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old debt

Hi Can anyone help me,
Last year i was made redundant and had to sign on the dole.
after 6 weeks I received a letter from the department of work and pensions saying I owed them £522 .So I contacted them and they informed me the debt was from 1987 . I asked why it has taken so long to contact me . After a short discussion the person I was talking to spoke to there manager and said that they would not pursue this further as it was such a long time ago. then about 4 weeks ago another letter arrived asking for payment .I contacted them and they told me it was recoverable .Very worried cant afford to pay it will put me in serious debt.
just dont understand why they didnt ask me to pay when I was working.

Regards

layalexmac

Comments

  • McKneff
    McKneff Posts: 38,857 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Do you remember the debt, did you ask what it was for.

    It the debt is owed, they will eventually deduct amounts from your benefits.
    make the most of it, we are only here for the weekend.
    and we will never, ever return.
  • No I dont what the debt was for .

    I dont receieve any benefits they say i am not entitled to any after 6 months my wife works to many hours .
  • king100
    king100 Posts: 1,565 Forumite
    Benefit overpayments and social fund loans

    The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has six years to take action through the courts to recover benefit overpayments and social fund loans. This time starts running from the date of the final decision made on the overpayment and from when the social fund loan was due to be paid. But the DWP are still allowed to make deductions from your benefit for a debt over six years old as they don't need to go to court to do this. This applies to overpayments of benefit such as Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and paying back social fund loans

    http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/factsheet.php?page=25_liability_for_debts_and_the_limitation_act
    I all have learnt is from others on many sites.
    Seek legal help if unsure.
    Dont pay Private Parking tickets - they are mere invoices.

    PRESS THANKS
    }
  • McKneff
    McKneff Posts: 38,857 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    layalexmac wrote: »
    No I dont what the debt was for .

    I dont receieve any benefits they say i am not entitled to any after 6 months my wife works to many hours .

    You need to ask them what th debt is for and get it in writing.

    Do yu think yu may have had a social fund loan or something like that.
    make the most of it, we are only here for the weekend.
    and we will never, ever return.
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