Hardship claim - will I win it?

[ianandemma]

Hi ive written to Natwest and issued a hardship claim for about £450. Theyve written back to me and told me to fill in lots of information to verify my position. Ive lost my job and have quite a few outstanding debts. Income to the account has ceased. Will I get my money back?

Thanks

Ian

[yourbank]

Have you got any priority debt arrears(mortgage/rent, council tax, utilities)?

When you say income has ceased on the account, do you mean you use another account?

[ianandemma]

Im in arrears with the utilities yes, im using another account now yes because they have kept adding charges and I cant afford the benefits to be taken up

[yourbank]

Im in arrears with the utilities yes, im using another account now yes because they have kept adding charges and I cant afford the benefits to be taken up

 

Are there any payment plans in place to cover those arrears.

At the moment even if there isn't then I would say it's a tough one because the FSA Waiver does state that a figure of £500 over 12 months could be indicative of financial hardship.

[ianandemma]

I dont understand - Im applying for hardship! if it states a figure of £500 over 12 months could be indicative - does that mean £450 doesnt! Would I be better racking up another couple of charges to go over £500?

My arrears on utilities are £400 roughly the reason the charges arent higher is because ive cancelled DDs to avoid charges!

[yourbank]

I dont understand - Im applying for hardship! if it states a figure of £500 over 12 months could be indicative - does that mean £450 doesnt! Would I be better racking up another couple of charges to go over £500?

My arrears on utilities are £400 roughly the reason the charges arent higher is because ive cancelled DDs to avoid charges!

Are there any payment plans in place to cover the arrears of £400?

[ianandemma]

I havent set one up but if there were would i be eligable for the refund? At the moment I have a monthly agreement in place to pay more than expected but its not a payment plan as such its a budget plan as many customers of electric and gas have.

[yourbank]

I havent set one up but if there were would i be eligable for the refund? At the moment I have a monthly agreement in place to pay more than expected but its not a payment plan as such its a budget plan as many customers of electric and gas have.

 

My gut feeling is that the answer is a No on financial hardship. With FH claims the usual practice is for charges to be refunded to the account where they have come from. If you are able to pay more onto the priority debt arrear then I would say that isn't financial hardship. However start the process off and if you are claiming benefits you can file a claim at court using an N1 form albeit that is not for hardship but you will get a fee remission using an ex150 form. Firstly though you need to fill in the income and expenditure form and when natwest say no then file at court.

[ianandemma]

thanks yourbank, very good