Ask the DWP for evidence of this 'debt'. They will have to prove it, and there will be pretty comprehensive records from that time. If they've made a mistake then it's not your problem.
Hi,
I am new to this site nd dont mean to sound rude but something you have put is wrong, l no this as l am trying to get the DWP to sort something out from 2002/2003 when they closed down my partners and my claim for no reason.
The correct information is yes ask the DWP for evidence of this 'debt' but be expected not to get it as they destroy all paperwork regarding benefit claims after 4 years, This is unless it is part of a overpayment which they are currently taking out of your benefits.
As l said earlier l am trying to obtain information from them dating back even further than you and have been told that all paperwork from then has been destroyed under the dwp policy of not keeping relivant paperwork for more than 4 years. I have found it very difficult to get anything regarding the paperwork l need but it may be on there computers but every month it is backed up and put in storage which is then moved to remote storage after 3 yrs.
I wish you luck with gaining the info you require and remember if they cant prove you owe them money then you DONT owe it