Overpaid Housing Benefit
What is an
overpayment?
An overpayment is when you get more
benefit than you're entitled to. This includes benefits
that have been paid to you, your landlord or any amount that
has been credited directly to your rent account.
Why have I got an overpayment?
You may have an overpayment of benefit because you
might have forgotten to tell us:
- Your income has gone up;
- Your savings have gone up;
- Somebody has moved in or out of your home;
- You've started work or changed jobs;
- You've a non-dependant living with you - their income may
have changed; or
- You've moved out of your home.
You shouldn't rely on the Department for Work
and Pensions or your landlord to inform us of any changes in
your circumstances.
How will I know if I have an overpayment?
We'll write and tell you. The letter you get from us
will give full details of the overpayment.
How we recover an overpayment
We can use several methods to recover the overpayment these
are:
- If you still get Housing Benefit we may reduce this
each week by a set amount;
- If your Housing Benefit stops we'll send you an invoice for the
amount you owe;
- Deductions from
DWP
benefits;
or
- Claim from the estate of a deceased person.
Ways to pay
- Online - pay
now
- Phone - using our automated phone payment
system on 0845 121 2970 . Lines are open 24 hours, 7 days a
week. Or, you can phone our Contact Centre 0845 121 2970
. Please have your invoice number and debit or credit card
handy.
- Post Offices and Paypoint outlets
- please remember to present your invoice, which contains a
barcode, with your payment. You're not charged for this
service.
- Standing order - please phone the Overpayments
Section on 01706 926179 they'll send you a mandate which you should
complete and send to your bank.
If you wish to discuss payment of your invoice please call 01706
926179.
What if I disagree with the overpayment?
If you don't understand, disagree with the overpayment or want
to know how your overpayment has been calculated you can:
- Ring us on 0845 121 2970.
- Write to us.
- Get free confidential advice and guidance from organisations
such as the Citizens Advice Bureau.
If you want us to look at your claim again or you want to appeal
you must make your request in writing within one calendar month
from the date of your overpayment letter. Information on
how to appeal can be found at appeal
Housing Benefit decisions.
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