Benefits overpayment and deduction from universal credit

viczs123

Hi just needed some advice. I've had issues with HMRC regarding an alleged benefit payment of etc from 2011. I've complained previously and received an apology from them admitting they'd made errors and the matter was closed. Today I've received a letter saying they will be deducting the disputed debt from my universal credit. How much can they deduct and can I dispute this again ?
Many thanks in advance

Alice_Holt

Have you the correspondence from HMRC telling you the matter was closed (and presumably the debt void) ?
If so, then I would suggest - 
a) Writing to DWP debt management with a copy of the letter and ask them to stop repayments as the debt is disputed and void,
b)Writing to HMRC with a copy of the letter and ask them to ask DWP debt management to stop all repayments,
c) Writing to UC with a copy of the letter and ask them to stop making debt recoveries from your UC as the debt is disputed and void,
d) Copying all 3 letters to your MP and ask him to intervene with HMRC and the DWP on your behalf.

If you haven't kept a copy of the correspondence, write to HMRC with a subject access request to obtain a copy.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hmrc-subject-access-request
Then do the letters as above.

This may seem like overkill, but you will find UC, DWP debt management, and HMRC will individually tell you to contact each other, and you will then run round in circles.
Keep all correspondence, and chase up as required, with copies of the letters. 
Update your MP and cc your MP on all letters.

calcotti

Alice_Holt said:..you will find UC, DWP debt management, and HMRC will individually tell you to contact each other, and you will then run round in circles. 

Completely agree and both are very slow to respond (and reluctant to put anything in writing).