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CUSTOMER UPDATE FEBRUARY 2024

 
Mortgage repayment error impacting some customers
 

 

Pepper Advantage is currently in the process of contacting a small number of mortgage customers in relation to an error in its mortgage repayment process.

 

We have provided some further information and a list of questions and answers below.

 

We sincerely apologise for this error and are taking steps to support all impacted customers.

Impacted customers will be contacted and no action is required from you

 

The error impacts a small number of customers serviced by Pepper. There is no impact to customers serviced by Pepper whose loan is with Finance Ireland / PTSB. We will be writing to and contacting all customers impacted by this error and no immediate action is required by any customer prior to receiving a letter from Pepper

What is the error?

 

Pepper identified an error in its mortgage repayment process, which led to mortgage repayments for some customers being lower than they should be.

 

The impacted customers were previously notified about interest rate increases, following changes in the European Central Bank rate, however their subsequent monthly mortgage repayments did not increase accordingly.

 

We are in the process of sending letters to those customers who are impacted, and these letters will explain the error which has taken place and the upcoming changes to their monthly repayments and mortgage account.

If I’m impacted, will I have to repay money not collected?

 

We sincerely apologise for this error, and we will not be seeking to recover any of the interest we did not collect as a result of our error.  

 

We recognise the correction of this error to your mortgage will increase your monthly repayments in the future, which may cause you concern. Therefore, before any changes take effect to your monthly repayments, we want to assure you that we are able and ready to support you and can provide options for you to consider.

Range of options available to manage future monthly repayments

 

In recognition that some customers will see an increase to their monthly repayments, Pepper will offer impacted customers a range of options to ensure that repayments remain affordable.

 

Depending on your product type, these options may include short-term arrangements that fix repayment amounts for a set number of months to longer-term solutions, such as extending repayment periods or implementing a temporary fixed interest rate reduction.

 

All solutions will be tailored to a customer’s individual financial circumstances and no payment will change for 60 days from receipt of the letter to provide customers with time to work with Pepper to find an appropriate payment plan.

Still have questions?

Below is a list of questions and answers you may still have in relation to this error.

What is the error?

Pepper identified an error in its mortgage repayment process. For a small number of customers, their monthly mortgage repayments did not increase accordingly following changes to their interest rates as a result of movements in the European Central Bank rate.

When will I find out if I am impacted by this error?

Impacted customers will be contacted and no action is required from you. If you are impacted by this error, you will receive a letter from us over the coming weeks.

Why did this happen?

For customers impacted by this error, in our letter we explain the background to what happened which resulted in their subsequent monthly mortgage repayments not increasing accordingly when interest rates changed.

What happens next?

Impacted customers will receive a letter which explains our error, outlines the impact of the error on mortgage repayments and what the correction will mean including options available to support customers.

My mortgage is with Finance Ireland / PTSB and serviced by Pepper. Am I impacted by this error?

No, there is no impact to customers serviced by Pepper whose loan is with Finance Ireland / PTSB.

When will new monthly repayment come into effect?

Your corrected monthly repayment and the date it comes into effect will be outlined in the letter you receive from us.

If I am impacted by this error, how long will I have before my monthly repayment increase?

If you are impacted by this error, our letter will provide you with a minimum of 60 days advance notice before your correct monthly repayment comes into effect.

I cannot afford any increase in my monthly repayments.

We recognise the correction to your mortgage will increase your monthly repayments and may impact your ability to make payments as they fall due. To support customers, we have a number of options available based on different product types, these options may include short-term arrangements that fix repayment amounts for a set number of months to longer-term solutions, such as extending repayment periods or implementing a temporary fixed interest rate reduction. All solutions will be tailored to your individual financial circumstances.

What can I do to avail of one of Pepper’s options to support customers?

If you are a MyPepper customer, you can complete the Standard Financial Statement (SFS) online, this is an Income & Expenditure form. There is also guidance available to help you complete this form. If you are not a MyPepper customer, you can register on https://www.pepper-advantage.ie. Alternatively, please complete the SFS enclosed with the correspondence you received and return to us by post. If you require any assistance in completing the SFS please contact us, and we can assist you.

I am registered with My Pepper, if I am impacted by this error, when will I see the corrections on my account?

The corrections will be applied to your account at the same time our letter is issued to you explaining our error.  Therefore, you may see adjustments to your balance on MyPepper before you are in receipt of the letter.

What range of options is available if I cannot meet the increased payments?

Depending on your product type, options may include short-term arrangements that fix repayment amounts for a set number of months to longer-term solutions, such as extending repayment periods or implementing a temporary fixed interest rate reduction. All solutions will be tailored to your individual financial circumstances.

If interest rates change again will my payments change?

Following the correction of our error, your monthly repayment going forward will change following interest rate changes. Each time interest rates change you will receive advance notification and confirmation of your new interest rate and when your monthly repayment will come into effect.

I pay by Standing Order/Cheque, Bank Transfer, Debit Card, what do I need to do?

Direct Debit: no further action is required by you as your payment will automatically apply for the new amount. Other payment methods: you will need to make the necessary arrangements to amend your payment amount from the date the correct payment takes effect.

Does the error impact interest paid for the purpose of a Mortgage Interest Tax Claim?

If you receive a letter and are considering claiming a Mortgage Interest Tax credit for 2023, you should know that you may not have paid any additional interest in relation to the interest rate increases applied to your account during this period. This is because our error resulted in your monthly repayment not increasing when the interest rates increased. Further information on qualifying conditions can be found on www.revenue.ie.

Do you want to speak to a person?

 

Please contact us – we are here to help and support customers.

If you have any questions on the above or are concerned about your ability to meet repayments, please contact our Helpline 0818 818 181.

 

You can also contact a MABS office or the MABS helpline on 0818 07 2000