Living on Benefits? Something you should know

[Trish]

Struggling with our health issues is bad enough, but for some, like myself, who have to live on DSS benefits adds lots of unwanted stress.

I found out two weeks ago (to my cost) that i had incurred £70 bank charges, as the bank had returned 2 direct debits that had come out before my benefit was paid in. When my benefit was paid in the bank swallowed it up!

To cut a long story short, i then found out that it is against the law for the bank to take money (for charges) from your account that has been paid in by the DSS for your benefit payments. The banks know this, as do the DSS, but it is not common knowledge and not advertized.

Today my bank re-paid me.

I just thought that people living on benefits should know this, and if it just helps one person to have less stress at a time when they don't need anymore, it will make me feel a little happier.

[lildutt]

thanks trish for telling us this

[Karen]

Thanks Trish.

This has happened to me before and I had no idea that the bank are not allowed to do this. We have enough stress already without money worries added on.

Karen



Happiness is not a state to arrive at but a manner of travelling.

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough ~ Christine Cagney, Cagney & Lacey

[Tracyh]

Wow I had no idea .My bank has just done the same to me [Sigh...] Can I ask where you found out about this . Just so I have some info when I contact my bank

Thanks Tracyx

[Trish]

Hi Tracy

It was from a reliable source...ex bank worker!

Truely Tracy, you just tell them that by taking your benefit they are breaking the law.

When the DSS send you the new info when there is a change in the benefits they pay you, it always says 'This is what the law say you have to live on'

After i telephoned them, i was given back the £70 it took from my benefits.

Ask for it back Tracy, i assure you that what i am saying is true.

Regards
Trish

[Tracyh]

Thanks so much. It is hard enough living on so little but the bank has charged me for going £2.50 over my overdraft they charged me £ 25 and took it out of my benefits.I think a call to the bank is in order. Again thank you

Tracy x

[Trish]

Your very welcome.

Please don't let them fob you off, if they have taken money from your benefit, you are entitled to it to live on...Banks get away with it all to often.

Please let me know how you get on, if they tell you otherwise, tell them you will seek advice and bring it to the attention of the newspapers..that will make them think twice!

Trishx

[tara]

Well thats really good to know, thanks a lot. Tara xx