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DWP sudden request for payment
AliceBanned
Posts: 3,171 Forumite
I'm in a bit of a panic as today I received a letter from the DWP saying I owe them £721 by 25 Jan 2012!! I don't owe them anything and it doesn't say what it refers to. I will phone them on Monday but wonder how on earth they can do this. I haven't claimed any benefits for well over 8 years and even then only for a few weeks. I've been in full time employment and have no children. Could it be do to do with national insurance payments? I haven't been self employed during this time or for a very long time.
I have no record of my financial situation before the past eight years. How can they just send letters like this with no explanation of what the money is for and without proof that I owe it to them??! It's quite scarey. Thanks I hope someone can help.
I have no record of my financial situation before the past eight years. How can they just send letters like this with no explanation of what the money is for and without proof that I owe it to them??! It's quite scarey. Thanks I hope someone can help.
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Comments
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oh dear that sounds frightening!
Unfortunatley I cant give you any help but I wish you best of luck sorting this one out!0 -
it sounds like a tax credits summons. Ring 0845 6088 569 and ask them why.0
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Did you ever get a crisis loan?
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/privacy-policy/data-protection/ - you can get a copy of your full file, free.
Probably a good idea to request it, along with copies of any phonecalls in question.0 -
we had this before, as have many others
i asked them to send through details of what it is for, as like you we were dumbstruck, as yet we have received nothing0 -
Thanks everyone. It must be an error. I've never had tax credits. I once had a small crisis loan - must be 9 years ago! I paid it back and don't owe the dwp anything unless there is some problem with my tax. Bit upsetting getting this though but I doubt they can demand anything without proof!0
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Sounds like a budgeting loan (made as couple?), HMRC would have sent the request if Tax Credit related.0
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Thanks. Then it's an error. I only once borrowed maybe £100, years ago and paid it back. Can't believe they can just send out letters willy nilly..0
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Does the letter have a National Insurance number quoted on it? If it has, check to see whether it is yours - if it's not yours then it could be that they're chasing someone with the same/similar name to you.0
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Always demand that they show their workings. In writing."Never underestimate the mindless force of a government bureaucracyseeking to expand its power, dominion and budget"Jay Stanley, American Civil Liberties Union.0
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Could it be do to do with national insurance payments?
If it was it would be from HMRC.I no longer work in Council Tax Recovery but instead work as a specialist Council Tax paralegal assisting landlords and Council Tax payers with council tax disputes and valuation tribunals. My views are my own reading of the law and you should always check with the local authority in question.0
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