I'm having problems with Erudio Debt Recovery Student Loans Company. No surprise there.
I've read the three threads dealing with Erudio which were active last May, but I would REALLY appreciate any advice on the problem I have. The previous threads have been so, so helpful and I've managed to avoid some potential pitfalls by taking this advice, especially from member mandakl.
I'll try to keep it brief.
Last year I was sent some blurb from Erudio saying how my loan was now with that company and to wait for deferment forms.
I waited and still didn't receive anything.
Last week I received mail telling me I am in arrears of £x because I hadn't been granted deferment. (I am legible for deferment having been in ESA for a number of years).
I phoned Erudio and asked how is it that I'm in arrears when I wasn't even sent a deferment form and the ... adviser ... I spoke to told me that the deferment pack had been sent to me, but returned to them as "undeliverable", therefore I broke my terms by not applying for deferment in the permitted time.
He told me I need to pay the arrears. I said I don't have the cash. He said, even if it's only a token £1 a month, set up a DD. Sounded fishy. Why should I pay money back when I wasn't even aware I'd broken terms because I didn't receive their mail?
My question is: how do I stand legally on this point? Did I break rules by not returning an application for deferment even though I didn't receive the form?
This is really wearing me down. ANY advice would be so gratefully appreciated. 