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Disconnection Of Service

Service providers such as for TV, phones and internet can disconnect you if you stop paying. Each service provider has its own disconnection policy and time frame before service is removed.

If you’re struggling to pay your bills, don’t ignore the problem. If you contact your service provider to explain the situation, they would normally be willing to work with you to arrange a catch-up payment plan based on what you can afford to pay. If you don’t, you run the risk of being disconnected.

Important
Being disconnected is not the end of the matter if money remains outstanding. Payment can be chased through the County Courts just like other unsecured debts.

Suppliers are obligated to offer the installation of a pre-payment meter to avoid the need for disconnection. While they can help to budget, you usually end up paying more for energy. Even if you have arrears with your current supplier, you can switch to a better tariff with another supplier.

Over 1 in 7 UK homes use a pre-payment meter and there are now some good pre-paid deals around. See moneysavingexpert.com for a guide to getting the best pre-paid gas and electricity deals.

Fuel Direct Scheme

If you’ve arrears and are struggling to afford the catch up repayments with your supplier, you might be able to repay directly from your benefits through the Fuel Direct Scheme. This is voluntary and possibly more convenient than a pre-payment meter.

If a service has been disconnected and you have moved address the outstanding debt will need to be repaid but can be included in an IVA and therefore subject to negotiated repayments.[show-iva-cta]