An overview of basic tactics to deal with emergency situations
An emergency situation requires actions to be taken with limited information and time available. Offers must not be made to creditors until the client’s full situation is understood. Therefore, asking for more time is preferable to arranging a repayment scheme a client cannot maintain.
In emergency situations, the action by the creditor needs to be halted or delayed. This often involves contacting the creditor to make them aware the client has contacted an agency to request assistance or is seeking assistance from an experienced debt adviser.
An experienced debt adviser has a number of options available depending on the type of emergency:
•negotiate with the creditor;
•recall a decree;
•apply for an emergency payment;
•arrange fuel prepayment meter to prevent disconnection;
•apply for time to pay through court if appropriate.