DRO & working tax credits

free101

Hi

I am a newbie here. Does anyone know if working tax credit overpayment can be included in the DRO?

I am on ESA income related and trying to get back into work, only problem is without WTC payments or by having to pay them back I will be worse off than being on ESA... so its a catch 22 situation at the moment. I might need to remain on benefits just to get through DRO period as living on £600 (inclu housing benefits) is not easy when most of that goes on rent.

Any advice would be great. Thanks.

debt_doctor

Hi,

So long as the o/p was not fraudulent then yes it can.

If ESA is your only income, then (assuming you are over 25) you should receive £71 pw (plus after 13 weeks a work or support component) plus maximum Housing Benefit (which may or may not pay your full rent) and full council tax benefit.
Is that what you receive?

DD

free101

Thank you for your reply DD, yes that is what I am receiving, however I dont receive enough to cover my rent as the town where I live, rent is never less than £90 per week (just for a room) and that exclu. bills I am thinking I will need to sit tight in this place as I have as its cheaper by most other places and I might struggle to get other accom if I have a poor credit check.