Out of time, out of options...out of hope.

[Shpepper]

Chase won't budge. They actually allowed the seizure of a social security check. Make sure you file that complaint and if at all possible, see if the state can hook you up with the card that they use for social security. It is through direct express. www.directexpress.com They can not siexe money from these cards. Good luck, and don't let the a@#$%#@$% win.

[Food Lady]

I have a Chase debt and they are persistent. However, although they were able to obtain a judgement--I didn't contest it, since I do owe the money--they legally couldn't garnish my wages because A) I was on foodstamps and B) even if I weren't on assistance, it would've dropped me below the poverty line. As far as I know, my acounts cannot be legally levied and they cannot touch my personal possessions. There are laws in place to protect the poor; you are allowed to keep enough to live on. Because I'm armed with this info, I don't plan on declaring bankruptcy. It stops collection action, but does not expunge the debt. If a debt is sold, the new owner cannot get a judgement; only the origional ceditor can. Collectors who purchase debts have a 7-year limit to collect. Since Chase still owns my debt, they can continue for 20 years to get judgements, etc. But unless I get rich, they aren't going to be able to collect much.

So why am I posting this? It's personal and I'm not proud of my debts. But I want people to know I panicked until I researched the laws here and realized it can be dealt with. I don't think the levy of your bank account was legal. But, I have only looked at laws in my state. Laws for each state are published on gov't websites. Also, the law office that Chase contracted sent me a list of restrictions.

[Bright_Star]

You can't give them what you don't have. Even the most ruthless collection agencies have to grudgingly understand that there are a lot of people out there who don't have enough money for them to make it worthwhile to go after. There ARE laws in place in each & every state that prevents these blood suckers from putting a person into the poor house. How can they continue toi go after someone they forced onto the streets & has no money left at all?
Fight back! Most collection agencies back down if they know you won't be bullied into submission.
Do what buglady said. You'll be ok. BUT don't ever consider suicide. That's a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

[telecom_goddess]

OMG I didn't realize you were in Oregon, whereabouts are you? I know for a fact that unemployment/disability etc type checks can't be garnished. They can only garnish actual working paychecks. Been there and done that before

I also have Chase and haven't had to deal with that kind of thing with them yet so I don't have an opinion on that end of it. But definitely go to a branch in person and speak to a manager type of some kind. They have to be able to do something....and will be way more willing to work with you in person than some csr on the phone will.

I would also talk to your landlords about the rent. Hopefully they will understand....if it's a management company who knows what they will do but if it's run by the actual owners you have a lot better luck.

[Barracuda]

Update again. Turns out the HUD program in Oregon, Washington County specifically has been frozen due to being overwhelmed. As in, I cannot even apply for rent assistance at this time. Great. Now I am really hosed.

[BeenThereDoneThat]

As silly as it sounds, I am actually afraid of work now--afraid the panic attacks will continue, afraid I will hate any new job and the stress of that will push me over the edge--not just worried, but in mortal terror.

I just wanted you to know that this does NOT sound silly to me at all. I have a phobia of working, which kept me from doing it for quite a while. I had my husband and his job to fall back on but he kept pushing me to go back to work. At some point I realized I was just as unhappy staying at home all day and feeling unaccomplished as I probably would be going out to work, so I got a job. Yes, it can be very sucky and I still dread going in...but for now I'm used to it. If I had to get a new job I'd go though all that anxiety again. So you are not alone there.

[Barracuda]

Thanks for all the support. Still here, still kicking along, still looking for work. No luck yet, of course. However, I still have all my utilities, I am managing to pay all my (lesser) bills, and I have food for the moment. I'm trying to be hopeful, but I will admit I am very worried about the end of the month.