DWP old debt

Leelee75

Hi, The DWP has sent us a letter saying we owe them money from 1996/1997 which I know we don't owe as we paid off the debt years and years ago. Problem I have is I have no proof. I work for an accountants and I've always understood you only need to keep paperwork for 6 years even when it comes to paying your taxes to the government etc so how can they come back at you for a debt 20 years on? It is ridiculous to expect us to have the details from that time. I can't believe they can come back at you this long on. In our letter it said they have changed the arrangements they made for us to pay back our social fund payment. They can't have changed it as it doesn't exist!!! Can they really expect you to know the date you paid off the loans and have proof of it this long on? I actually remember the phone conversation I had with the man on the phone saying I wanted to settle what we owed. The reason it sticks in my mind so much is that he was shocked we were paying it off. He told me no one ever pays these off!!!! I know I would have wrote a cheque to pay it and checked that it cleared at the time but I have no paperwork to prove it.
What can I do?
Thanks.

sourcrates

This is identical to your last post, you were advised what to do then ???

Leelee75

Hi, no sorry I wasn't. I added it on to someone else's post and I don't think anyone saw it so I started my own thread hoping someone could advise me. Our situation is slightly different as I know what they are asking about but I also know I paid it, I just don't know how to prove it after all these years.
Thanks

sourcrates

Leelee75 wrote: »

Hi, no sorry I wasn't. I added it on to someone else's post and I don't think anyone saw it so I started my own thread hoping someone could advise me. Our situation is slightly different as I know what they are asking about but I also know I paid it, I just don't know how to prove it after all these years.
Thanks

Ah ok,

Same advice that National debtline gave the other poster would apply to you also, they are not normally supposed to pursue debts more than 20 years old.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/70940932#Comment_70940932

Leelee75

Right, thanks for that. We will of course fight this as I am 100% sure I paid it off.
Many thanks

Leelee75

Quick update. The department we spoke to on 18th July have put in a complaint on our behalf. Got a letter today saying they are taking direct payments from our wages. I have phoned them and they have advised that they keep the debt recovery going even with a complaint in. So word of caution, if you are pursuing a complaint, set up a payment plan with them as they will get the money either way so it may as well be through you directly rather than going through your employer. I am sat here fuming right now as we weren't told this when we put in the complaint.