Virgin media - trying to change contract post DF death

[lechatnoir]

My DF looked after my parents finances all his life although it turns out, not that well!! DM is struggling and we are trying to help her reduce her outgoing which include an £80 Virgo media / sky sports & movie package. She barely uses the internet & certainly doesn't need sky movies and sport but virgin said she's in a contract until may. As she is now a lone vulnerable adult on low income are there no loopholes that will help her - she is happy to stay with virgin but needs to reduce her payments & level of service.

It just seems a big wrong to insist she has to keep the same package and payment now her husband who used the extras once a year has passed away.

Were the contracts in your df name?
If so virgins care team should be able to deal with it through bereavement to cancel contract as it was your dad contract.
May need to disconnect line for a bit to set up new contract in her name but they should be able to arrange this.

Also wondering if the contract is in his name
We had to cancel Sky when dad died, contacted bereavement team and they did it right away.

Would be a good idea to contact bereavement team even if it’s in her name. If all fails, I’d be thinking of contacting a newspaper or radio “consumer champion”. Holding-a new widow to a contract she neither needs or can afford is not a good look for Virgin.

Have you already contacted the Bereavement Team abs did you choose to transfer rather than disconnect?

Thanks everyone. They didn't make it easy but a combination of help from the bereavement team and some strong-arming our end and they finally agreed to downgrade her contract. Shocking behaviour on their behalf as if we didn't know/get involved she would have to find the money for something she doesn't need or want.

@lechatnoir

Thanks everyone. They didn't make it easy but a combination of help from the bereavement team and some strong-arming our end and they finally agreed to downgrade her contract. Shocking behaviour on their behalf as if we didn't know/get involved she would have to find the money for something she doesn't need or want.

Yes, that’s universal, I’m afraid. Everyone needs an advocate, for everything from Virgin to medical care, and if you can’t advocate for yourself and have no-one else to do it, you lose out

So try Mere.

@lechatnoir

Thanks everyone. They didn't make it easy but a combination of help from the bereavement team and some strong-arming our end and they finally agreed to downgrade her contract. Shocking behaviour on their behalf as if we didn't know/get involved she would have to find the money for something she doesn't need or want.

That is really shocking. Looking at their bereavement page, cancelling is the last option!

I can imagine you don't feel up to complaining but it would be a justified complaint.