9 x Old Crisis Loans DWP Debt Letter

oodj

I have just had a letter come through for 9 crisis loans I have apparently taken out between 2001 - 2004 from DWP
I know i had taken one out but pretty confident I never took 9!!
I was living in shared accomodation at the time so anything could of happened.
They have sent me a dept letter with just the total amount owing, are the individual crisis loans not seperate issues or are they allowed to combine all of them into one matter.
9 crissis loans is alot of loans in such a short period. I can't remember taking any of them out it was that long ago and I don't wanna pay for something now that I may not have had.

I have contacted them and I have the dates and amount of all 9, what are my options now?
Are they too old to collect now or can they still chase if they combine them into one debt.
Any advice please cause moneys really tight at the moment and this I could really do without
Thanks

HappyMJ

They are too old to collect by the normal means but if you ever want to claim a DWP payment again they will arrange payment of the loans from your payments so you will be hit at a time you really need money and you may never get another one ever again.

I would be asking for more evidence that you took them out signed forms for instance.

oodj

So they can't collect this debt then is that right?

fermi

Who is the letter from? DWP or a debt collector?

They cannot take legal action against you to recover the debts, but as said they can deduct from current or future benefits and recover them that way.

Basically you want to write and point out that:

(a) You dispute that took all these loans out, and require proof that you did to be sent if they continue to claim that you did.

(b) That, even if valid, the debts would be statute barred. Any attempt at legal action with be defended. With a debt collector, threats of legal action will be reported to the OFT and trading standards.

(c) If the debt is with a debt collection agency on behalf of DWP, then you require that they return the account to DWP along with your dispute, and state that you will only deal with DWP direct regarding these debts.

fermi

oodj wrote: »

So they can't collect this debt then is that right?

They would be barred from taking legal action to recover them.

They can still 'ask' you to pay though, or deduct from current/future benefits.

oodj

fermi wrote: »

Who is the letter from? DWP or a debt collector?

They cannot take legal action against you to recover the debts, but as said they can deduct from current or future benefits and recover them that way.

Basically you want to write and point out that:

(a) You dispute that took all these loans out, and require proof that you did to be sent if they continue to claim that you did.

(b) That, even if valid, the debts would be statute barred. Any attempt at legal action with be defended. With a debt collector, threats of legal action will be reported to the OFT and trading standards.

(c) If the debt is with a debt collection agency on behalf of DWP, then you require that they return the account to DWP along with your dispute, and state that you will only deal with DWP direct regarding these debts.

Thanks, the letters from DWP but states that it will be sent to a debt collectors after the 8th December if I don't arrange repayments now

samjef11_2

oodj wrote: »

Thanks alot, so send them that and wait for a reply. I better call them on Monday and say i have sent them a letter. Shall i send recorded delivery?

Best to send it recorded delivery and get proof of posting and they could say they have lost it or never received your letter and you got proof then they did received it signed for it and you also posted it.

oodj

Thanks for taking the time to help me. I have sent them that letter and will update when I get a responce

oodj

UPDATE,

I got a reply to my letter today. How can i post the pdf or jpeg image of it on here, says I can't being a new user

elsiepac

Hi oodj

I don't think you'll be able to. However it may contain personal information, and this is an anonymous forum. So, I would suggest you type out the letter, and replace any personall details with xxxxx or [deleted]

LC

oodj wrote: »

UPDATE,

I got a reply to my letter today. How can i post the pdf or jpeg image of it on here, says I can't being a new user

Hiddenidenity

elsiepac wrote: »

Hi oodj

I don't think you'll be able to. However it may contain personal information, and this is an anonymous forum. So, I would suggest you type out the letter, and replace any personall details with xxxxx or [deleted]

LC

Totally agree with this