Fredrickson International Ltd.

ste1200

Hi, some years ago my girlfriend received a couple of letters, she can't remember who from, saying she owed £73.63 as she had been overpaid for her jobseekers allowance. The last letter was approx 3 years ago. She has now received another letter about it from Fredrickson International Ltd. saying they have been instructed by iQor on behalf of Department for Work and Pensions. It was sent normal post. Should she ignore ?

Thanks
Ste

PNPSUKNET

I wouldnt ignore dwp debt collection, they will get it even if via direct deductions

sofababe

There are no loopholes for DWP debts I'm afraid. She'll have to pay up:(

ste1200

Even though the previous letters were received over 3 years ago and this letter was sent to an address she left 3 years ago and the letter doesn't explain the reason she owes the money ?

mr.ton

If your partner is still out of work then you can ask for the amount to be deducted from JSA at a small amount (under hardship rules) - if she is in employment, then she is the boss effectivley & can repay at £1 per month if she wishes.
Might also be worth asking them to provide proof that this amount is owed.

ste1200

Shes been in work for years now, do you think I should wait until they start sending letter RMSD or until they find her current address ? Whats the worst that could happen with this ? (not being sarcastic).

ste1200

She phoned Frederickson on Friday at was told to ring DWP as they didn't have any details apart from that it dated back to 2001. Surely if its that old she wont have to pay it, will she ?

sofababe

Debts to DWP never become statute barred. They will take it out of any benefit she claims in future, even a state pension if they have to but they will get it from her. Ask DWP for proof of the debt if she genuinely doesn't believe she was overpaid. If she does accept that she was overpaid then, sorry, but she'll have to pay it back. "What's the worst that could happen?" Being taken to court and having your credit file ruined for 6 years over a debt of 70 odd quid!