3 months left - accidental DWP debt!

Shay291

Hi everyone

3 months left of my BR - everything has been going well, can't wait to be discharged. Over the last two months my mental health & scoliosis was catching up on me, so I was signed off work for two months on Universal Credit. As I was struggling I asked for the advanced loan. I ended up getting an offer of part time work about two weeks ago, so I signed myself off. Have received a letter today saying I owe DWP 286.£

What do I do regarding this? If I call them with my BR number will that be enough? I mean, I didn't really intend to end up with this (very minuscule) debt, nor did I want to continue being on benefits. The letter suggests that I just communicate with them if I'm unable to pay it - they've given me a months' grace

Will I get in trouble with the OR? Did not mean to end up in another debt, but needed the advanced payment very much as I was struggling enormously in May and in a very bad place.

Is paying it out of the question? I was going to suggest a small payment every month, out of my wages if possible but I seriously do not want to get into trouble re: preferential payments when I'm so close to the end!

Any advice muchly appreciated.

Minkym00

Don’t worry, your bankruptcy order only covers debts incurred prior to the order. The OR isn’t interested in debts after that unless you’ve incurred credit of more than £500 without informing the lender that you are undischarged.

Preferential payments are only those made to your bankruptcy debts so this does not apply here.

Contact DWP and ask for a payment plan.

All the best.

Shay291

thank you!:)