Late HOA Fees and on SSI Disability

by Linda
(Florida)

I'm on SSI Disability due to digestive problems (chronic/acute pancreatitis, hiatel hernia, gastritis, gastroperesis, and gall bladder disease) and cervical to lumbar back problems, from a car accident, which I have nerve damage and displaced discs.

I was not able to work for about 11 months, because of being sick all the time from my digestive problems and either being in the hospital or constantly having tests done in that time period. I have spent all my savings to keep my bills up, but that ran out about 4 months ago, which is why I'm late on both phone, electric, and my HOA Fees. I have been in contact with everyone about my situation, and am trying to catch up. I've now had a stent put into my pancreas and I feel better now, so I was able to look for work.

I now have a part time job which I started 3 weeks ago, along with my SSI income.

I am 4 months behind on my HOA payments (total of approximately $800.00 + $100.00 attorny's collection fee)so my Property Management office turned my case over to the HOA Association's attorney which I received a letter on March 8, 2011 notifying me that the attorney is acting as a debt collector. I have talked to the lawyers paralegal assistant(s), explained my situation and am trying to come up with a payment plan to pay back these fees as fast as I can.

Can a lien be put on my home, if I start making payments even if they are partial, until I catch up on everything. because my SSI has been reduced since I've gotten a part-time job, and the combined incomes, don't quite make my monthly budget, which is minimal because I'm budgeting my finances as best as I can. Also because of this I have been selling jewelry, my coin collection, my stamp collection, and other household items.

I'm not planning on selling or moving for at least 5 years. I'm also considering filing for Chapter 7 because of credit card debt and don't think I'll ever be able to pay the amounts I owe, because I don't know what's going to happen with my digestive situation. I'm still being treated and am still getting tests done to figure out what the problem(s) are.

I live in Florida.

Thank you in advance for any information, I can get to help me with this situation.

Comments for Late HOA Fees and on SSI Disability

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May 30, 2011
 Late HOA Fees and on SSI Disability
by: Debtcollectionanswers.com

Linda: So sorry about all of your health and financial problems. Unfortunately, it's not unusual when someone has serious health problems for serious money problems to follow.

I recommend that you meet with a consumer bankruptcy right away given your situation. The attorney will explain which of your debts can be eliminated through bankruptcy and which ones will continue to be your obligation. The attorney will also tell you what you should not do prior to filing for bankruptcy to help ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from taking that step. If you qualify for Chapter 7, you may be in and out of bankruptcy as quickly as 3 months. Note: As soon as you file, all collection actions against you must cease. Click here to schedule a free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney.

Regarding your home, in FL a person's homestead is 100% exempt from collection actions. So, you do not need to worry about losing it to your creditors. Even so, I urge you to talk with a consumer bankruptcy attorney immediately. The bankruptcy process is designed for good people like you who get into financial trouble through no fault of their own. Good luck.

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