to understand it's progressive and is progressing rapidly.