hi all, sadly i am looking at entering a DRO. I have sought advice from CAB and CCS, but have had conflicting info re creditor payments I lost my job due to ill health about 18 months ago and defaulted on my debts that were not DD and let the DD ones be paid - both have said this isnt an issue as its making payments above and beyond that matter 11 months ago i was lucky enough to be offered another job and i felt like i was back on track. My debts were still high but i had hope i could manage them. I had an accident and my car was wrote off so now use my dads car (he had a stroke and cannot drive) I pay insurance, fuel, MOT and service costs but its still his car on the understanding when (if) he can drive again i give it back. Car is worth 2k but its not mine so doesnt come into it. if he isnt given the ok to drive I will either purchase it from him or return it. He wont know for 12-15 months if he can drive so i can use it for at least the next year. My sticking point is my Mum recently offered to , and did, pay 2 of my cc's off for me (3k. These were the only debts she thought i had) CAB states its pref treatment of creditors but CCCS state its my mums money and she can do with it as she sees fit. As i haven't paid it myself it isnt in any way preferential treatment of creditors. The money was paid from my mums card not mine so i can prove it wasnt my money Opinions please? My debt currently stands at 14k so i need to move quite quickly as anymore charges etc could tip it over the 15k mark

Hi there, I have searched high and low for information on whether my DRO would be stopped if I got a maintenance loan and grant when I start university this year but to no avail. i've tried to get to the bottom of whether these loans and grants are classed as income and would it affect the dro but there is nothing. Basically just this month I got my DRO through and it has dawned on me about income in general (i'm still shaky on the idea of getting a part time job whilst i'm in my current study at college) and since i have had my offers to numerous universities that means without my loans/grants I can't move and study at my preferred choice of university as the the loans and grants would be helping me with rent and living expenses. anyone had a DRO and still got loans/grants from student finance? or anyone know anything about maintenance loans affecting someone's DRO? I don't want to find myself in a flat miles from home living on little and having my DRO stopped on top of that! Surely if it's for higher education means this should not affect it right?

Hi there I am a 23 year old student with around £10,500 debt, not including student loans. I spoke to a Stepchange debt advisor who said that I am eligible for a DRO but that she wouldn't recommend it due to my age, as getting credit for the next 6 years would be impossible and as I graduate in a few months and may then get a job, it could end up revoked. I saw her point and I agreed. She suggested instead to make token payment of £1 a month until my circumstances change, t hen set up a debt relief plan with them once I am earning. Over the course of the phone call I thought this all sounded good, and I left happy. Now I'm not so sure. It's so tempting having my debts wiped, and my credit will surely be a mess if I go this route too? But at the same time if it is revoked that'd be frustrating. I'm thinking maybe I could work part time or a lower paid job for the 7 months following graduation, get the year over with and then start life debt free...? will my credit be just as affected down this route? Writing all this down a DRO seems a big responsibility after all - and if I do end up earning more I might be even more of a mess. I'm not sure what to do... thoughts appreciated! Sorry for the umming and arring post! Thanks

I have been successful in obtaining a Debt Relief Order, there were no CCJ but there were credit cards bills that I could not pay, now my partner and I are being checked my a reference agency to rent a flat, my partner will pay all the rent as she works so my question is will my DRO effect our chances of being approved by the referencing agency, I asked the estate agent and they said as long as there were no CCJ or bankrupts, we are up to date with utility bills and rent but my file will show those credit card bills that did not pay, which was the reason for the DRO, what do you think?

I have been successful in obtaining a Debt Relief Order, there were no CCJ but there were credit cards bills that I could not pay, now my partner and I are being checked by a reference agency to rent a flat, my partner will pay all the rent as she works my question is will my DRO effect our chances of being approved by the referencing agency, I asked the estate agent and they said as long as there were no CCJ or bankrupts, we are up to date with utility bills and rent my file will show those credit card bills that did not pay, which was the reason for the DRO, what do you think?

Hi there guys, came across this forum while looking for help with a growing problem. Very long story, but will try to summarise: I've been in debt for a *very* long time - never let a messed up 18 year old have a full-time job, they'll still be paying off that debt into their 30s... as I've found out the hard way. Contract ended, I couldn't find another f/t job and fell into arrears. Been drifting from p/t job to p/t job ever since, when I haven't been on the dole, that is. When I realised (or rather, accepted) that I needed help (in early twenties), I followed advice from the CAB and have been with the CCCS ever since. I've also struggled with depression for a long time. This hit breaking point a few months ago, where I finally accepted that I'm not fit for work, and am now claiming ESA. Being in debt for what is now 15 years hasn't helped my mental health in the slightest, and with no end in sight I decided a DRO was now my best option. I went through the online application about the same time that I filed my claim for ESA (about July this year). Got the application pack, including the list of things I needed to send off with my form. Credit report, check. Proof of income, check. Statement of accounts from *all* creditors.. this is where I'm having problems. I got 2 (out of 4) just from printing online statements (all necessary info is there). To get the last 2 I sent out letters - found a good template to use online. BoS responded fairly quickly. The other is Arrow Global, allegedly - although in their notice of assignment they say to contact AIC. So I sent off the letter to the address I was given. I've learned to be patient when expecting replies, so allowed them a month. During that time I was waiting on Experian (they'd sent a request for more info while I was away, so after posting that off I was waiting for a reply), so I was in no rush. Once that had passed, I checked over AG's letter again - and realised I may have used the wrong reference number (there were 2?!). So I sent off another one, this time with the right number. Experian sent me the report I'd requested, but I was still waiting for AIC. I was getting pretty POed by this point, especially with CCCS nagging for the paperwork. I had to explain the position to them while deciding it was time for a phone call. The only thing was, AG had sent a couple of letters before - one trying to trace me (despite my informing all creditors of both change of address *and* name) - I'd called them once before just to confirm I was the right person, and could they please update my name change on their records. For some reason they said they couldn't - and proved the point when they sent a notice of assignment. Both letters said to contact AIC with any queries, but both gave different phone numbers. After failing to get through on one, I tried the other. Well, I got through with not much difficulty. I gave the reference number on the letter, only to be told it wasn't working with their system. They then took my details, which was problematic in itself as I tried previous and current addresses, and names. Finally the guy found my details - and said I was in the wrong department, please hold while I transfer you. Okay, fine, I thought, until the same happened again. I managed once to explain I needed a statement of account, but after they tried it a third time, I voiced my protest. They said they'd call back once they found out which dept. I needed. Did they hell! Tried calling the day after, couldn't get through at all. Now fuming, I pondered what I was now meant to do - call the CCCS? File a complaint? While checking things out online, I found a mailing address for AG in Manchester (I think), and sent *them* the request, telling them I'd tried the details they gave, but since they were unhelpful maybe they could help. In the meantime I started college - my hope of getting a decent career for a change, and to aid recovery. It's been about a week now since I sent off that letter. Predictably (from what I've read), I have still yet to hear from them. In the meantime I have a nearly-complete initial application for DRO to post off, and waiting on this *one* last thing is infuriating. CCCS advised me to close down my DMP while applying for this, so only a few days ago I had a call from Natwest, another of my creditors - which has been stressful in itself since all the time they've been part of my DMP, they've still been charging interest, making my payments nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But that's another story. Fact remains, none of my others are getting paid, apart from the CCJ. This is all really starting to p* me off. The reason I applied for a DRO in the first place was to get one more weight off my shoulders and move on with my life. I'm starting to feel that AG/AIC are either stalling deliberately, or they're just a load of incompetents who don't read their post. Or lose it. From what I've read on here, I'm fast losing hope of ever getting that elusive statement from them. This has dragged on for months now - what else can I do?

Hi I am considering a DRO but one of my loans is Guarantor'd by my dad. Will the co just go after my dad if I include them in my DRO application?? Please Help Darren

Ok, so this debt has been hanging around for a while, and has been through several debt recovery companies. However I now have DRO and thought I was safe, except that just before I got the DRO, the company the debt was with sold it to Mackenzie Hall. Indeed the day the postman delivered the DRO I had been woken up at 8.30am by Mackenzie Hall, and in my sleep addled state told them to F off because I had never heard of them before. However on the DRO the debt in question is given as Credit Solutions Ltd, the company that had the debt when I started the DRO process - not Barclays with whom I ran up the overdraft, and the amount is less than Mackenzie Hall are demanding. I have given Mackenzie Hall the DRO number, but I got another 8.30am phone call today. Apparently I have to send them a copy of the DRO. I don't want to because the debt isn't listed properly, and there are several other debts on it which they have no business knowing about. What should I do? I am unemployed at the moment, and on ESA due to severe mental health problems. I have been getting better but if I get harassed on a regular basis that isn't going to last. I will try phoning the advice company that helped me get the DRO, but they have closed the file so I don't know if they will talk to me.

Hi, Just wanting a little point in the right direction if anyone can help please! Last month I lost my job and now myself and my 5 year old daughter are back living with my mum as could not afford the rent on our flat. I currently have the following debts: £6138 Halifax -have told them my situation and CCA'd them, got a signed agreement back (unlucky me) and I have missed one payment which they have sent me a collection letter for, it has also sent me over the my credit limit with the late payment charge and interest. Grrr Cooperative Bank Loan - £8232.18 is the balance showing on my online account although I'm sure the settlement figure would be more, they don't yet know of my situation due to me having my only current account with them - (I've been accepted by HSBC for a current account, just trying up the loose ends on that one.) but I'm up to date on payments due to my mum bailing me out this month. (Loan was originally taken out in 2010) £597 Cooperative credit card also currently up to date with payments at the moment (card was taken out 2009) Around £1000 to another bank , can't remember who without checking my paperwork, for an iMac I got 3 months ago, when i first got wind I might be made redundant (whilst my credit rating was still ok) with the hope of setting up my own photography business if I did. (I did) So I'm not quite sure what to do. I've gone on the CCCS's website and filled in their questionnaire which pointed me to a DMP, but without the iMac debt I would be (just) under the £15000 DRO limit. Can I even get a DRO or do a DMP if I am self employed (although not earning much as just starting out!)? Should I send the iMac back? Or can it be disregarded as a personal debt as it's for business use? Also I don't think I've been mis-sold PPI in the past (I had a loan with the Halifax back in 2004 which was paid off but can't find any details on it) and I think my only late charges have been in this last month with the Halifax Thank you for any advice in advance. Thriftyloz

I am in the process of applying for a dro and am paying my £90 this afternoon. The lewis group have taken me to court for a debt of £500 and the court said i have to pay £125 per month which i have ignored but now i'm worried in case i have bailliffs turning up on my door. The payment was supposed to be made by 13th august but i thought i would be able to pay my Dro fee last week but didnt have enough money untill today. What are my chances of bailliffs turning up? How long will the dro take to come through after i have paid the fee this afternoon? Thanks in advance.

Only me again lol. Does anybody no how soon after taking a DRO that you can apply for another one Has there got to be a set time between them like no sooner than 2 years or a year? If a DRO is taken can council tax debt that's with bailiffs be added to it and current years council tax? Last one, promise lol, If your living with your partner can 1 DRO cover both of you or do you need 2 separate ones even though your living as a couple and some of the debts are in joint names like council tax? Any help gratefully received....

*SOLVED* Hi please could you offer any advice or direction. yesterday i received a letter (click for large) asking for outstanding arrears on my student loan. This has never happened before since i've always been able to defer and this time i had it deferred a number of years..i have a Debt Relief Order in place since last year and am on Long term Incapacity benefit..needless to say this is something i don't need.. Although its been passed to a DCA,is it worth contacting the student loans company and clarifying my position? thanks for any help you can offer.

Hi there ive been advised to look into a DRO my partner has recently lost his job, and we have been paying our debts at lower payments as we ended up moving from council into private rented and doubling our rent to get off a bad estate. now we are going to be "doleys" which im ashamed of, i feel stupid and too old to be on the dole as stupid as it probably sounds. I was wondering if we have to apply for a DRO each or can we have a joint one? Even if we got a DRO our money out will be more that our money in even if we do get full benefits. Can anyone advise me at all on any of this please? ive not been sleeping because of worry to do with all this and its making me ill, which i cant afford for it to do as we have 3 kids so i dont want them seeing me a mess. Please help if you can x

Hi All I have business debts from late 2008 when I closed my business. There have been some ongoing legal issues with my landlord who was responsible for it's closure but these have come to nothing as we can't find him! This is why I am only now dealing with these debts. I was advised by the National Debtline to write to my creditors letting them know I was pursuing a DRO. However, my income is so low that I just can't save up the money to enter into a DRO. I am now so ill with all of this that I am considering writing to my creditors to ask them to write off my debt. How would I go about this when I have already told them I am entering into a DRO? Most of my debt has been given over to credit agencies, however I owe a large amount of VAT and I'm worried HMRC won't accept a write off of the debt. My debts are to VAT (HMRC) Water (UU)(was with Moorcroft but they gave it back when I mentioned a DRO!) Business loan (from a small firms 'helper')(have CCJ with this but have never paid it by agreement) Small overdraft with Barclays (now with Lowells) Utilities (UW)(has been with two DCAs but haven't heard from anyone for a while) Any advice would be much appreciated.

Hello, I recently went to see an advisor from the c.a.b. for advice on my finances. The advisor suggested a DRO. I provided some basic information on my income and debts and we got a rough idea of my expenses and disposable income. The adivsor asked me to sign a letter approving them as an intermediary and said he would write my creditors a letter. I was planning on going to the Citizens adivice bureau on an appointment. so they could help me fill out the dro application form and get a more accurate picture of my finances. I decided not to go ahead with this so I called cab to cancel the appointment and not go ahead with the application/fee. Yesterday i received a credit report and credit summary in the mail, i don't know if i should just discard it or not. The advisor also said on the telephone that the creditors are still going to come to my house. Should i notify them i did not pursue the dro? should I expect a letter from them? i am not pursuing the dro at all.. thanks

We have accumulated a £3000 debt with npower due to a dispute. I have approx £10000 debt with banks etc Hubby is self employed and has no debts other than taxman Been to CAB and one lady said i should do DRO and it would resolve npower debt and all my debts. Another lady says we should both do a DRO and it will clear the taxman too - surely not! Lady number 1 said he has to pay his tax regardless of DRO hence no point hubby doing it too!! Confused!

Hi, I was accepted for my debt relief order this week, before it was submitted on the day I rang creditors and got up to date balances, these were submitted. My DRO was granted the next day, this morning I received a statement from one of my creditors and it seems the day I rang up for the balances that evening they updated the balance and now one of my amounts is wrong, it is only out by about £9 I actually added extra to the balance in case of charges, so now what do I do? I am so annoyed I asked on the phone was the balance correct for the day and they said yes, no mention of charges being added the end of the day. I know I am not supposed to make payments when the DRO has been granted, but I am afraid now the balance is wrong the company will add charges and interest to the £9 owed and then I will be back to square one again. The creditor is a catalogue and we all know how they like to add on the £12 charges. I am going to ring the insolvency service to ask but they are not there until monday, and I feel anxious about this now, has anyone else been in a similar position who could advise me, any answers or advice greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance.

I am currently subject to a DRO. Recently my lodger moved out and obviously I have not been getting any monies from him as he is no longer residing here. The official receiver is aware that he was living here and are also aware of what he paid for his contribution to rent etc. As a result of the above the council has recalculated my benefit and has said they will be sending me a refund for the additional amount that I have paid whilst they have been sorting out my benefit. My question is do I have to inform the receiver of this refund or not? As it is a refund to compensate me for money that I have had to pay over and above my normal outlay and there has been no adjustment for the loss of his contribution I am unsure.

DRO dates 22nd July 2009 - 22nd July 2010 I've had debts passed on during my DRO but in November 2010 Halifax/Marbles/BoS/whoever they are sold my account to Capquest. Due to me moving around I've only just received this. I have a letter dated 11th November, from halifax, stating that my default is now satisfied. This was after I contacted them after my DRO ended trying to clean up my credit file. It appears on 27th November BoS/Marbles wrote to me at an old address saying my debt was past to Capquest. Capquest come up on my call credit & equifax files as an open defaulted account (this is via checkmyfile), I also have Marble/Halifax on experian as closed, defaulted and settled. Capquest have requested my DRO info so I've sending copies of everything including the letter from Halifax. This should close the account but can I do anything about them being on my file in the first place?

Hi Forum Members I am serious about applying for a DRO, as I am unable to repay debts while on benefits income due to incapacity to work. My circumstances fulfill DRO requirements, I have done an online assessment, and am aware of the £90 fee. What are the actual proceedures, do I now get an application form from an intermediary ?? Do intermediaries charge for making the application for a DRO ?? Who would be an efficient intermediary to use ?? Any advice welcome. Thanks Kolin 8)