Asked by sarahslater on 28th October 2020 Report this content

My kids were taken in2014 and I've got into loads of money trouble. I wasn't paying any of my bills but now I'm getting ccjs bailiff letters .my leccky won't put per paymasters in.I didn't open letters for a few years I suffer badly from depression and anxiety all long with head injure {metel plate in head so I forget about things that need to be paid a lot.now I'm starting to feel a bit better I can see the mess I'm in and need help its going to take years to clean up. I don't understand some of the bills I've got. Can anyone advise me?

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Asked by JillClarkson on 7th December 2016 Report this content

I am going to visit a lady who has 6 credit cards with several thousand on each. What would be the best way forward for her to manage her finances given that she is getting to the point where she can't make the payments on all of them?

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Asked by Em2431 on 21st May 2016 Report this content

I'm on a debt management plan at the moment and would like to move to StepChange so I'm with a company that doesn't charge monthly for years service. Has anyone had any problems where creditors have not accepted the arrangements with StepChange? I'm just worried that I have arrangements in place at the moment that might not get re accepted if I move company. Thanks in advance

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Asked by Fitnessred on 1st May 2016 Report this content

I need to contact step change following my husband being off of work due to a spinal injury, it's become so scary worrying each night and day. The only thing is I always have a car on finance or lease, if I organise a dmp would this go against me and be unable to update the car? I'm due to do this in July when my current car agreement comes to an end? Many thanks

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Report this content twgirl Written on: 04/05/2016

I can't answer your question about the car but StepChange will be able to. Contacting them will only bring you relief and will commit you to nothing. They will talk you through all the options. I urge you to ring them as soon as you possibly can. Good luck.

Asked by mich310866 on 29th September 2015 Report this content

I rang and had my dmp stopped for a month due to a bereavement she said if I struggled the following month it wouldn't be a problem. I set up a d/d for the third month, I did miss the next payment and they have cancelled my plan. Obviously when people are struggling and off work with stress things go a miss I find this harsh. What can I do?

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Asked by rosie09 on 29th July 2015 Report this content

I have been a DMP with Step Change since 2011, but am ashamed and embarrassed to say I now have further catalogue debts. Now I'm struggling with these and very worried that step change will cancel my DMP. Very worried, can someone please advise? Thanks

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Report this content LizzyW Written on: 30/07/2015

You need to be absolutely honest with Step Change and declare all your debts. Its no good hiding anything as it will only cause problems further down the line. Don't be embarrassed, you have taken the first steps to trying to resolve your debt problems by going to Step Change in the first place so just bite the bullet and tell them exactly how much debt you have and they can then work out the best repayment plan for you and support you all the way. Good luck.

Asked by vickytuner on 21st July 2015 Report this content

How much would I pay on £5,000 debt?

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Report this content LeslieMalcolm Written on: 22/07/2015

This depends on your incoming monies minus your normal outgoings, i.e. rent/mortgage, gas electric, phone etc. and your monthly food allowance including any pets you may have. The difference is what stepchange takes from you to pay your creditors. Once on a stepchange agreement, it is most unusual for your creditors to add extra interest thru'out the payment period, although some do at very very small amount.

Report this content SharonDouglas Written on: 23/07/2015

Depends on your income and outgoings, you don't pay any interest if that's what your asking, hope this helps

Asked by Nikki2212 on 22nd July 2014 Report this content

I've just joined Step Change recently and they are going to start taking my payments around the start of next month. However I am due to make a payment to my creditors at the end of this month. This payment is on a reduced payment agreement with my creditors which ends at the end of this month. Do I still have to pay my creditors or does Step Change take over now? Does anyone know?

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Report this content hejaow Written on: 22/07/2014

Personally what I would do is take advice from stepchange as they may advise you contact the companies and tell them you have started an agreement with stepchange and when you are paying them and the amount . Any problems just ask stepchange they will advise you through your your journey as they do with me x

Report this content sswn Written on: 22/07/2014

You need to contact Step Change for advice regarding this but they usually advice that you continue making minimum payments to your creditors until the agreement is set up with them. However, the safest way to do this is by ensuring that you have opened a new bank account so that your creditors do not have access to your money, this way, you can offer them what you can afford until the payment from Step Change has been set up. All the best

Report this content yellowbrickroad Written on: 23/07/2014

Hi, I was in the same position as you, that I had to wait for the next month for my payment to be processed by stepchange, even though I had sent the paperwork to my creditors, I still needed to make that months payment, - i just paid as I had been mine was a token payment, to each creditor. Just make a payment and then from next month stepchange will do it for you. x

Report this content LizzyW Written on: 01/08/2014

The most important thing to remember is to keep your creditors informed of what is happening. Let them know that you are with StepChange and I'm sure they will be aware of how StepChange operate. If they have already agreed to reduced payments I'm sure they will be happy that you have sought help. There is always someone at the end of the phone at StepChange to provide advice and guidance.

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Asked by kjzy on 21st July 2014 Report this content

I've received a County Court Claim from one of my Creditors and am now a bit nervous about attending court. Has anyone been through the Court procedure and knows what happens on the day?

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Report this content yellowbrickroad Written on: 23/07/2014

Do you have a form to fill in with your details. If you do have to go to court, have a statement of affairs, showing all income / outgoing and all your creditors with balance owing and what payment they are being offered. Sorry not been down the court route, but hope this helps. Just remember if you haven't got it they can't have it. x

Report this content LizzyW Written on: 01/08/2014

I attended Court when one of my creditors applied for a Charging Order to be placed on my property. I would advise you to attend Court armed with as much information as possible. Seek advice from StepChange before the Court Date and go armed with as much information as possible to support your position. The Court are obliged to consider any submissions you make aswell.

Asked by Jomiller38 on 27th June 2014 Report this content

Does anyone know will a debt management affect my credit score?

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Report this content hejaow Written on: 22/07/2014

Yes it will

Report this content yellowbrickroad Written on: 23/07/2014

It will affect your credit score, as each creditor is not getting their full payment, even if you have an agreement in place this will be documented on your credit score. x

Asked by paulriggs62 on 21st May 2014 Report this content

Is StepChange a charity and free or do they make a profit out of my debt charge a fee or add to my debt. Is it a totally free service?

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Report this content PandorasBox1 Written on: 22/05/2014

Hi StepChange is a DEBT CHARITY so everything is 100% free! Unlike other Debt Management Companies who take a fee; StepChange do not. After they have talked through your financial review the money you pay SC goes DIRECTLY to your creditors. SC work on YOUR behalf liaising with your creditors trying to get interest charges stopped and stopping the creditors harassing you. Again , unlike some DMC's, StepChange are widely recognised and respected by almost every company. I hope this helps? Karen

Report this content LizzyW Written on: 22/05/2014

Hi The Service StepChange provides is totally free and you are not required to pay any fees. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend StepChange to anyone.

Report this content SharonDouglas Written on: 22/05/2014

Hi step change is totally free do not hesitate to contact them they provide a brilliant service and I would still be in debt now if it hadn't of been for them, hope this helps

Report this content BJ74 Written on: 22/05/2014

StepChange is free and probably the most recognised Debt Management Service going. Some of my creditors customer services were based abroad but when I told them my account was controlled by SC they suddenly backed off. Best thing I did going through these guys.

Report this content BROKE45 Written on: 22/05/2014

Yes it really is free to you, whether they make any profit is not known. The only factor that can add to your debt while on a debt management plan is that interest charges may only be stopped for a certain period of time and then they will be reapplied, say, after 1 year, therefore, making the debt appear to "grow". This is of course dependant on how large your debt is and how quickly you pay it off. Not all credit card companies, do reapply the interest and quite often it is at a lower rate than previous while on a DMP. You can check frequently online how much is paid to creditors and estimated balance, if the balance doesn't coincide with statements due to interest being added it is then possible to update the amount on your StepChange DMP to show the correct figure.

Report this content MrMeaner Written on: 22/05/2014

StepChange is Totally free, I have one month left on my DMP, I've been paying £583 pounds a month for 5 years, the light is back as I'm at the end of the tunnel, I never thought there was an answer, I contemplated suicide, but now I'm debt free, I have no credit cards, no overdrafts, no worries, I'm so happy, and it's CCCS now StepChange that helped me get there. If you're here then you are like all of us, and you need help, they saved my life.

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Asked by hele19830 on 16th April 2014 Report this content

Has anyone ever had any further action taken against them from your creditors once on a Stepchange plan?

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Report this content Clarkster27 Written on: 17/04/2014

Yes I was taken to County Court by one of my Creditors. I contacted Stepchange straight away who helped me through everything, their advice was first class, they even advised me that I could have the case heard at a court near to me and not where the creditor specified. Stepchange advised to go through my DMP and advise the court that the DMP was the best way to clear my debts and that adding interest would only hinder the debt repayment. The court agreed it was and set the payment at the same amount that Stepchange had worked out on my DMP. Once the payment was set the creditor couldn't change it. Be honest and upfront

Report this content hele19830 Written on: 17/04/2014

Thanks for your answer Clarkster27, just don't want baillifs at my door if i set a DMP up

Report this content Sassysian Written on: 17/04/2014

No, after 2 years it has all run very smoothly. I even had to reduce payments due to financial difficulty and there was no problem.

Report this content LizzyW Written on: 17/04/2014

Hi, yes I had started my debt management plan when one of my creditors asked for a Charging Order to be placed against my property as security against one of the outstanding debts. They would not accept my repayment plan and I was subsequently taking to County Court for the Charging Order to be implemented. I contacted Step Change for advice from their Legal Department and they provided me with template letters and guidance on what information I should submit to the Court. I would suggest that if you are taken to Court that you do attend and make sure you're armed with all the information you need, but I'm sure Step Change will give you good advice. If an order is made in Court make sure the amount is set as this didn't happen in my case initially and I subsequently had to return to Court (which I had to pay for) to ask for the amount to be set. This protects you from your creditor pushing for more money once the Court Order has been implemented. They have to take you back to Court to increase any payments set up by the Court.

Report this content Miss-k Written on: 17/04/2014

The attitude of my creditors changed immediately. They went from threatening and rude to suddenly helpful. I still got a few nasty letters but step change always said to just ignore them. I think step change has a great reputation and as soon as your creditors know you're involved with them they back off.

Report this content krissymul Written on: 17/04/2014

I have not had any further action taken against me at all, since I began my plan a couple of years ago.

Report this content wildchild22 Written on: 17/04/2014

No, once they know you're taking it seriously (and know the law because you will have been advised by StepChange) they back off. If anyone sends a letter by mistake (sometimes they'll send a review letter after 6m) I just tell StepChange and they send out another copy of the letter they sent previously. Even when things changed and I had to reduce the amount paid, it was fine (however be aware £5 per creditor is the cut off, if you can't afford to pay them that, StepChange won't be able to act for you and you're back to sending them all letters of explanation/offers of £1 - they may say they won't accept it but keep sending anyway as it show to any court you've done your best and they'll likely set any repayment programme at that level).

Report this content BROKE45 Written on: 17/04/2014

For a while I continued to get letters/phone calls and two default notices, but due to DMP being set up and running satisfactorily no further action was taken, however, several debts were transferred to Collection Agencies, most, but not all of these were still happy to take payments via DMP. Have now finished my DMP which took over 6 years - a very long time, but now back on the road to financial recovery thanks to the plan which remember doesn't cost anything not like some of the firms that advertise dmp's and then charge and don't always pay off the debt.

Report this content DafyddR Written on: 18/04/2014

Never had any further action taken although one or two threatened it, until I said that I would take it up with Stepchange (CCCS as it was) who were running my DMP. They backed off. As others have said, be up front and honest. They will give you a lot of free advice, including how to deal with bailiffs if they dare to appear!

Report this content PandorasBox1 Written on: 22/05/2014

No. StepChange is so well respected and recognised. All you have to do is quote your SC ref no. If they have any queries the Company will put your account on hold for 30 days. In the meantime you should contact SC and inform them what's happened and they will contact the company. :) Karen

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Asked by hele19830 on 26th March 2014 Report this content

Heard lots of rumours about payday loan companies sending bailiffs round to properties if they don't pay the arranged amount for payments. Can stepchange help with payday loans? Don't know what to do for the best :-/

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Report this content katiekatjas Written on: 27/03/2014

They can help negotiate a repayment plan and obviously have more weight than you on your own. I had one loan with a payday company and they have accepted stepchanges repayment on my behalf. Not heard anything since.The Dept management plan can't stop any form of legal action or creditors making contact, or them applying interest charges or other charges but an IVA can. All depends on how big the outstanding debts are as to what would be the correct one to go for. If it's a lot, then an IVA is better than the debt management plan. Mine under a DMP have hardly come down at all. Best to ring them to discuss it.

Report this content tina-girl Written on: 28/03/2014

The best advice I can give to you would be to ring them, they are very helpful and will listen to what the problem is you are having and advise you whether they are able to help and if so, how they can help you, and if they cannot, who may be able to help. Once you are set up on a plan with them you will not have any threatening letters or baliffs at your property as the companies you are involved with are sent letters to them with a payment plan. I hope this is helpful.

Asked by worryfilled on 21st February 2014 Report this content

If I was made bankrupt 8 years ago discharged and cleared etc. I am now in financial problems again and want to control it before it gets too bad. Can I still set up a DMP with StepChange?

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Report this content SteveC0659 Written on: 24/02/2014

I am not a debt management expert. But I am sure that it is better to take steps to deal with financial problems rather than just letting them escalate out of control. You can use the online tools to help give you an idea of where you stand. But I recommend that after this you give them a call. They will help you. And by taking positive steps you will start to grind away at the massive stress that debt worries cause. Good Luck.

Report this content LeslieMalcolm Written on: 24/02/2014

Well certainly StepChange is your best bet for sure.

Asked by Pamduffy on 3rd February 2014 Report this content

I have been with a debt management company for quite a few years but over the last year have took out a number of payday loans. I now cannot keep on top of repayments and lenders are not happy that I was already in debt management. Can you help?

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Report this content cheryl27759 Written on: 04/02/2014

I have only been with one debt management company and that is Stepchange - i havent had any payday loans but they took on my debts for me and sorted everybody out and have been amazing. Every 6 months the debtors ask for their money back, the first time this happened i was worried and contactec Stepchange,they told me to ignore anything that comes to me because they will sort it at their end and they DO NOT charge a penny for their help. they do not take any commission or anything - what you owe is what you pay back and the credit companies write off the interest owed. I recommend Stephchange to everybody i know. hope you get help, i know how bad it feels when you think there is no where to turn. good luck xx

Report this content Desperateportsmouth Written on: 04/02/2014

Please contact Stepchange who are always there to give you good advice and help. Although I know it's difficult to make that first call, believe me you will sleep better at night and not have to worry about who will be knocking on your door. They help you to set a budget which allows you to repay your debts and take all the hassle and worry away from you, believe me you SHOULD make that call as they do not judge you and are able to help you get a grip on that mounting debt. PLEASE make that call.

Report this content BROKE45 Written on: 04/02/2014

Dont know what debt management company you are with but am aware a lot charge you and do not necessarily pay much off your actual debts, change it to a free charity that pays creditors what you pay each month towards your debts and be honest with what you owe and can afford to pay. They will work out a household budget, while in debt management do not take out further loans with anyone as this is part of your agreement and although it is quite tough to comply especially if it is for a long period of time, in the end it is worth it as you can start again without goint to dodgy payday lenders.

Report this content katiekatjas Written on: 04/02/2014

Those lenders should have checked your credit file, they are meant to. The only thing you can do is tell your debt management company or change all the debt to a new one. Work out a budget that's manageable, don't get out anymore credit again! I am with stepchange and the creditors do still charge interest and put charges on mainly the Halifax with mine. At least you can live though.

Report this content wildchild22 Written on: 04/02/2014

Contact Stepchange today - you won't believe how much better you'll feel after you have done. They'll sort you out (for free) and get you back on the road. They'll contact all your creditors for you and that alone will be a huge relief. Stop reading this and give them a call.

Report this content SharonDouglas Written on: 04/02/2014

I agree with everything cheryl27759 has said, I would definatly reccomend step change they are so helpful, I felt like a weight had been lifted, hope you get sorted x

Report this content liamnick Written on: 05/02/2014

I would contact stepchange,they have been great for me. You obviously wasnt budgeting correctly so just need to sort that out. Trust me they are great and are in my mind the best :)

Report this content Terri2012 Written on: 06/02/2014

I have only been with Stepchange. They did not judge me when I rang for help. They helped me take control of my money, and do a budget plan so that I knew what money was coming in, what money need to be paid out on everyday bills and what money was left to put towards the debts that I had. I have never taken out or tried for any extra credit, as this goes against what the debt management plan is for. I would advise you to get in touch with Stepchange as they DO NOT charge you for their help, and most credit companies deal with them, and were possible stop charging you interest on your loan. Every year you redo your budget plan so the creditors can see that you are trying very hard to pay off the debt that is owed. When I started out it was going to take about 12 years to pay everything off, but hopefully next year I will be debt free with the help of Stepchange. Please make that call to them,and good luck.

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Top 5 Debt Management Companies To calculate the top 5's we take the following factors into account:

• All the star ratings the company/product has received,
• The number of reviews
• How recent the reviews are