D(MP) Day! 1st July 2025

djdebt_bosh

Hi @burgervanman so I'm following the same process for each debt. In all cases, I received correspondence from the debt purchaser quite some before seeing the default registered on my credit file. However, until I saw the default I just filed away the letters for future reference. After seeing the default on my file, I went ahead and created the various accounts online. Then, I sent off the CCA requests. The quickest CCA to be returned (Halifax) took the best part of 2 months.

However, to be honest I'm also just very deliberately taking things slowly. After one letter (I think it was Link) which I wanted something clarifying, I waited 2 weeks to send a follow up, which then took another 2-3 weeks to generate a response from them. So, even the smallest/simplest question or clarification could well end up pushing everything back a month. My early thoughts are that as long as you are engaging with them in some way (creating an account, responding to letters - even if to only submit CCA requests), they chase you a bit less.

I'll defer to others on the forum but I think to go from a default straight to CCJ would be very rare. The sternest letter I've had is that they had been trying to contact me and that if I did not respond they 'might' have to contact a 3rd party who 'might' try and contact me directly and that contact 'could' include a home visit.

burgervanman

Fair enough thanks for the clarification. Have you been doing CCAs by email or post?

djdebt_bosh

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81997140#Comment_81997140

Everything by post ✉

Rob5342

It would be very unusual for them to go straight for a ccj. Normally they would start off being very friendly sounding and then gradually increase the threat level when you don't respond as they go through their set of threat letters. You shouldn't feel that you should start paying the moment they first contact you but you don't want to leave it too long either. You are free to pay whatever you want though, so you could start off with a small amount while you build up more of your emergency fund and increase your payments later.

Rob5342

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81997080#Comment_81997080

They'll always want more than the 10% they paid. To start with debt purchasers will probably try and get a high amount from you, but 50% is a reasonable sort of figure to aim for in general after a few years. PRA are known for being particularly difficult when it comes to settlement offers, even on my unenforceable one it took them over a year to start offering a 20% discount.

burgervanman

I think then send CCA, then if it comes I'd happily set up payment then. Like you said maybe a reduction until the payments prove enough/not too much.

I'll need more credit for the stamp cost lol

ManyWays

Are you buying or renting?
It sounds as though the CCA route is not helping you, so have you looked at affordability complaints?

djdebt_bosh

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81997429#Comment_81997429

@ManyWays Is this addressed to me or @burgervanman? Any advice on where to get started with these? Are there templates you can use like for the CCA requests?

I suppose there is no harm in submitting, right? I mean, the worst that can happen is to maintain the status quo…

ArtyJ931

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81997955#Comment_81997955

have a look at debt camel for lots of information and templates on affordability complaints

burgervanman

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81997429#Comment_81997429

Not sure if misunderstood, I said Stamp costs (as in the ridiculous cost of postage stamps) in jest, maybe you thought I meant stamp duty? Luckily I have a tiny mortgage. Rate rises are no concern. I'm personally doing AF Complaints with Zopa and MBNA but the rest of my debts are fairly standard so not worth it. As soon as I get defaults on my credit rating, I will do the CCA's though. I don't want to stretch it out too much but a month or two extra saving will be ideal.