Attachment of earnings housing benefit overpayment

NeilCr

In general benefit overpayments are non priority debts. Rent arrears are a priority.

Londonsu

NeilCr wrote: »

In general benefit overpayments are non priority debts. Rent arrears are a priority.

But surely benefit debts should be second in that case, after all its tax payers money that needs to be paid back


I stand by what I have said morally housing benefit should be a priority over credit card debts etc and not just a case of 'fairness' and certainly should not just be seen as a priority just because it may have an adverse affect on the debtor like eviction its like saying I am not going to lose my home so it doesn't matter

NeilCr

A priority debt is one where there is a serious outcome if you don't deal with it - homelessness, prison, bailiffs, electricity cut off etc. As I say benefit overpayments don't generally come into that category - nor does a cc bill

We can all have our own opinions about the "rankings "beyond that. If you get specialist debt advice they will get you to deal with priority debts before non priority

NYM

NeilCr wrote: »

A priority debt is one where there is a serious outcome if you don't deal with it - homelessness, prison, bailiffs, electricity cut off etc. As I say benefit overpayments don't generally come into that category - nor does a cc bill

We can all have our own opinions about the "rankings "beyond that. If you get specialist debt advice they will get you to deal with priority debts before non priority

That's common sense though isn't it?

NeilCr

NYM wrote: »

That's common sense though isn't it?

Well yes. Just labouring the point!

:cool:

tshirtsuntan

I guess for me it's not really important what debt is a priority or not......they are all.a priority to me and I'm duly paying them off what is upsetting Is one creditor thinks they are more important than another. Yes it's taxpayers money........ But guess what? I'm a tax payer too!!! It's swings and roundabouts as they say.

pmlindyloo

I think you need to talk to your DMP provider. They may be able to negotiate with the council on your behalf and query where they are not accepting the amounts put in your statement of affairs (income and expenditure.)

If the council do decide to go with an attachment of earnings (link so you can check the amounts they deduct )

https://www.thanet.gov.uk/your-services/benefits/housing-benefit-overpayments/employers-guide/

then I would think that your DMP provider will then do an adjustment to your other creditors or suggest alternative management of your debts.

NYM

...(bearing.in mind if I did that would not be fair to my other creditors)

You really need to forget about 'being fair' to your other creditors. You've already closed the door on getting future credit for some years without paying through the nose on rates.

Your employer will be notified through a DEA notice, which by the way, will additionally attract administrative costs, you'll have to agree to increase your payment.

tshirtsuntan

Thanks for all of your replies it's all very helpful.

NYM- I know I've damaged my.credit for years. saying that to someone who owes debt is Like telling someone they need air to breathe. Thanks for your input on.my thread though it's all very helpful.

rokwarm

Agreeing a repayment schedule might work...