Hi, I just received a letter stating that I have 30 days to respond to a wage garnishment request that has been set in motion by the Department of Education. Last month I recieved a phone call from DOE at work and was told I could enter into a rehabilitation payment plan, I agreed and asked for something in writing I was told by the rep that there was nothing that she could give me in writing until I gave her my bank information and allowed her to put a $200 hold in my account. She told me that I had to agree to that amount and after the $200 is paid I would have to pay $50 a month. I told her I can agree to $50 a month but I still needed something in writing before I could give any of my bank information, again we went in the same circle. I told her again I would enter into the program but I needed something in writing and I'm definitly not giving my bank info over the phone.
She told me that I was refusing to pay and that she would garnish my wages. I told her she was wrong and that I only wanted something in writing, I offered a fax number where she could fax me some information, again she refused. I then asked her to please do not call my job and to contact me via mail from now on, well the following day I received another call from the office and she put her superviser on the phone and she offered me the same deal and again I agreed to pay $50 a month but I would not give my bank information over the phone to allow them to put a $200 hold on my account. SO they told me that I have no other choice but to be garnished.
So now I have this letter that says I can voluntary make payments but now they have to be equal to 15% of my income, I'm willing to pay but I can't afford %15 of my income, my loan is $3800, can they refuse my offer of $50-75 a month?
PS, all of this is sooo new to me, so if I was wrong in wanting written proof of an arrangement BEFORE even thinking of giving my bank info please let me know because I don't know if that was the law or just the offices practice.
