Hey everyone,
(TL;DR at bottom)
Sorry if this type of post isn't really allowed here but I just got some bad news and I didn't know where to go.
So (this is a throwaway account to protect my personal info), I am a U.S. Marine Veteran, been out for about 4 years and been going to school on and off for those 4 years. I am living outside the US, so I was doing online school, while trying to find work and learning the language of the country I moved to (where my wife is from). So, after 3 years I finally found a job and have been working since November 2016.
Anyway, I stopped taking courses when I started working, to focus on work and other things. Well I withdrew from my courses (after 1 week), so it was within the drop period. I had no problems and didn't know anything was wrong until a few weeks ago.
I got a notification from USAA (my bank) saying my credit score had dropped, which was curious to me. I had a 794, never had any late payments and now all the sudden my credit score was 580. The VA had sent a $250 bill to collections. I had no idea what this bill was from, as they never sent me any bill.
After trying to contact the VA unsuccessfully, only getting generic (we have received your email) I tried contacting via phone, some 800 number. They also were not able to help me because I did not have any payment case number, because I had never received a bill.
So they said, we'll send you something in the mail. Well 4 weeks later, they sent 3 notices to my Mom's house (my US Mailing address) saying what I owe, along with the case numbers.
First bill was $320, second was $1285 and third was $2048. So, somehow I owe them $3653. I don't have that type of cash just laying around. I could pay with a credit card but what are my options? I never received a bill, collection notice or anything.
Looking for advice, options, help, anything..
TL;DR
VA sent bill to collections, without ever sending me a notice. Credit score was destroyed and I now owe them $3653, what are my options?
Submitted July 24, 2017 at 11:16PM by IneedVAhelp http://ift.tt/2tFArMA
