How To Get Help With Bankruptcy Fees
Written by Payplan Ryan on 14 July 2008
Update: a new version of this blog is now available by clicking here
I want to go bankrupt but I can’t afford the fees and so I’ll end up paying my debts for the rest of my life. How can I get help with bankruptcy fees?
It may seem a strange irony that going bankrupt costs money, and many people are put off considering bankruptcy as a debt solution because of this. However, there are companies and organisations that can help you with bankruptcy fees and who will consider a person’s application on its merits. Below are three possible avenues to consider when trying to get help with bankruptcy fees.
1. Contact utility company Trust Funds
Water, gas and electricity suppliers often run Trust Funds that are specifically set up to assist customers with their fuel costs, and some will accept applications for help with bankruptcy fees. You can obtain an application form by calling the customer services number on your bill. Once you’ve filled this in and sent it back, it’s up to the company concerned to decide if they can help. If they can, the money is offered as a gift and is not repayable by you. Here are some of the larger utility company Trust Fund websites:
If your utility company is not represented here, then simply ask a customer service representative from your supplier who will be able to advise you further.
2. Talk to your union’s Welfare Officer
If you are a member or former member of a union and feel you can talk to the Union’s Welfare Officer, you can ask if they are able to assist by giving help with bankruptcy fees. For union contact information in the UK, visit:
Trade Union Congress (TUC) Worksmart (Run by TUC)3. Speak to your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB)
It would also be worth contacting your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau. They may know if there are any local funds that you can apply to, to help with bankruptcy fees.
Free debt advice about bankruptcy
If you’re worried about your level of debt, then you can talk to a Payplan debt adviser who can discuss all your options and recommend the best free debt solution. Call free on 0800 280 2816 or submit a quick debt enquiry online
Update: a new version of this blog is now available by clicking here
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14 thoughts on “How To Get Help With Bankruptcy Fees”
Jeff Emery
August 11, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I have the papers from the county court and have been given a price of £495.00 in total, can you give me some advice or an organisation that can help me with these costs please.
This is very urgent.
Thanks
Jeff
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Paul
August 12, 2008 at 8:20 am
Hi Jeff
Further advice about help with Bankruptcy fees can be found on the National Debtline’s website here:
http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/factsheet.php?page=01_bankruptcy#ccf
They will also give you some idea about any reduction to the court fee that you’re entitled to, depending on your circumstances.
If you feel you need further advice, then call the National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or try your local CAB, or, if you are unsure whether bankruptcy is the best option for you, then chat through your situation with a debt adviser at Payplan on 0800 917 7823.
All the best
Paul
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samantha
August 12, 2008 at 7:16 pm
me and my partner are going bankrupt if we can find the fees which because there are two of us then the fee is £990 and surely there must be some help out there. and surely if we had that money we wouldnt have got into debt in the first place.
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Paul
August 13, 2008 at 7:59 am
Hi Samantha
Yes, as the article points out, it is a strange irony that bankruptcy carries a fee – however, the purpose of the fee is to cover the cost that the court incurs for processing a bankruptcy application – including the work that the Official Receiver undertakes to ensure that the process is carried out in the correct manner, and any investigations into an individual’s finances before granting the application.
As mentioned above, if you feel bankruptcy is the best way forward for your particular circumstances, then try contacting some of the energy trusts, the CAB or the National Debtline. Also, if you receive benefits, then you may be entitled to a reduction in the fee required.
If you want a second opinion about whether bankruptcy is suitable for you, then give Payplan a call – they can look at any alternatives for you, and if bankruptcy is still the best option, then they will recommend it anyway.
Hope this is helpful
Paul
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Lindsay
October 7, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I live with my parents and am in debt and want to go bankrupt, I have just lost my job and am making a claim for job seekers allowance but this will be contribution based jsa, I need to get the funds together for the bankruptcy costs, can I go anywhere for help, I dont have any household bills in my name as I live with my parents.
Please help
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Paul
October 9, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Hi Lindsay
If you’re receiving benefits, then you should get some reduction in the court fees – ask your local county court for further details – they should be willing to help you here.
Alternatively, I’d most definitely speak to your local CAB to see if there’s a local organisation or trust who could help you further.
Or – you could try Turn2Us who signpost people in financial need to charities and trusts who may be able to help them.
Hope this helps
Paul
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Pauline
March 29, 2012 at 1:29 am
In Scotland it costs (@ 2010) £100 to file for bankruptcy. The form is quite easy to complete, and depending on how much you owe, incomings, outgoings, etc, will vary in the length of time it takes to complete. However, if you feel you need help with the form, then CAB or any other local government run debt advice centre will assist you in completing the form.
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megan
April 17, 2012 at 5:42 pm
hi i am a single mother, renting in a house with 2 kids after been evicted from my own home last year cus my ex husband never paid for the bills, im on my own now on benifits such as jsa, housing ben, i been advised by cab to go thru bankruptcy and need to find £525 for the fees? please help??
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Gemma
April 18, 2012 at 9:30 am
Hi Megan, I am sorry to hear about your situation. Have you spoken to your local CAB to see if they can recommend anywhere to get help with the fees? Depending on your debt level a Debt Relief Order may be possible and it only costs £90. Have a look at another blog to see if you are eligible http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2011/02/15/debt-relief-orders-2/ You can always call us and we will go through your situation with you and go through the options that you have available to you.
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helen
May 6, 2012 at 4:28 pm
hi me and my husband have seen the cab about are debts and she as srongly recommened that we go bankrupted but are findin it to hard to find the money to do it we are already finding it hard to cope is there any charitys out there that can help us thanks helen
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Gemma
May 8, 2012 at 11:14 am
Hi Helen, thank you for getting in touch. Have you tried contacting any of the places listed here? http://www.payplan.com/debt-news/2011/09/20/i-cant-afford-bankruptcy/ Have a look through and see if there are any that could help you.
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David
July 26, 2012 at 12:01 pm
ive recently contacted the cccs about my debt levels and been adviced that bankruptcy is the only option as thing dont look to be changing for the better anytime soon. the problem i have is that i can not afford the court fees of 750 however was adviced that companies provide situations like mine grants and help, this is great but from what i can see utility warehouse dont offer the help i need nour do yorkshire water so im back to square 1…………does anyone know of sites organisations ect ect that could help with the fee
many thanks
dave
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Victoria gonzales
January 21, 2014 at 1:03 am
Is there any funding to help me get a bankrupsy
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Samuel
January 21, 2014 at 11:16 am
Hi Victoria,
Thank you for your question.
If you need help with finding the bankruptcy fees then you can approach local charities, unions or benevolent funds to apply for special grants which then can be used to pay for the fees.
If you are receiving certain benefits you may be able to have some costs/fees wavered – the best people to speak to about that and to see if you qualify is your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Don’t hesitate to contact Payplan if you require any further information or assistance.
Kind regards,
Samuel
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