being chased for a debt!!!!

lost_but_looking

not sure if this is the correct place for this?? if not please move.

i have recieved a letter from the deptfor work and pensions about a debt from 2000.
this is nearly 8 yrs ago!!!! firstly i don't ever remember oweing any money, around that time i was having problems and was out of work and on the dole but i really don't know how or why i'd owe them money???? also can they legally chase me if i do? does the 6 yr rulling count here?
any advise is welcome.

Gillianh2

The 6 year rule does not apply to the DWP. If you are unsure what this claim is for you shold contact the DWP. You can arrange a repayment plan to suit yourself.

fermi

From: http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/factsheet.php?page=25_liability_for_debts_and_the_limitation_act

Benefit Overpayments & Social Fund Loans

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has six years to take action through the courts to recover benefit overpayments and social fund loans. This time starts running from the date of the final decision made on the overpayment and from when the social fund loan was due to be paid. But the DWP are still allowed to make deductions from your benefit for a debt over six years old as they don't need to go to court to do this. This applies to overpayments of benefit such as Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and paying back social fund loans.