DWP debt management have made a big mistake!

pmlindyloo

I would start by requesting a SAR (Subject access Request)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dwp-request-for-personal-information

This would then give you any documents that they are holding. There must be some as they say they have contacted the fraud department who investigated you.

Make sure you include your old address where you were receiving JSA and your present address and all the departments that you have had contact with.

If they are saying that you were investigated when you were receiving JSA then please be aware that the DWP have many ways of cross referencing so please have a careful think about what this may have been about.

For example, any chance someone reported you for working? For living with a partner? For having savings/other income? Had you lost your job?

Am not suggesting that anything was amiss but just trying to give you a 'heads up' about possible scenarios.

Lioness_Twinkletoes

That's a really good idea, pmlindyloo. I wonder if they've agreed to put recovery on hold in the meantime? I've had a similar problem and the DWP refused to suspend recovery. As a SAR request takes weeks the OP could find the direct deductions start before this issue is resolved.

Darter245

Thanks for the advice I will do exactly that on Monday. They said the original fraud investigation appeared to be because they believed I was working, that's what they assumed but she wasn't sure for definite. I know this not to be true however so totally dispute this. Now they are saying after 10 years everything is wiped so can't find old paperwork etc. I'm just very concerned that they are going to start taking money from my wage before I can sort this ridiculous mess out.

pmlindyloo

Darter245 wrote: »

Thanks for the advice I will do exactly that on Monday. They said the original fraud investigation appeared to be because they believed I was working, that's what they assumed but she wasn't sure for definite. I know this not to be true however so totally dispute this. Now they are saying after 10 years everything is wiped so can't find old paperwork etc. I'm just very concerned that they are going to start taking money from my wage before I can sort this ridiculous mess out.

The other thing I would do is visit CAB with any paperwork/letters that you have and ask them to telephone the DWP and put a hold on any action while you and they investigate. You could phone the DWP yourself but often the CAB has more 'influence'.

Before you go to CAB make a timeline to start before you claimed JSA to when you stopped and then since then. It would be helpful to include where you worked and where you were living and when you moved. This just keeps it 'on point' for the CAB advisor.

Darter245

I am actually off work tomorrow and have been researching myself online the best course of action to take and everything seems to point to getting the CAB involved. I will ring them tomorrow for advice. I am a work the rest of the week so I just hope I can find the time to get in and see them. Good advice as well thanks I will take all letters, notes and create that timeline.

Many thanks

Micky

Sncjw

If your off tommorow I would go to can rather than ring as they have drop in sessions of you look for your local but you will have to go early

Darter245

I'm only off tomorrow as I have a poorly child, i wish I could get along tomorrow I just want to see some progress now. Thanks for your advice tho.

pmduk

I'd also contact your MP's local office urgently. S/he'll be able to get things moving at a much more senior level.

Xbigman

Can you get your bank statements from 2006 so you have a record of exactly what you were paid? This may or may not be helpful.


Darren

Darter245

I contacted the CAB by phone and had a good chat but the earliest I can get in to see them is 17th of May. A tad too late I fear.

I'm waiting for a manager from Sunderland benefits office to ring back. However in the meantime debt management have informed me that they have wrote to my employer asking to set up a detachment of earnings order. I said that was outrageous as nothing had been concluded with the benefits office and they had no evidence to support what they were saying. He agreed whatever evidence they think they mite have had was now not there. However he said he had a LC54 form which meant a decision had been made in the past so they could pursue me for the overpayment they believe I owe.

Hopefully I get a call from Sunderlsnd tomoro.

Thanks again

Micky