I agree with your sentiments entirely, although I'm not sure if I could prove they were "using my Child benefit to line their own pockets". They could say they are simply taking their charges and that I am using my child benefit to pay it back!!! It's all a very sticky business... I mean... really..... my daughter needed new shoes for school - as the ones she was wearing were literally falling off her feet. I did not have a single penny to sort her out, and had to borrow it. It makes you so ashamed.... I am working TWO jobs for pity's sake!! I am having to supplement my income even more now by doing extra hours on a sunday for the nurse bank (which pays double time) - but means I won't see my kids on the one day that we all get to spend together as a family. Outrageous? Down right disgraceful! In fact, I hope it DOES get to court - I'm rolling my sleeves up already......... x

Cwoj, you have been very honest in your thread - and I do wish you EVERY success as you begin your journey toward getting yourself back on track. Just remember - don't rush it - make sure you read, read and read again all the FAQs and bits that you need to arm yourself. Write to your bank and ask for copies of all your statements dating back 6 years. Even if you already have some of them, it does no harm in getting a complete set as it will cost you the same. Sit down with a pen and calculator - tot up all the charges. Then tot up all the "interest debited". Add them together - BINGO! That's your claim. Write a letter asking for it back. (You will probably be ignored) Write your "letter before action" (You will probably be offered a small amount back - to settle out of court) File your claim with the courts. They will acknowledge it and tell you they'll defend it. You'll get your money back. This seems to be the general run of things at the moment - but make sure you know exactly what you're doing first. Best of luck with it. I'll be keeping an eye on your thread so keep us all up to date with your progress and welcome to the site!! Chips xx

I've not been paid out yet.....grrrrrr........ The fact is, they have 28 days to file their defence..... is that 28 days from the date they acknowledged? That is April 28th. or 28 days from "the date in which it is deemed to be served" which was May 1st? Either way, month end should be looking pretty good for me. Council tax bounced again..... good job our council are pretty laid back - I'm not going to be able to pay it now till I get my money - they are taking another £90 in charges on Tuesday. I have written to them and asked them to cut me some slack, no reply yet. I've advised them I will run another claim alongside my exisiting one if they ignore me. This is fun isn't it? If it wasn't so tragic it'd make a great reality TV show. I've got people where I work e-mailing me now, for the address to the BAG - word gets around, doesn't it????? Till I have more news....... x

All is going to plan then.......

I had two offers of partial refund of £380 and then £777 when I didn't accept the first. I told them I would accept the £777 (they owe me £1800) but I would be chasing up the rest in court. To date, they haven't even bothered to reply - and I doubt you will get the response you are looking for either. You should write and tell them the deadline for FULL payment or you are going to file a claim. I don't think you'll be finding that partial refund appearing in your bank account, but hold tight - and you'll get the full whack eventually! Good luck and don't be scared. They're all wimps! But the bigger they are, the harder they fall!!! xx

OMG!! That has to be just the best thing I have heard all week! That is just fantastic, and I hope you enjoy spending their money. You see... if they're letting you keep it, then they can obviously afford it! Which gives me hope!! 8 days since they acknowledged mine and still no cheque - but hey - I'm holding on to your thread.............. x

Dave - that was really thoughtful and helpful for you to have gone to so much trouble! Your words are very helpful to someone who is only just starting off with their claim. Just to add to previous posts - yes! Stick to your guns. We are all going through it at different stages (I am just waiting for pay-up) you are not alone and we're all in it together! chips x

wow ! you've really got some work to do haven't you? hope you can keep up with them all. good luck, keep us posted on how you get on. x

Will do, just waiting on my money really. Will let you know if anything transpires x

Please don't fret, mate. It seems you are not the only one to have got that letter - it is a standard letter intended to frighten you into pulling out or accepting the original offer. They will take it as far as they can - because they think you will be scared off - taking a big bank to court by yourself. I have had my acknowledgement of service from them stating that they intend to defend the case in full in court. Im not a bit scared by that. Bring it on.... if it DOES end up in court, it might bring this website into public domain and encourage more people into our fold. Sit tight, send your LBA - 14 days - if you haven't had your money back (in full) go to moneyclaim. See you there xx

Just ring and say, "I am questioning the credit to my account on May 2nd 2006. Is it correct?" If they say yes, get their name and spend it!!!!

It's under case guidance notes - and then 'going to court' good luck x

Hey that's great! If my case goes the same way, then they should pay up on Thursday, which is great - because they're about to bounce my council tax again on Friday!!!! I remember reading a similar story about a guy who said the money mysteriously appeared in his account - no letter or anything! I have put a file together with all the information that BF has posted re: letters, going to court etc. just in case of "worse scenario". I have recruited about ten new members to the BAG anyway. My mum being one of them, seems like we're all just holding each others' hand (just like the contestants on Deal or No Deal!) and wishing each other the best of luck!! speak soon x

Peter - BF has put all the details in the library for you. It's under the title "Do you realise you may have to go to court?" Everything is there from 'particulars of claim' to how to address the judge. When filling in your 'particulars of claim, you have to use less than 1080 letters. I struggled with this, and abbreviated a bit where I could save space. That was the only problem I had. Have a mooch round the library, it really is all there. I have printed it all out and put it in a file so it's handy for me to look at. Good luck, and don't be scared. We're all here to hold your hand! x

My parachute is with Nat West. I already have a little business a/c with them - and I'm a good customer - money goes in, money goes out. Always in credit. I had no problem opening another account. They even asked me if I wanted an overdraft facility (lol!) - which I accepted, although I am treading carefully. I have arranged for my salary in May to be paid in to that account and have arranged direct debits for just under that amount to come out. I'll keep my tax credits and child benefit going into the Halifax - once my overdraft is clear with them - I can use that money for what it was intended for. (My daughter needs new school shoes!!!) I will be okay for cash as soon as I get straight. Hope yours goes well too. Good luck x

The Halifax have acknowledged the claim with the courts on April 28th. Keep your fingers crossed everyone!

How excited am I right now? Thanks for both of your posts - Brecken, yours really made me smile. So hopefully, I will be able to pay my Council tax in June!!! My parachute is open and ready to collect my salary at the end of May - all Direct Debits accounted for. thanks x

Well the courts have sent my confirmation letter - I am to "deem it as 'served'" on May 1st which give HFX till May 15th to 'acknowledge'. This buys them another 28 days to put a defence in. Should be paid out by June 12th at the latest me thinks. If it goes to court, hey - what the hell. I'm ready for it. I'll just wait for HFX to write and inform me that they fully intend to defend in court..... tee hee....

I think you're being more than generous when you say you will "knock off the interest". How much does the interest come to?

That seems okay to me, it tells them everything they need to know. The only difference with my last letter to them was, I accepted their offer to refund part - but told them I didn't accept it as a final settlement and that I would be claiming the remainder through the courts. They've not replied yet - quelle surprise! Good luck! Hope you get your money back too. x

It is different rules for Primary care (GP practices). You wouldn't pay at AED either - it's emergency medicine.

Not a bit nervous now. I guess filing my claim was a little daunting 'cos I've never had to go to a court before!!! But, to be honest, everything I need is in the library. BF has written down a whole list of things to keep in your file, should it go to court. (everything from how to address the judge, to what questions to have ready for the defendant!) I am spending time on this site everyday, keeping up to date on how things are going for people, and - because of this - I know exactly what the Halifax are going to do at each stage. We have all had the same letters - at more or less the same stages, stating the same things - and then payback. I will now expect Halifax to write informing me that they intend to defend the case in court, then - just before their defence is due - they will pay up. If it goes pear shaped and they REALLY DO go to court, I'm ready. I'm quite a strong person - and I won't be messed about! Good luck with your case too, I'm keeping tabs on your progress. x

Dowie, have you filed your claim yet?

Well done, mate. Stories like your keep us all going! Have fun with your dosh - and don't forget to help Bankfodder buy some new books!!! x

I did my claim online, and included all the interest in the total. Got my claim number there and then. I think it may be wise to put your spreadsheet in with your papers if you're going down to the court buildings - that way, they won't need to contact you later. Best of luck!