Feoh

You've had an arrears or missed payment letter

An arrears letter usually says that payments have been missed and asks you to bring the account up to date. The first job is to check the figures against your own records, because errors do happen.

If the arrears are right but the amount they want is more than you can manage, it is reasonable to reply in writing, explain the position and ask what options are available. Keep a copy of everything you send.

Feoh can help you organise the letter, the dates and your reply. For advice about how much to pay and what to prioritise, a free debt advice service is the right place to go.

Give this to Feoh

Answer a few questions and Feoh works out the next step, lists the evidence to keep and writes the message for you to send.

Sort this letter out with Feoh

What to gather first

  • The letter and its reference number
  • Your own record of payments made
  • Statements or receipts showing what has already been paid
  • Any earlier letters about the same account

What to do

  1. 1Check the arrears figure against your own payment records.
  2. 2Note the date they have asked you to respond by.
  3. 3Reply in writing, even if you can only say that you are looking into it.
  4. 4Ask what options exist if you cannot pay the amount they are asking for.
  5. 5Keep everything together in case the account is passed on to someone else.

Questions people ask

What if the arrears figure looks wrong?
Write back with your own record of payments and ask them to explain how the balance has been calculated. Keep a copy of what you send and the date you sent it.
Can I ask for more time?
You can always ask. Put it in writing, be specific about what you can manage, and keep their reply. Free debt advice services can help you work out what is realistic.

Other problems Feoh helps with

Feoh helps you organise and act on everyday admin problems. It isn't a law firm, debt adviser or regulated financial adviser. Nothing is sent to anyone unless you send it yourself.