written by Jaxz90 on 24/10/2023
I was apprehensive about a DMP, shame humiliation and thinking there would be no end in sight. However, with Payplanplus I am reducing my debt under a structured affordable amount. I can ask for reviews as and when needed, great for me as I am working on temporary employment contracts. The team also understand mental health, and check in with me occasionally to make sure all is ok.
written by CarlWiley105 on 30/03/2018
Incompetent, negligent, extreme CAUTION about using this company. I have had an IVA with PayPlan since late 2016. I would seriously urge you to re-consider as my experience with this company has been traumatic from start to finish. - You are promised a case officer who will be your direct point of contact. Their staff turnover is such that I have sometimes have a changing contact every month. Worse still, sometimes they will keep the name of an employee who has long since left on your correspondence - meaning that they are effectively a ghost employee and months of your emails go unanswered. - They will give you negligent advice. I was once told to "ignore all default letters" whilst waiting for a creditors' meeting, receiveing more and more severe notices whilst my case officer left, never otified me, and never arranged a creditors meeting. - Creditors will completely miscalculate your monthly budget (mine did and I never recieved an apology), and will similarly give you bizarre advice, such as "we can't let you consider bankruptcy as it wouldn't be fair on your creditors" They witheld all informaiton from me, depite simultaneously threatening me with bankruptcy, yet withholding informaiton - They don't have a porper complaints procedure, which is why I am here (!) If you try to complain about a case officer, they will avoid your question, ultimately telling you to send it to them. That's tight - you have to complain TO the person you are complaining about. - They will give you false information - I was told all council tax was covered by the plan for a year despite it being six months only. They also added £900 to my total debt IN ERROR, and told me it "was too late to revise the plan" They added £2,500 against my name in debt from HMRC, depite this was a year I had already paid tax for. When I asked for updates more frequently than annually - to make sure my debt didn't RISE (as it was doing with my PayPlan IVA), I was told I was only allowed to receive this infomation ANNUALLY. that's right, they won't let you know about your own financial situation despite the fact that they are trying to help you get out of debt. Use at your peril, no option is as bad as this one. I'd give negative stars if I could, the whole experience has been horrendous and traumatic from start to finish.
written by ymMitchell1950 on 28/11/2017
I have been with Payplan for 4 years as has my partner, original combined debt of £27,000 currently paid £45000 ish and no light at the end of the tunnel yet, currently speaking with "rip off britain" advise anyone else having problems with Payplan to do the same now.
written by Devynt71 on 20/06/2017
Like so many other reviews here, my experience with Payplan started extremely well. I was encouraged to enter into an IVA over 5 years through Payplan, and they were friendly, approachable and professional. Communication was easy, and the initial process of arranging the IVA was smooth. I would give 5 stars up to this point. However, once this agreement is in place, you are simply abandoned. Case workers change on a regular basis, queries via phone and their internal email system go unanswered, and any replies you manage to get lack any detail you may have asked for. Two examples are a request to miss a monthly payment to make an emergency household purchase. This took over a month, and numerous attempts to have contact from Payplan, before the purchase was authorised. The second relates to a PPI payment made into my plan. A request for the breakdown of compensation, interest, and any refund to me, still goes unanswered. My repayment rate is currently set much higher than my budget surplus shows after my annual review, but it seems impossible for Payplan to understand this is not sustainable, and they refuse to lower it. I was even told that as I had managed to maintain these higher payments, I could obviously afford it. I have found most (not all) case workers to be quite cold and uncaring, sometimes hostile, and very unwilling to help. You feel very much they are more interested in extracting as much money from you, for as long a period, as possible - rather than helping your agreement succeed. After nearly five years of repayments, I feel no nearer completing my plan than after my first payment. I totally regret setting up my IVA through Payplan and suggest you look elsewhere. Once you have signed up you cannot change.
Written on: 21/06/2017
This whole Debt Management system is erring on the side of corruption, My PPI cheque returned to me by the Bank which removed it 9 years ago,is lying in a certain bank account gathering interest for somebody else.
Surely the government should be looking into this State of affairs , these small time Debt Management Companies are taking on far too much work.
written by Templetonrw332 on 13/06/2017
I was struggling with debt and decided to use Payplan. They helped me to clear all my debts and be debt free with an IVA. Payplan took away all the stress and dark thoughts and I would encourage anyone with debt problems to contact them. They will help to sort this out. My only one gripe is that they changed my Case Officer too many times, but I still got a 200% service.
written by Watsonii57 on 11/02/2017
I am taking matters to the FSA and the press in regards to this business.They are deceptive and do not like to answer questions after they have Hard sold you into an IVA. This kind of practice when dealing with those already in highly stressful situations shows a complete lack of care for anything other than getting as much money in Fees from you as possible. I would strongly advise anyone looking for a debt solution from a business to go elsewhere. Sincerely
written by FlisJane24 on 05/12/2016
2nd review I have left for this company and since my first review, nothing has changed. I am still passed from pillar to past with case officers - I've lost count now as to how many I have had. When I call, they are never available so I speak to someone else. Still get emails asking for my p60's - I have now sent these 4 times. If I could change IVA providers I would, and I would also move my brother's as well, as I am the main contact for his. Today, I have found out that my case officer has changed. Again. When people need help, and reach out for that help, they also need routine, and constantly changing case officers does not help anyone. You trust your case officer, explain everything to them, and then, , a month or so later, you need to do it all over again, so you feel like you are getting nowhere. Especially when the new case officer does not bother to introduce themselves, just sends short and abrupt emails to you, and is hard to reach. It's mentally tiring to have to repeat yourself to each new person, and I myself, have now found it much easier to not contact PayPlan at all - even when I am struggling to make that weeks payment, and not speak to my case officer even if I do need to, as it seems pointless. I find it much easier to juggle money to try and make that week's payment without contacting PayPlan at all. I honestly dread hearing from PayPlan, and wish I had gone elsewhere for help. Stay way from them.
Written on: 09/02/2017
I totally agree.I have had nothing but the same with payplan.I have found them to be deceptive and incompetent.I would advise anyone to go elsewhere for an IVA
Written on: 16/07/2017
Totally agree with this review. Talking to payplan is literally like smashing your head again and again against a brick wall. They do not respond to emails, phone calls or letters. They totally balls up every single statement and budget review. They are hopeless, useless and downright deceitful. If you or I fraudulently took money off people the same way they do we would end up in prison. Do not touch this company with a two hundred foot barge pole.
Written on: 05/06/2017
Just don't bother sending Snail Mail they do not answer.
written by on 17/11/2016
Do not go with this company they are terrible they bring you in with all the soft music and promises but they are just liars. I completed my iva 2 years ago with which the last 12 months were unbearable with payments that were almost impossible and stress of valuations and ppi. 2 years later I find my self stressed again with them wanting more money from a ppi claim on my mortgage I have just made that they want even though I completed 2 years ago all this company is bothered about is ripping vulnerable people off instead of helping them DO NOT GO WITH THIS COMPANY!
Written on: 06/06/2017
The three Leaflets they sent me were like reading Fairy Stories ,70% of your debt can be written off,etc etc .what a load of baloney just before they take you to the cleaners.
Written on: 08/06/2017
Their three introduction leaflets wafting you into the IVA are like Fairy Story's.
written by Sparks359 on 02/11/2016
Finally complete after six years off what can only be described as hell! Had a change of case officer every six months, had to double check calculations as on a few occasions the requested additional funds incorrectly! NY husband was made redundant during our IVA which was paid into IVA as classed as surplus, tho the following couple of months we still had to continue to pay with a massive drop off income, if he received a bonus this again was classed as surplus which stopped tax credit and we had to pay back as over working limit, our IVAs ran together however my husband's took a further six months to issue completion certificate, call handlers are friendly but that's the only positive, relieved it's all over
written by blO'Neal29 on 10/09/2016
It was a very stressful time setting it all up and making the decision to Sort out things...pay plan were helpful in this phase. Things became more difficult at the time of review each year.... Pay plan and any other IVA agency I guess really have you over a barrel, my income dropped but payments increased. I really felt I couldn't make an issue of this as options were default bad therefore bankruptcy or adding extra years onto the arrangement. Neither of these were any good! Right at the end of the agreed term I was told by an advisor that if I was struggling to pay ( I wasn't I just stated that I wanted the agreement to end at the agreed time, I was not able to remortgage due to negative equity) then she would increase the payment term by another year. She quoted a part of the agreement re extensions without including the bit of the agreement just below it where it stated the agreement would end as per the contract if I was In negative equity. This felt to me like it was a deliberate ploy to extend the payment term... This was quickly sorted out by another advisor ....keep hold of the contract , read it and quote it where necessary!
written by NMC574 on 10/05/2016
I have been in an IVA with pay plan for 2 years I have paid the over £2,500 and the have paid £12.00 to my creditors I still owe £4,500 when I could have paid this off my debt . I still have 3.5 years left and the have told me they need further fees. Steer clear go to the C.A.B
Written on: 06/06/2017
As this IVA arrangement was started by a Government Body it is time for the Government to step in and smell the coffee.
Written on: 08/06/2017
Go to the CAB.
written by Cameron10 on 10/04/2016
I have been with Payplan almost 3 years. It was going well until last year. I sent my documents for the annual review, they said had not received this information and wrongly recorded this in a Summary. I also had 6k of ppi paid into the Iva, they said in the summary I hadn't paid enough into the plan. I am already 6k in front. Despite having been on maternity leave and now having an extra mouth to feed, they are still demanding more money. I also earn less due to a reduction in hours. The budget does not allow for cost increases of food etc. There are also hidden costs with a child ie bedding etc which is not taken into account. Emails are not replied to and no one listens.
Written on: 06/06/2017
Some responsible Government department has to step in and take control here it is getting out of control,some of these IVA's are getting very close to Legal Robbery.
Written on: 08/06/2017
You have the satisfaction of knowing you are not the only one being taken in with these characters.
written by ciCollins127 on 01/04/2016
I have been in a DMP with Payplan for approx 5 years. This year is my final year and i will then be debt free. I have had no contact from my creditors since starting my DMP. This was the best decision and i would advise anyone struggling to contact Payplan :)
Written on: 05/06/2017
Any chance you might be an employee is there?.
Written on: 08/06/2017
In the first year you should have been offered an IVA , you are not an employee by any chance are you ??
Written on: 06/06/2017
And you are not employed by Pay Plan can you swear to that ?.
written by yvCrowley94 on 21/03/2016
I had run up unsecured debts of nearly £80,000 over a seven year period an then I lost my job. Even before redundancy I was struggling every month with massive credit card interest, added late interest and endless phone calls. I managed to get another job within a couple of months but now realised that I couldnt carry on. Went to Citizens advice intially and they were quite dismissive, so called Payplan after seeing some information on line and never looked back. They work out your available money after mortgage, house hold bills and food shopping etc and thats what you pay each month. They managed to get the interest stopped on 8 out of 9 credit cards and the plan term was set at 8 Years. 8 years can seem a long time but now 6 years in and down to £23,000! If your stressed, not sleeping and generally worried sick call them, you wont be sorry.
written by eddy100 on 11/02/2016
I have read through a lot of these reviews concerning debt management company's and in particular this pay plan outfit. I feel empathy for all of you people who are trapped in this debt cycle, that is why if the moderator allows this post through, I am going to give you all some advice. Firstly you must lose the fear. Debt management company's, all of them are not there for your benefit, even though they intimate that they are. If anything they are there to maintain the illusion that you have no power, over the big bad credit card/ loan company's. Debt management company's are private company's that profit from the fear, ignorance, and sometimes laziness of people in debt. With just a small amount of internet research you will see that Debt management company's are not needed, and you could negotiate with your various creditors yourselves, and pay a hell of a lot less to boot. There is also the bonus of not being tied into the small print in Debt management contracts. Every time you pay a Debt management company, you are in effect renewing the contract with your creditors. If you are a homeowner you essentially have one big voluntary charging order against your property, and if you wanted to sell up , then the creditors would be informed by the Debt management company and they would be stampeding their way to you for the full amount outstanding from the profits of your sale. These are just some of the pitfalls of using these company's. If you don't believe me then ask them yourselves. My advise. Cancel your direct debit to these people. Instruct them to send you all files and documents from your creditors. Draught a standard letter to each of your creditors offering them a negligible amount per month, together with a budget planner. If you have no assets i.e. mortgage, then why the hell are you paying anything to anybody? Credit, loan companies, and Debt management company's are always trying to make you feel afraid by implying the awful things that may happen i.e. bailiffs, court action, doorstep collectors etc. This is mostly bluff and intimidation. If you have no assets, then what is the point of chasing you? This is all basic stuff, and once you have educated yourself a bit, you will be kicking yourselves for throwing away money to Debt management company's, each month, on the premise that they will in the end clear your debts. They are not there to clear your debts, they are there to profit from your misery, and keep it going as long as possible. Wake up and take charge of your lives.
Written on: 06/06/2017
They all want to be Millionaires just like the rest of us,but they are robbing the wrong people.
Written on: 10/06/2017
If you have PPI this lot just send it back to the bank that stole it , I am paying back £50,000 to the bank which stole it,at the moment and am just waiting to see the interest they will charge.
written by 1948Jones on 22/01/2016
I've been with Payplan for 17 months and it all started fairly well but is going down hill quick. . Ive had a rough time like most, my mum passing away, having to find a new housing association home, coming out as gay, sister having a spinal stroke and unable to walk, payday loan debt, other loan debt and wanted a fresh start for my self so took up the courage to join Payplan. I've had 2 case officers and although I appreciate there not there to be your mate or agony aunt, I get the feeling I'm being judged all the time especially at the moment. My payments started at 210 then 227 and then 260 as I missed one payment which I only now have around 100 left as areas. However, after a phone call from my CO today they are expecting me to increase it to 451 a month. All because of a lease car payment which was calculated incorrectly from somone who works there who wasn't my CO at the time back when I last did my review in August. I work for a car company and its a defined benefit to which I pay a set amount each month for everything apart from fuel. Without this I can't get to work and can't pay my IVA. In all honesty I'm expecting them to fail me although I don't want that but won't be bullied into paying what I can't afford I've had to send payslips off again and they are expecting me to justify why I spend so much on food when I'm a bodybuilder. Not ideal I know but it's the one thing in life I get enjoyment out of apart my dogs. I'm sick to death of it tbf but I'll see what comes back from my CO next week. They may surprise me but it's unlikely.
written by TaliaCoyle71 on 06/11/2015
I am 2 years in to an IVA with Payplan and after 2 years my debt is 4 times what it was when I entered the agreement with Payplan 2 years ago. Why? I can't get a straight answer on that - like many others who's reviews I have read I have had numerous case officers - people seem to come and go so quickly they never become familiar with your case and as a result you get bad advise and inacutrate information. I would strongly advise anyone thinking of entering into an agreement with Payplan to seek advise from somewhere like Citizens advise - have them check every piece of correspondence and make sure you know the maximum amount that you could end up paying to Payplan. I gave them one star because you have to to write the review - if there was an option for no stars would have done that.
written by KeyonSparks318 on 12/10/2015
fedup with payplan contacting me when I am ill
written by 264Koch on 04/10/2015
I am with Payplan. The only time they contact me is when they want something and when I last left a review, was advised to contact them, which I did. The mail box was full -of complainants I shouldn't wonder. Little assistance and I now only have three and a bit payments left, contact about is is like trying to find hens' teeth! I rather think they are well established now and don't care; a bit like BT and they're pants too!
written by Mermaid52 on 04/09/2015
Payplan were recommended to me by two separate friends, as I was paying another firm a fee to manage my debts for me an pay my creditors. To start with the service was up to standard, now a year on, it is gong from bad to worse, I noticed a change about 4 months ago, I had not missed any payments, but they are now hounding me for more money when it's is not there to give, they act worse than the people I owe money to. I shall be changing back to the company I paid a management fee to, better service all round. Interest was stopped on all of my debts and I was updated on my balances. The attitude on the phone with Payplan is disgraceful, e-mails and letters constantly wanting to review the account as they think you should either pay more or go bankrupt. Makes me think there is a new person driving the company, and its certainly not someone on your side.
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Swifty123's Comment
Written on: 15/11/2021
how did you end it with them