Yes. Not every request for more time requires a formal hardship assessment. If you need a short extension — a few extra weeks to gather funds, settle an insurance claim, or wait for a payment due to you — you can simply contact us and explain the situation.
Short-term extension vs formal hardship:
- A short-term extension is an informal agreement to allow a defined extra period before payment is required. It does not require a detailed review of your income, expenses or financial position — just a clear explanation of the reason and a realistic date by which you can pay.
- A formal hardship arrangement is a more involved process, appropriate when a person is experiencing genuine ongoing financial difficulty — reduced income, illness, or a significant life change — and needs a sustainable long-term arrangement rather than just a brief delay.
How to request a short extension: Contact us, quote your reference number, explain your circumstances briefly, and tell us when you realistically expect to be in a position to pay. We will consider every genuine request and confirm whether we can accommodate the extension in writing.
If, when you contact us, it becomes apparent that your situation is more significant than a short-term delay — that paying would cause genuine ongoing hardship — we will discuss the formal hardship process with you at that point.
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