Someone Owes Me Money

What can you do if you are owed money? 
How do you ask for money to be returned? 

Often people forget that they owe money.  Therefore the first step should be to ask in a polite and friendly way.  You may find that the person is pleased that you have reminded her/him. 

If you are owed alot of money, you may need to give some time for repayment or agree to be paid in installments. 

If this does not work - try the following: 

1. Write a polite letter /email and keep a copy.

Dear...........

I am writing to you because you may have forgotten that you owe me £........... for.................... .

As I am a student and don't have much money, I would really appreciate repayment.  If you are unable to pay me this week, can you please let me know so that we can discuss an alternative plan.   I can be contacted at ...................... .

Many thanks

.................

 IF YOU DO NOT HEAR WITHIN 10 DAYS GO TO STEP 2

2.  Write a 2nd letter, post by hand / recorded delivery / email with receipt and keep a copy 

Dear............

I wrote to you on ............. reminding you that you owe me £........... for ................... .

I have not yet had a reply to my letter.  Please contact me (tel no / email address) so that we can discuss this further.  As a student I do not have much money, and cannot afford to forget this issue.  I look forward to hearing from you within the next week.

Yours

.............................

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A REPLY BY 7 DAYS GO TO STEP 3

3. Write a 3rd letter, post by hand / recorded delivery and keep a copy

Dear ...........

I have written to you twice requesting the payment of £.............. which you owe me for............... .

As this situation has not been resolved I now plan to start Small Claims Proceedings.  This may result in a County Court Judgement which will affect your ability to borrow money in the future.  Additional court costs could also be added.

To resolve the issue please contact me immediately at .......................

Regards

......................

 IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A REPLY WITHIN 7 DAYS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER GOING TO THE SMALL CLAIMS COURT.  YOU CAN MAKE A CLAIM ON-LINE OR TO YOUR NEAREST COUNTY COURT. (In Reading this is situated on Friar Street  near the back of Marks and Spencer).  THIS IS A CIVIL (NOT CRIMINAL) COURT.  IT  SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO MAKE A CLAIM WITHOUT USING A SOLICITOR.  THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE WHICH CAN BE ADDED TO THE COSTS.For further information go to Money Claim Online or HMRC making a claim

If you would like help completing forms or guidance through the small claims process contact Student Advice  stu.adv@reading.ac.uk, tel 0118 3784100

For individual help contact Student Advice at stu.adv@reading.ac.uk, tel 0118 3784100 or drop in to The Hub at RUSU.