Council Tax Overpayment

sweetcarer

I got a letter from my council today asking for an overpayment of over £450 for council tax from August 2005 - December 2005. At that time I was claiming Incapacity Benefit (GP advised me to get this benefit) until I got a job in December 2005 (started at beginning of December). At that time I was on my own, as my husband had died in June 2005. I had a very bad house fire in February 2006 and lost all my paper work.

My question is basically can they ask now for this money? They were aware of my situation then as I remember getting housing benefit but I can't remember about the council tax benefit but I am sure I must of. I am very concerned as I don't think I can afford this - it has been quite a shock - any help appreicated.

Many thanks

sweetcarer

bobajob_1966

Yes, they can ask, but before paying anything you need to ask for proof of the overpayment.

chickywiggle

OUCH - I would defiatly fight it - if they can 'prove' the overpayment then the relevant department can 'prove' what benefits you were on when.
IF they make you pay it agree it will be at e.g 10p a week (IIRC they cannot refuse this)

bobajob_1966

chickywiggle wrote: »

OUCH - I would defiatly fight it - if they can 'prove' the overpayment then the relevant department can 'prove' what benefits you were on when.
IF they make you pay it agree it will be at e.g 10p a week (IIRC they cannot refuse this)

They cannot refuse a reasonable offer of repayment. Being difficult for the sake of it will get the OP nowhere.

23rdspiral

Ouch! So sorry to hear that. I second what chicky says

CIS

IF they make you pay it agree it will be at e.g 10p a week (IIRC they cannot refuse this)

No money would be refused but it wouldn't stop action being taken to recover the balance outstanding.

At that time I was claiming Incapacity Benefit

People on incapacity benefit rarely qualify for full council tax benefit.

I got a letter from my council today asking for an overpayment of over £450 for council tax from August 2005 - December 2005

Do you know what stage the recovery action is at ?

sweetcarer

CIS wrote: »

No money would be refused but it wouldn't stop action being taken to recover the balance outstanding.



People on incapacity benefit rarely qualify for full council tax benefit.



Do you know what stage the recovery action is at ?

Incapacity benefit was the only income I had at that time.

I just got the letter yesterday - will have to wait till after work today to phone them and see what is happening.

Thanks for replies so far

sweetcarer