Housing Benefit. 27 November 2014 at 10:57PM in Benefits & Tax Credits 7 replies 1.2K views

Caroline1666

I claimed housing benefit while I was on ESA and when I came off and got into employment, housing benefit was still being paid fora period of nine months, I did close my claim once I realised that I was overpaid, but should I tell them about the overpayment? So far they haven't been in contact with me.

NYM

Caroline1666 wrote: »

I claimed housing benefit while I was on ESA and when I came off and got into employment, housing benefit was still being paid fora period of nine months, I did close my claim once I realised that I was overpaid, but should I tell them about the overpayment? So far they haven't been in contact with me.

Maybe it would be best if you contacted them first as you know you've been overpaid.

Cheeky_Monkey

Yes, of course you should contact them about it. The longer you leave it, the worse it will be for you. They will catch up with you eventually so you can't avoid paying it back.

I'm just amazed that it took you so long to realise!

Housing_Benefit_Officer

A future Data Matching Exercise will pick it up and as you knew you were being overpaid you will probably be prosecuted for fraud.

Caroline1666

Thanks for the advice. I have been burying my head in the sand over this since Feb when I ended my claim. I will need to make myself bankrupt, as I have no way of paying this debit off nor the other financial messes I managed to get myself into.

NYM

Caroline1666 wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. I have been burying my head in the sand over this since Feb when I ended my claim. I will need to make myself bankrupt, as I have no way of paying this debit off nor the other financial messes I managed to get myself into.

Have you had a look at the Debt Managing board on here ?
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=136

I'm sure that posters on there can give you good information of how to manage your debts.

Housing_Benefit_Officer

Caroline1666 wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. I have been burying my head in the sand over this since Feb when I ended my claim. I will need to make myself bankrupt, as I have no way of paying this debit off nor the other financial messes I managed to get myself into.

Fraudulent debts are excluded from bankruptcy orders so you will still owe the money despite going bankrupt. They will probably obtain an attachment of earnings order and take some of your wages.

seven-day-weekend

Caroline1666 wrote: »

I claimed housing benefit while I was on ESA and when I came off and got into employment, housing benefit was still being paid fora period of nine months, I did close my claim once I realised that I was overpaid, but should I tell them about the overpayment? So far they haven't been in contact with me.

It might be a good idea.