need advice

[sleepyethan1]

I am a single mother on benefits and recieve my benifits thru halifax bank. I have a standing order set up for the end of each month. I checked my account online to see if the SO had been paid and it said the next paymant was due on 31 of july. I assumed the payment had been sent but today recieved a letter from halifax saying they couldnt pay it and they are charging me £39.

They are takin the money on the 7th which gives me 4 days notice but i cannot afford to pay it or i wont be able to pay other bills due out. Is there anything i can do to stop this charge as they wont stop it as they say it is my fault.

[kennythecelt]

This is banking at its worst!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I'll be back with some answers.

[kennythecelt]

Hi sleepyethan

 

sorry about delay

 

This is a good thread, full of information which should help.

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/general-debt/36790-bank-taking-your-benefits.html?highlight=benefits

 

 

Also, go to search button above, type in benefits and further information will come up.

 

Basically, there is a way to sort this. Its the States money the banks are taking. The State pays it to you and your family for a specific purpose. IE for necessities. Its basically them taking the milk out of your babies/ childrens mouths. Quite Dickensian. Despicable.

 

Appropriation is the phrase. Big word but don't be put off. Going into the bank armed with this type of information will have them running scared and it will pay you results. If you encounter difficulties, which I don't think you will, get back here. We need to know anyhow, how you get on with this and everything else.

 

When you are there, given you don't need the hassle endeavour to get some of the charges removed. this might happen as some senior staff at local branches have discretion for a small sum of recharges. There are no bank managers these days.

 

This process will need to be done weekly meantime but works.

 

Citizens Advice Bureau could offer assistance on benefits as could the Councils Welfare Rights Service/ Officer.

 

Once you get that sorted, come back here and post and we will take you through how to claim back all charges taken unlawfully by the banks..

 

Their charges are unlawful, don't forget.

 

Good luck and keep in touch, we can all help you!!

[rarelydarely]

First Right of Appropriation didn't work with the Halifax with me.

They made me feel 2 inches tall and said they can and will,

and did take it. All my benefit went the day it was paid in.

[Dusary]

That's quite depressing, rarelydarely.

 

But Kenny was right in his response and it applies to both of you.

 

DO NOT let it happen!

 

It is illegal!

[rory32]

DO NOT let it happen!

 

It is illegal!

Couldn't agree more. In the meantime to tide you over have you looked at the possibility of a crisis loan?

[Dusary]

With Rory checking up you - you'll be OK.

 

Have a look at this thread - particularly what Martin (The Mod) says:

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/general-debt/90699-please-help-me-right.html?highlight=crisis+loan

[sleepyethan1]

Hi thanx for the advice and the link, i went to bank today and explained i had been on this site and told them basically what you stated. They have cancelled the charge for me and apologised as the woman serving me said i did have the money in the account!!

 

Thankyou again for the help.

[Dusary]

That's great!

 

Well done!

 

Keep an eye on those b*s*a*d*

[rory32]

Great result, well done