Hi, be rest assured that Step Change are very efficient and in my experience have got the job done very quickly with regards to the approval of my IVA. They are always available for contact and the paperwork and requirements are very straightforward. If there is a problem then they will contact you and are open to discussion and always available for contact. Whether there is one IP or a thousand, it does not matter too much as the assistants and related staff are always very helpful. The IVA proposal I had was 13 pence in the pound although without being mortgaged, I guess it was a fairly straightforward case. Overall, I would recommend them as I guess no matter who the IP is, there is standard IVA criteria to adhere too and chances are a proposal would not be put forward if there is a chance of it failing.
I get the impression that the straightforward cases are retained "in house". Anything with slight complications (equity?) get shunted off to GT. So, frankly, if you don't want GT to be your firm ( for whatever reason) don't go to Stepchange.
Slightly off topic ... anybody know what Stepchange are doing regarding PPI ?
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014
Ooohhh... I am with Stepchange, or so I thought.... how would I know if they have transfered me to GT? All paperwork I have received has only ever been from Stepchange/CCCSVA, after reading the postings o on here, I hope not...but I think my IVA was a 'straightforward' case'!! I'm 21 months nearly done and approaching my 2nd review next month, I have to say that so far I have no problems with sorting any queries out with the 'admin team' when I have rang them, they also swapped/ changed about some of my allowances to accomodate the ludicrous increase in my pet insurance so my payments stayed the same. Regarding PPI, on my 1st review my IP asked me if I had any to claim, which I stated I hadn't and didn't hear anything more about it, still I have a long way way to plod yet so it is very possible it could be raised again, especially if im handed over to GT!!! Best of luck, whoever you choose
Our IVA was by no means straightforward and took 3 months to set-up,with a large amount of equity in our property and a big chunk of our mortgage due to finish on interest only but they got everything in place for us and it as accepted with no issues.
I would say that at reviews the primary concern seems to be keeping the payment at its original level as we have had no increases despite salary rises and in fact they have increased our allowances to compensate.
It may be the size of our IVA (180K)is a factor in them looking after us well?
Regards.
IVA completed with StepChange.
Last payment Sept 2016 CC Oct 2016
in answer to your query around their tact with PPI all we have had is a nice letter advising us that if we decide to lodge any claims to keep them in the loop.
Absolutely no pressure on their part.
Regards.
IVA completed with StepChange.
Last payment Sept 2016 CC Oct 2016
Well, we have been with them for quite a while. Pretty quick in setting everything up.Pretty happy with the way things have gone so far.We did have a veriation meeting recentley which went in our favour.
Every time we ring them up about something we get through quickly, and they are really helpfull.
IP: We have not spoke to Jackie, but then we have not have to!!!!
Budget has been set at a fair level up to now!, Yeah ive had the odd moan when im not sure how things are gonna go but then everything works out well.
There are lots of IVA companys around, and you need to do your homework and find one that you feel really happy with.
I am with StepChange - I am now in my 4th year with them.
Never had any problems. They are very reasonable and have always been fair with any changes. Annual reviews have been painless.
In fact I have sometimes wondered why they crop up so infrequently on this forum ... possibly they have a lot of satisfied clients?
I did contact them a couple of months ago about PPI as I wanted to pre-empt any problems or possible delays. Their reply was that there was no pressure and it was up to me, but if I did make a successful claim I would have to pay it into my IVA. In fact they did warn against some of the 'scare mongering' on some online forums!
Last edited by adfax on Sun Apr 14, 2013 3:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Hi Adfax -- yes, Stepchange aren't referred to a lot on here -- but do bear in mind that the majority of their business is DMP's. However, they have many happy clients.
I would be interested to know what they consider scaremongering. The general concensus is that the IP is failing in their duties to the creditors if they do not chase PPI. I would love to know upon what Stepchange base their non-plussed attitude. Are they under-reacting or are other IP's over-reacting ??
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014
The regulatory guidance is pretty clear as to what an IPs duties are, and an IP who does not pursue assets for the benefit of creditors plays a very dangerous game personally if they are not actively looking at this. My understanding is that StepChange are actively looking at PPI in their IVA portfolio.
When I had my third year review(2012)I received a letter from Stepchange,Then CCCS(VA)stating that if I wished to pursue any PPI claims against lenders it was my call. However,if I received any payment OVER £500 this was to be declared and paid into my IVA. I was allowed to keep anything up to this amount.It was also stated that there would be NO assistance from them in making any such claims and it was at my discretion as to whether or not I pursued any.
