Housing benefit overpayments

rjw273

We are currently paying back an overpayment of housing benefit which will be cleared in January 2019. If we switch to Universal credit in the next few weeks or so, how is the outstanding overpayment cleared? Do they deduct from UC payments?

[Deleted User]

As you will still owe the money it will still be deducted.

calcotti

venison wrote: »

As you will still owe the money it will still be deducted.

I don't think the original post was questioning that. I think they simply want to know if the arrears will still be recovered by deduction from ongoing benefit (Universal Credit) or whether they will have to make a different arrangement.

I'm not sure of the answer and haven't found relevant guidance (following, I admit, a cursory look) but I think that DWP can take deductions from UC to recover the previous housing benefit overpayment.

Hopefully someone else will be able to give a definitive response.

Craig1981

The current HBOP is with your local authority, who is currently paying your Housing Benefit. when changing to UC, the overpayment will cease to be taken form your on going benefits - you should be invoiced again by your LA, and come to an arrangement to pay them directly. they can apply to have it taken from your UC, but this is more hassle than it is worth, and if accepted, you will pay higher amounts for deductions as well.


best to contact your LA and put an arrangement in with them for affordable on going payments. setup a DD or standing order with the arrangement made.


hope transitions goes smoothly