Too late??

seasonalbiz

My best mate came over my place last night in a state about his financial affairs, mainly as a result of him sticking his head in the sand - so I'm trying to help him sort some things out out.

One of the debts relates to a benefit overpayment.

I suspect I already know the answer, but have to ask anyway... once a debt of this sort has got to "attachment of earnings", is it too late?

His ex missus is a proper benefits scrounging waste of space, and during their split back in 2003/2004 she made a dual claim for housing benefit - one at his address (a housing association tenancy in his name) and the other at her parents privately owned house), while she was addicted to crack and had left the kids with him.

The council have come after him for the overpayment. I personally think as she was the only common denominator between the two claims, with one or two correctly worded letters he could of resolved the matter... but as usual, he stuck his head in the sand and it would seem a judgment has been made in his absence.

So is it way too late for him to address the matter properly with the council?

seasonalbiz

Any ideas?

pmlindyloo

Hi.

May I suggest that you also post this on the Debtfree Wannabe board as well? Very friendly and knowledgeable people there.

Link:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=76

You will need to start a new thread.

Hope this helps.

Oldernotwiser

He would only be liable for the overpayment if the claim in his name or is joint. Who was actually paying the rent on the HA property?

seasonalbiz

It was a joint claim between him and his ex.... but she also claimed for being at her parents - which he would of not been aware of.

I'm sure with the right approach he could of resolved it, but I would of thought after a judgment has been made and attachment of earnings - its too late to sort... hence the reason for my question.

rogerblack

seasonalbiz wrote: »

It was a joint claim between him and his ex.... but she also claimed for being at her parents - which he would of not been aware of.

I'm sure with the right approach he could of resolved it, but I would of thought after a judgment has been made and attachment of earnings - its too late to sort... hence the reason for my question.

How long has it been since the decision was made - if it's under a month, it's easier to appeal.

Oldernotwiser

seasonalbiz wrote: »

It was a joint claim between him and his ex.... but she also claimed for being at her parents - which he would of not been aware of.
.

Was the claim for the parents' house a joint or single claim?