Money Advice Direct
FREEPHONE 0800 074 6918
We receive a lot of calls and emails from the public asking; "I'm in an IVA and I've lost my job, what can i do?".
If you believe that you about to lose your job or have lost your job then it is essential that you let the Supervisor of your IVA know as soon as possible and explain why the payment will be delayed and when it can be expected to be paid.
If you have actually lost your then you will need to consider how soon you will back in employment. Most IVA proposals will allow you a 4-6 week break to find a new job.
If you’ve lost your job and think it will difficult to find a new one then a variation meeting will need to be arranged to consult with the creditors. At the meeting a longer payment break can be requested on the basis that the payments are made up at the end of the IVA. This will mean increasing the length of the IVA by several months.
On occasions circumstances change and sometimes incomes decrease. This can happen as a result of a change in personal circumstances, change in job or the loss of a job. If this happens, it is essential that you let the IVA Supervisor know so that they can reassess the situation for you.
You can never predict what is going to happen in the future. If you have a problem with making the payments, speak to the Supervisor, who will be able to look at the reason for you struggling to make the payments and advise you on what can be done.
It is important to remember not to panic if this happens. It does not necessarily mean that the IVA will be terminated.
In some situations, it may be possible to add on the missing payments at the end of the standard IVA period, but this is at the discretion of the Supervisor.
No one can ever be certain of what will happen in the future. When you entered into the IVA, it was on the basis of what was known at the time. Unfortunately sometimes things don’t go as planned and your circumstances can change for the worse -and sometimes for the better!
If you are made redundant for example, or change jobs and your income is lower, it will have an impact on your ability to repay your monthly IVA payments. If this happens, you should contact the IVA Supervisor to explain your change in circumstances and they will be able to advise you what will happen next.
You may also find your circumstances have improved, perhaps you have come into money, and therefore you may be in a position to discuss an early settlement of your IVA. Again you should contact the Supervisor.
If you are in an IVA and have lost your job and are worried what to do please complete the following form or telephone 0800 074 6918.