If you’re worried about money or are experiencing financial difficulty, get in touch. Here are some of the ways we could help, depending on your situation:
- Arrange a temporary payment plan with you.
- Change the way you make your payments, or the date you make them.
- Let you pay back your mortgage over a longer period (reducing your monthly payments).
- Change the repayment method of your mortgage.
- Defer your monthly mortgage payment (take a payment holiday).
- A combination of any of the above.
We’ve signed the Government Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a set of universal standards to help and reassure mortgage holders worried by high interest rates.
Getting more help
You can get free, independent and impartial debt advice from the following organisations:
They’ll go through your situation, discuss your budget and what you owe, and make a plan with you. You’ll find lots of information on their websites. They can also make sure you’re getting any benefits you might be entitled to.
These organisations are all regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, so you know you’re in safe hands.
They do not work for us or any other lender. They’ll advise you based on what’s best for you and your situation.
For more helpful information, advice and resources about what to do if you can’t pay your mortgage, you can also visit The Building Societies Association website.
If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud or a scam, or if you are worried about suspicious activity, let us know as soon as possible.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01535 650770
We’re open Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) between 9am to 5pm only. We only process payments within these times so there’s no risk of money leaving your account outside of these times.
Learn more about fraud and scams.
Coping with the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming and exhausting. We aim to make things straightforward and as easy as possible for you through this difficult time.
What you need to do.
- Register the death with at a registration office. There are registration offices in towns and cities across the UK. Deaths need to be registered within 8 days. You will be given a death certificate – it may be worth getting a few certified copies as various institutions will need copies while you sort out the deceased’s affairs.
The registrar will also explain the free Tell us once service that the Government offer. Follow the link for more details.
For more information visit the Government website: What to do when someone dies: step by step
- Let us know as soon as possible so that we can take appropriate action with the accounts the deceased had with us.
You can call either our savings or mortgage member services teams, to help you. Their contact details are:
Telephone: 01535 656 0770
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
We understand that dementia can bring unique challenges for individuals and their families. We’re here to support you and to help make managing your finances as simple as possible. Below are some frequently asked questions and ways we can help.
What should I do if I or a loved one needs help managing finances?
If you or someone you care for is living with dementia, we can help you make managing finances simpler. You can ask us to:
- Set up joint accounts or Power of Attorney access for trusted family members or friends.
- Help you understand how Powers of Attorney work and how they can be applied to accounts.
We will explain everything clearly and ensure your preferences are respected.
Can I appoint someone to help manage my account?
Yes. If you’re ready to appoint someone to manage your account, we can help you register a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) or other legal authority. Our team will guide you through the steps and let you know about any forms or documents we need.
I’m worried about making decisions or understanding financial information. Can I get extra help?
Absolutely. We can make adjustments to suit your needs, such as:
- Give you more time to process information during calls.
- Provide written summaries of important points.
- Explain things in simpler terms or use larger print.
Just let us know what would help you feel comfortable.
Where else can I get support for dementia?
These organisations offer practical and emotional advice and support that you may find useful.
Alzheimer’s Society
The Alzheimer’s Society provides support and resources for people living with dementia and their carers.
Phone: 0333 150 3456
Visit: alzheimers.org.uk
Dementia UK
Dementia UK offers specialist dementia support, including Admiral Nurses.
Phone: 0800 888 6678
Visit: dementiauk.org
Age UK
Age UK offers advice on dementia and related issues, including financial planning.
Phone: 0800 055 6112
Visit: ageuk.org.uk
As we’re a building society, we bank with the Co-op. If you hold an account with the Co-operative Bank and are using their online facility to transfer funds into your Ecology account, you will need to use the Co-operative’s ‘bill payment‘ function. This will allow you to quote a reference when making your transfer. Without a reference, we may be unable to pay the money into your Ecology account.
To set up a new standing order from your linked account you will need to use the following details (which can be found on our online service or App, or can be confirmed by calling our Member Services team):
- your six digit Ecology sort code
- your eight digit Ecology account number
- your name as detailed on your Ecology account – this is referred to as the “Payee”
- If prompted please select “Personal account”.
You will also need to select the regularity and date that you want the money paid to Ecology.
