DWP Benefit Overpayment Recovery - Advice Needed

creativesoul_2

Morning everyone hope you're all well.

I've received a letter today from a company saying they have been instructed to recover monies for the DWP as I have failed to respond to correspondence from them. They have told me they will be sending a representative to my home to recover the debt if I don't reply within 5 days of the date of the letter. The 5 days have already passed as the letter is dated 1st December.

I have recently moved home and I was aware of a Housing Benefit overpayment made to me. The Council at the time accused me of Benefit Fraud and asked me to attend an interview under caution. However, before the date of the interview I received a letter confirming that they have looked into the case and feel there was no need to attend the interview and they were satisfied that the overpayment was due to a genuine mistake. (On whose part I'll never know but no apology was ever given!) I was always careful to advise them of any changes in my circumstances as requested.

So since this happened, I have been in constant contact both by letter and email to the Housing Benefit department of the Council concerned. The Housing Benefit Officer informed me they could recover the debt owed by deducting a small amount from any benefit I receive. My circumstances have changed significantly since moving, I'm not in receipt of any benefits and my partner is the sole income earner for our family. I am actively seeking work but was refused JSA based on my Partner's income (which really does scrape by each month so we're hardly flush). So we have no spare money at the end of the month at all so I'm unsure how I can offer any repayment amount at this time. To give you an idea, at the end of November we had to put £200 worth of bills on the credit card which is now at its limit and our bank balance was -£48.

Now this company has contacted me, I'm not really sure what to do from here. I'm unsure what the minimum amount is they would be willing to accept and I'm unsure what action they can take? I've never received anything like this before and I wanted some advice before proceeding. I accept that the overpayment has been made and I've never refused to make a payment. I'm annoyed that they say I've not replied to any letters as I have been in constant contact with the department involved updating them with my situation along the way.

Does anyone have any advice or experience with this? I want it resolved ASAP but as I can't afford to pay it all off in one go I'm worried that they'll make my life hell.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Katy

Mara69

As you completely accept that you have to make repayments, I would suggest you look at the Debt Free board. There is some excellent advice on there and if you download the budget planner and/or post up a statement of affairs others will be able to make some suggestions on making further cutbacks. Ultimately, you have to offer them something - and backed up with a sturdy, complete financial assessment form you have a better chance of your offer being accepted.

Incidentally, I would call/e-mail or fax the debt recovery company, explain that you have only just received their letter and will respond in full within the five days from date of receipt of the letter.