What you'll do
- Understand when a hold makes more sense than a withdrawal
- Know what to confirm before pausing recovery
- Place a debt on hold through the right steps
- Set expectations for how long a hold lasts
- Resume recovery cleanly when you are ready
5 min
Hold versus withdraw
A hold pauses recovery without closing the matter, which is useful when you expect to resume soon, perhaps because the debtor has asked for a short payment arrangement or you are checking a query. A withdrawal closes the matter entirely. If you only need a temporary pause, a hold is the better choice.
How to place a hold
- Locate the matter reference for the debt.
- Contact your recovery officer and ask to place it on hold.
- Explain the reason and how long you expect the pause to last.
- Confirm whether any debtor contact should continue or stop.
- Ask for confirmation that the hold is in place.
- Note the hold and any review date on your own records.
Being clear about timing helps everyone plan the next step.
Resuming recovery
When you are ready, simply ask to lift the hold and recovery picks back up. If the situation has changed, you might instead withdraw the debt or refer further accounts at merion.com.au/refer-a-debt. Keeping us informed avoids mixed messages reaching the debtor.
Good to know
- A hold pauses recovery without closing the matter
- Use a hold for short, temporary pauses and a withdrawal to close
- Set an expected review date so the pause does not drift
FAQ
What is the difference between a hold and a withdrawal?
A hold pauses recovery and keeps the matter open. A withdrawal closes it entirely. Choose a hold for a temporary pause.
How long can a debt stay on hold?
Set an expected duration when you request the hold. Keeping a review date stops the pause from drifting indefinitely.
How do I resume recovery?
Ask your recovery officer to lift the hold and recovery resumes. Confirm whether anything has changed in the meantime.
Still not sure? Our team is happy to talk it through.