Hi all, help needed please, we are in the process of reclaiming bank charges from Abbey for around £2-3K, but like everyone the case is on hold, money has always been tight, but since Dec my hubby has been laid off from work due to a lifelong illness. He currently has £60 per week Employment Support Allowance and I am employed on a relief basis, with no guaranteed hours. We have a mortgage (just over 1 month in arrears) and have 2 dependant children. We have a long list of debts, recently had our car repossessed, have an attachment of earnings for Council tax on my earnings, do you think I have good grounds for a hardship claim and if so I would like some advice on how to get started.

Many thanks

NWJx

Write to Abbey saying your want them to consider your claim under financial hardship. They should send you an income and expenditure sheet.

See Annexe 2 page 11 here:

http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/Doing/Regulated/Notify/Waiver/pdf/disp_monthly.pdf

and include any points that apply to you.

Hi thanks for the reply, I no longer bank with Abbey, and the account is closed, who do I write to now?

we are in the process of reclaiming bank charges from Abbey for around £2-3K

Hi Again NWJ,

You can find a I&E form along with a letter here :-

http://www.consumerforums.com/resources/templates-library/48-bank-templates/117-letter-for-an-application-for-consideration-for-hardship.html

The most current contact details we have for Abbey are these :-

Customer Satisfaction Centre

Abbey

PO Box 5129

Milton Keynes

MK9 2YN

Hi Lex,

Thanks for the link, I dont know if im doing something wrong but I can open the link and get the letter but I can open the attachment for the spreadsheet, Im sorry but I m not very good on a computer, can you tell me what Im doing wrong please

TYVM

NWJ

Hi NWJ,

There are two hardship spreadsheets listed. If you chose the top one, and click on it, it should open an excel doc. for you, try again and let me know how you get on. If you don't have 'Excel' on your 'puter there is a free alternative here :- http://www.consumerforums.com/resources/templates-library/48-bank-templates/134-free-alternative-to-excel-.html.

Lex

Did that Lex, working fine now youre soo clever, thanks NWJ x

Naah !!

Just a lucky Guess !!

Hi Lex do I sign the letter or just print my name??

Hiya,

This is one of the few you can sign, in fact I would advise it or it may be returned.

Lex

Hi NWJ,

How are you doing ?

Can you confirm that your Abbey account is closed and you are no longer incuring any charges on that account ?

Lex

Hi Mr Lex, I sent off the hardship claim last Thursday, the account has been closed for some time now, so still waiting to hear from them, how long does it normally take for a reply??

Thanks

NWJ -x-

Hiya

The banks have to reply within eight weeks. In a lot of case's now it's much sooner than that.

Lex

Hi Lex, Im looking forward to hearing from them, will post on here when I get a reply

NWJ -X-

Hi Lex, Im looking forward to hearing from them, quote]

 

Me too, do keep us informed

subbing

I have received the following from Abbey this morning:-

Dear ****

Thank you for your letter dated ****** regarding Service Fees on your account, you have raised concerns over the level, fairness and lawfulness of the charges this complaint has been registered under reference number ********.

Our understanding is that as a result of the above mentioned charges you are experiencing financial difficulties. This part of your letter will be considered under reference *******.

We also acknowledge receipt of the supporting evidence you enclosed, We may need to request supporting evidence from you, before we are able to fully consider your claim.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if your complaint concerns something else or if you feel you have any additional information you would like us to review, please forward anything further to us within 14 days.

It then goes on to recommend counselling organisations.

Your complaint CMS reference number ****** (the first number) remains on hold pending the outcome of the test case. We will keep you updated about the proceedings with the OFT. You can check the latest position on our website.

Yours sincerely

Richard Harris

Head of Complaints

SO what do you think, from this letter are they still processing the application or are they just fobbing me off??

Any ideas:-?

That looks like an acknowledgement letter, ie they have received the letter and have logged it. It doesn't seem to say much else apart from that.

NWJ, I've got the same letter, but mine asked for an Income & Expenditure Form to be completed and supporting info such as Bank Statements and arrears letters. I presume that if your letter from Abbey doesn't ask for these, then you must have sent them off with your initial letter.

Yes we sent off the spreadsheet showing our outgoings far outweighing our incomings, no other info sent though

subbing

Hi NWJ,

Can I ask what shape your present current account is in, are you taking any charges on that at the moment ??

Lex

The account with abbey is closed... we have an account with Natwest at the mo and we are in credit with no charges accrued since opening

NWJ -x-

Nice one NWJ,

Thats good to hear. Just shout if you need any help with Abbey.

Well done,

Lex xxx