Reclaim bank charges - income reliant on state benefits

[JohnnyBeGood]

Hi everyone,

 

I was just wondering if anyone who is income reliant on state benefits has any success reclaiming their bank charges recently.

 

I have had long term health problems and have been subjected to bank charges in my wifes account while we have been trying to juggle the money for the last six years. In total we have been charged approx £1100 including interest over the last six years and could really do with this money to pay off outstanding debts etc.

 

I was in receipt of income support until someone if their infinite wisdom told us to apply for child tax credits which we did and we now receive child tax credits as well as incapacity benefit.

 

Well I have written a letter to my wifes bank for her to sign but I am just wondering if their are any little messages that might be included in this letter to make her bank take a little more notice of it and pay her back all these fees that they have charged us over the years.

 

Any help regarding this matter who be much appreciated.

 

Many Thanks

 

JohnnyBeGood

[jowalshy]

Hi Johnnybe good and welcome to CAG. I will try and hunt out some threads that may help you. If the bank is still penalising you, you could always try and do a letter of appropriation. This basically tells the bank that you have £x amount going into your account and you need it specifically for certain payments. Below is the link for a template of the letter:-

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/bank-templates-library/42170-right-appropriation-stop-bank.html

 

Here is another thread that may be of use to you.

 

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

 

You will probably have to do a claim on hardship grounds, so therefore I would point this out in your letters. Explain to the bank how taking the charges from you, puts you under great financial stress. Also you could do an income and expenditure account showing how the money you receive is genuinely needed for you to survive.

[MARTIN3030]

Welcome to the site.

Which bank is it ?.....start a thread in that forum.

Feel free to ask as you go along if you need help.

[JohnnyBeGood]

Thanks for the reply guys I guess I just have to go for it and post the letter.

 

Many Thanks

 

JohnnyBeGood