Can the DWP take back money from your bank account-straight away?

Caseyffa

Can they do this at all?

My claim has just gone through - think I was successful. Just this morning had two payments in one large and one for support group rate so I assume I was successful. So I do not yet know if I am overpaid just want to get info on case.


I literally just got the money this morning, I don't know if it's an overpayment I just don't know about this benefits stuff or what im owed. Atm I'm worried to call up and check - I'm hoping my decision letter states what I've been paid and I'll go from there when it arrives. I don't want to raise a concern if there isn't one.

I hate leaving money in the bank too.

I know I'd be contacted about an overpayment but Do I need to be sent a letter about an overpayment before the DWP can take any action?

Can the DWP take money from the bank at all? Or only through debt/overpayment collection?

Can the DWP do a sort of reverse transaction? I'm sure companies have done that but before. Is there a time limit for when they can reverse it?

Thanks

Muttleythefrog

Yeah I wouldn't worry.. but I would be tempted to call up and ask if you had successfully been placed into WRAG or Support group following assessment...if they're reluctant to answer point out you've received payments that you cannot explain. Certainly historically and perhaps still now.. often it was through bank account payments that claimants would get first notice of decisions. Maybe that has happened here.. I doubt it'd be error... and if you don't call then I would give it a week for a decision type letter and then think about making the call.

As a side matter I strongly suggest you request a copy of the assessment report (ESA85) if you had an assessment.. if you didn't there may be a short report (ESA85a) instead. And in terms of your later questions.. I don't know the answers but I suspect you could quickly erase the need for answers.

Cyclamen

I would and have given them a ring.

I recieved what i thought was an overpayment before Christmas and telephoned. It turned out they'd been checking old files and I had been underpaid 5 years previously, so the money was mine. The letter saying so didn't arrive for another week or so.

When you are first awarded you get a back payment to start date of application and then your normal payments..could it be this?

I am fairly sure that at the start of ESA and DLA then transfer to PIP money went into my account before i received a letter So whist i think its best not to spend it until you know in my experience it is most likely your award.

TELLIT01

Call them. As long as you can tell them the amount of the payments they will be happy to explain what they are for. If you just called and said you have received 2 payments but can't tell them the amounts they won't (or shouldn't) discuss it with you.

Caseyffa

Thank you everyone!! So supportive

Just rang up (ironically I was suppose to yesterday!). I called up and said I wanted to check the status of my claim / if there's. even a decision yet. The women just kept asking if I meant I was asking about the monies I've been payed. I was like "no..." sounding naturally confused as I was but I didn't even have to bring it up!

My main query was actually about the actual decision though. It's all okay. Apparently a decision was made last week for the support group. And the large sum of money I recieved are "Arrears" from my claim backdating to November. Don't know why as I thought I only would only get paid more after my assessment.

But I'm not complaining! I really needed this! Can't wait to document and review my whole claim experience!

seven-day-weekend

Makes a nice change to have someone reporting some good news! Thank for sharing with us.

TELLIT01

CaseyFfa wrote: »

And the large sum of money I recieved are "Arrears" from my claim backdating to November. Don't know why as I thought I only would only get paid more after my assessment.

The Assessment period is 13 weeks. If it actually takes longer than that to get the assessment, as it has done in your case, you are entitled to the extra component from the 92nd day of the claim. As you didn't realise that it comes as a pleasant surprise, which isn't something DWP dish out too often.:D

Caseyffa

Indeed it was! This money means everything to me. It's a new start. I got £2000, I've been in such a position that I can live off of this for a year or two.

I'll put a bit aside as Emergency. It may be easy money but it's not worth my mental health, I'd rather be well. I really want to go private and now I can. I HATE the NHS. Only ever let me down.

Finally a chance to move foreword.