DRO's and benefits question

ani_26

I'll make it short. Can a back payment of benefits ostensibly over the £300 threshold, make a dro null and void?


Thanks in anticipation

National_Debtline

Hi ani 26

The view from our own DRO team is that yes, it would and could.

We would advise you that until this back payment has "naturally" dwindled to below the £300 mark, it would be wise to put any DRO application on ice. Some suggestions:

- If you need to replace an essential household item or applicance e.g. a broken down washing machine, and can supply relevant receipts, this would be regarded as a legitimate use of some/all of the lump sum.

- Alternatively, the sum may naturally dwindle as a result of plugging any gaps or deficits that may exist in your household budget.

- A final suggestion is that the lump sum (or enough of it to reduce it to <£300) be used to make pro-rata paymnts to each of your creditors.

hope this helps

NDL

ani_26

I've worked that out now. Thanks for your reply.x