DWP and DEA

Mpatt

Hi

Just received a letter of DWP for an overpayment of £3464 from 22 years ago. They say they will contact my employer to arrange for deductions to be made from earnings. Can I do anything to stop them doing this?

I live in Scotland if this makes a difference

Thanks

sourcrates

I suggest you ring them ASAP if this is likely to leave you in hardship.

They have procedures in place to help you, but you must talk to them.

newsgroupmonkey_

sourcrates said:

I suggest you ring them ASAP if this is likely to leave you in hardship.

They have procedures in place to help you, but you must talk to them.

I'd never question you sourcrates, because you're an absolute demon on this board.

But CAB say that it can't be requested after 5 years, so sounds like it could be statute barred?

22 years is a bit of a mickey take, surely?

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/benefits/benefits-introduction/problems-with-benefits-and-tax-credits/overpayments-of-scottish-benefits-s/

sourcrates

It may be statute barred by limitation, but certain benefit overpayments can be taken by deduction from other benefits inperputuity basically, even your state pension.

Also the information you link too, is specific to just the benefits listed, the OP hasn`t clarified which benefit this is.

The Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973 applies in Scotland and provides for a time limit of 20 years for collection of certain benefit debts, and 5 years for others.

So its important to know which benefit this relates to.