Financial difficulties/hardship case

rachel28_2

about 2 months ago after addin up my bank charges i relaised they owed me £1300. i sent in the letter recommended by this site and i recieved a letter back saying i wasnt in financial difficulty so they would not consider. i sent them anothet letter with proof of my financial hardship but still no joy they just say they dont consider me for a refund.
what is mt next step? after reading all the info on here shouldnt they have told me my case was on hold etc... i am unsure what step to take next.
any advice would be gratefully appreciated

rachel x

natweststaffmember

Rachel, have they said that your case will be dealt with after the OFT test case has been decided?

natweststaffmember

I would fill the form in honestly and then the bank will make a determination as to whether the claim is hardship or not.

rachel28_2

no just that they dont think i fit the criteria for a refund and thats that!

111222

Hi,

I am pro British banks and think they generally do a great job, great for British reputation etc..

Anyway, i am on Job seekers Allowance just now and any extra money would be a big help.

Now it seems that the 'hold' may be put aside for hardship cases....?

Should i go down to the bank and speak to a customer adviser there direct, or is that not a wise idea, i.e just write to them.....?

natweststaffmember

No claim in the courts has been put aside because of hardship but the FOS have dealt with some hardship cases.
The bank will decline any refund unless there is a bank error that has caused the charges.
Follow Martin's guide and you will be fine.

111222

I just phoned up HBSC online banking and they said no way about the financial hardship idea.. obvioulsy very polite but they said they dont have this policy and that all people have to wait until the end of the test case.....?

I am in Scotland if thats a difference....

victor16_2

My case was one of those stayed when the test case was announced.

Unfortunately since then (and due to circumstances beyond my control) I have had to take a lower paid job and, of course, my bills have gone up and I have to drive further to get to work - need I say anything more about petrol!

There have been a few instances in the last few months where I've had charges put on my account - having managed to last a year or so without any.

Getting my charges back (£3.5k) would put me back on the straight and narrow andI'd be able to manage again - with less month left at the end of my money!

I have a DMP with CCCS.

Does my situation qualify as financial hardship? I am in full time employment and receive no benefits.

All advice is, as always, gratefully received.

Many thanks.

russell_bingham

I'm glad somone else posted this also. currently im in a similuar situation. im reclaiming just over 5,000 on 2 accounts, and i am in a financial whole that is only going to get bigger. over the the last 3 months i have had £225 bank charges x3 £75's. this is taking all of my surplus cash, and preventing me paying back bills and credit aggreements.

russell_bingham

just a little bump up the forum due to all the activity and awsome advice out there =]