FROM THE ADVOCATE’S DESK

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Understanding Your Federal Debt: What Is Proof of Debt and How Do I Request It?

A note for anyone staring at a federal non-tax debt they do not fully understand

If you received a federal debt collection letter and you no longer have your original paperwork, you are not alone. Many borrowers are unsure where their documents are, especially when a loan or obligation is several years old. Life happens: moves, business changes, and day to day responsibilities make record keeping difficult.

You still have every right to understand what you are being asked to pay. Requesting proof of your debt is a way to ease your mind that the government is attempting to collect a legitimate debt. You are asking for clarity so you can make informed decisions. This is especially important if you do not recall borrowing money from the federal government; when you receive the documents, you can quickly ascertain if the debt is yours to repay.

What proof of federal debt really means

Proof of debt refers to the documents that show the debt exists and how the government reached the amount they say you owe. It is simply the foundation of the debt, including information such as:

The original signed loan documents or award letter when applicable
Initial notices
Due process letters
Records that explain why the debt became delinquent

You are not expected to rely on memory. You are allowed to see the documents that support the debt.

Before a debt is referred to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service for collection

Under federal regulation, the referring agency must certify that the debt is valid, delinquent, legally enforceable, and eligible for collection. This requirement comes from 31 CFR 285.12 and related federal debt collection statutes.

The law requires that debts meet certain standards before they can be collected at the federal level. Because of this requirement, you are allowed to ask for proof that the debt is valid and that proper procedures were followed before Treasury debt collection begins.

This protects borrowers and ensures that the referring agency and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service are collecting on just debts.

What if you need detailed accounting because the balance seems wrong?

Borrowers are sometimes confused when they receive a packet that does not show every transaction. Here is the part many people do not know.

In the early collection stages, a borrower who disputes the amount of the debt will likely receive only a basic explanation of the balance. A detailed accounting is most often provided during a Wage Garnishment Hearing because when you request a hearing, you are allowed to dispute the amount of the debt.

The accounting used in a hearing may include:

A transaction history
How payments were applied
Any Treasury offsets
Adjustments or reversals
The current total

This documentation helps you understand how the balance was calculated, which is likely to include additional fees, penalties, and interest that have accrued.

What if you do not have your original documents?

You have two options.

Option 1: Call the Cross Servicing Call Center at 888 826 3127.
You can request your records directly from Fiscal Service.

Option 2: Authorize an advocate to request documents for you.
If you choose to work with us, you may complete FS Form 13. This form allows Fiscal Service to release your federal debt documentation to your advocate.

How to request proof of debt

You can call the Bureau of the Fiscal Service Cross Servicing Call Center at the number given above and verify that they have your current address and request that they mail them to you.

If you are uncomfortable with the process, you can choose to work with us and we will help you every step of the way.

What happens after you request documents?

When borrowers receive their documents, the reaction is usually a mix of emotions. Sometimes the paperwork confirms what they hoped was not true. Other times it helps them finally understand what happened and what needs to be fixed. Either way, seeing the actual records removes guesswork and confusion, and that clarity helps you plan your next step with more confidence.

What you can do next depends on where you are in the process.

If you have not received a Notice of Intent to Initiate Wage Garnishment, you may be able to dispute the debt with the information you receive.

If you have received a Notice of Intent to Initiate Wage Garnishment, your next step may be to request a Wage Garnishment Hearing.

Depending on your situation, you may also prepare financial information for a payment arrangement or explore a compromise when appropriate.

You do not need to navigate any of this alone. Once you have the foundation of the debt in front of you, you can move forward in a steady, organized way with the right support.

Quick Answers at a Glance

What can I ask for?
Documents that show the debt exists and how the balance was calculated.

Does asking for proof delay anything?
No. It simply gives you the information you are entitled to.

When do I get the full accounting?
When you object to the amount of the debt in a Wage Garnishment Hearing request.

What if I lost my paperwork?
You can call 888 826 3127 or authorize us to request documents on your behalf.

Is this legal?
Yes. Federal law requires that debts be valid and legally enforceable before they are collected.

When to request help

If the process feels overwhelming, that is normal. These letters are stressful and the terminology can be confusing.

We can help you:
Request proof of federal debt
Review the Treasury debt collection records you receive
Identify any missing or inconsistent information
Prepare disputes or hearing requests
Organize your income and expenses and submit them with your financial disclosure
Plan next steps with non judgmental support

You deserve clarity and a plan you can understand.

Reassurance from your advocate

You are not failing. You are doing the responsible thing by asking for information. Requesting proof of debt is not confrontational, asking for it provides clarity. And, best of all, the originating agency is required to provide proof that the debt is valid and legally enforceable. It is the foundation you deserve so you can move forward with a plan that protects your income and your peace of mind.

You do not have to figure this out alone. We are here to walk with you, one clear step at a time.

Your Advocate Is Ready to Help

If you have questions or want someone to handle the communication for you, schedule your free 15 minute consultation today.

Contact: YourAdvocate@nontaxdebthelp.com
Intake form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSed_I8QejJSd19_fA1d

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