DEA after discharge

Somedayillretire

I am hoping someone can help.
So I was declared bankrupt 9th July 2020 and was discharged 2021, followed every rule laid down by the OR and haven't touched credit since.

Today I have received a letter off the DWP debt management saying I owe £712.99 which they will be taking by DEA every week starting this Friday.

I honestly have no idea about this debt until today and when I spoke to them they said its from an overpayment of Income Support/Social Fund from 2015.  I was on Income Support early 2015 when I became redundant but cancelled my claim as soon I found a new job and applied for Working Tax/Child Tax.
The woman I spoke to today said because I didn't send an AVA form when I became bankrupt I am now liable for these payments and this debt.

I called the OR but the woman there wasn't sure if it wasn't listed if I am liable and has arranged a call back from an OR.

I'm really worried now in case I have forgotten about any other debts and they will be able to now enforce debts.

I am so upset that all the scrimping and saving to save the fee and working within a budget for the past 2 years to become debt free was pointless.

Does anyone have any advice on what I need to do or where to go.  Thank you in advance.

sourcrates

If its a social fund loan, then its one of the few debts not covered by your bankruptcy.

Others debts still recoverable are -

• Social Fund Loans
• Court Fines
• Child Maintenance Arrears
• Student Loans
• TV Licence Arrears
• Debts incurred through fraud
• Mortgages (If you want to keep your property)

Best you can do is make an affordable offer of payment.

Your bankruptcy wasn`t pointless, the amount of this debt is only £700 .

Three years will see it repaid at £20 per month. You just need to speak to them.

Somedayillretire

Thank you for the reply.

Sorry for a stupid question but can I stop a DEA now it's been applied for and put on my wages?

Do I have to get a breakdown of the debt because the woman I spoke to said it was for Social Loan and Income Support or is that the same?  Do I pay it all back? I just remember the OR saying something about stopping all payments regardless of how small because it could be seen as preferential and wrong but it was 2 years ago so I could be wrong on that.

Thank you again for your help, it's much appreciated and like you said in 3 years it will be gone.

sourcrates

Speak to whoever you need to speak too and find out is all I can suggest.

JonVarnas

Ring up debt management again. The people who man the call centres aren't the sharpest tools in the box. Ask for more info with regards to whether it's an income support debt or social fund. If they're still not forthcoming then do a "Subject Access Request". https://secure.dwp.gov.uk/personal-information-request/name

Somedayillretire

Thank you for your help and advice.
I spoke to the OR who confirmed what Sourcrates said that the Social Fund debt would need to be repaid.  The income support wouldn't as this part is covered in my bankruptcy.
He hadn't heard of an AVA form either but said they would contact them for a breakdown so the income support could be added to my list of creditors and I could set up a payment plan for the remainder.
The DEA would be suspended for the time being whilst they deal with the breakdown and setting up of the payment plan.
I am going to give it a few days and chase them again if I haven't heard anything.
Thanks again for the advice.