DWP/Universal Credit overpayment demand

gazid

Hello all.  I hope someone may be able to guide and advice.  DWP are claiming that I owe a significant amount of money in overpaid Universal Credit. They do not offer a breakdown of what has been overpaid or for what items, they simply offer the time period and ways to pay.  I'm not willing to pay the full amount without a clear explanation of what has been overpaid.  Can anyone offer some guidance in how to challenge and procure the information I'm looking and if it's posable to get a solicitor to challenge on my behalf?  Many thanks in advance.   

poppy12345

In a previous thread at the start of the pandemic you said you claimed UC. See thread https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6121269/universal-credit-application-both-digi-identity-the-post-office-cannot-verify-my-id#latest

Do you still claim it? Have you been asked to provide evidence for something since that claim? maybe evidence of your eligibilty to pay rent?

During the pandemic claims were automatically verified and now they're asking claimants to provide evidence for specific things. If you don't provide what they ask for then you'll have an overpayment for the whole amount you claimed.

TELLIT01

It's perfectly reasonable to ask for details of how the overpayment has come about. Is there nothing in the letter about appealing against the decision?   You certainly don't need to get a solicitor involved at this stage.  As poppy12345 says, it may be due to the way UC claims were processed during the pandemic without requiring confirmation of all information.  If you have been overpaid for any reason, including DWP error, you will have to repay.

NedS

I agree with the above advice. You have the right to request a written statement of reasons for any decision regarding the overpayment (see above for possible reasons). If you do not agree, then the process is to request a Mandatory Reconsideration of the decision. If that does not go in your favour, you have one month to appeal to an independent tribunal. You do not need legal representation at a tribunal, they are very used to dealing with individuals, and they will consider if DWP have acted unlawfully.

The only time you may need a solicitor when dealing with DWP is if you have broken the law and are being prosecuted (e.g, for fraud). Otherwise, engage with the well defined processes already in place to deal with any issues.

gazid

poppy12345 said:

In a previous thread at the start of the pandemic you said you claimed UC. See thread https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6121269/universal-credit-application-both-digi-identity-the-post-office-cannot-verify-my-id#latest

Do you still claim it? Have you been asked to provide evidence for something since that claim? maybe evidence of your eligibilty to pay rent?

During the pandemic claims were automatically verified and now they're asking claimants to provide evidence for specific things. If you don't provide what they ask for then you'll have an overpayment for the whole amount you claimed.

Hi Poppy, many thanks for replying.  I no longer claim UC as I'm now working.  But I did provide everything they asked for throughout the claims period.  I'm currently in the process of trying to contact them to see if I can find any info as to how they have arrived at their figure.  

gazid

TELLIT01 said:

It's perfectly reasonable to ask for details of how the overpayment has come about. Is there nothing in the letter about appealing against the decision?   You certainly don't need to get a solicitor involved at this stage.  As poppy12345 says, it may be due to the way UC claims were processed during the pandemic without requiring confirmation of all information.  If you have been overpaid for any reason, including DWP error, you will have to repay.

Hi, thanks for that.  In and to the Q, they provide no details at all of how to challenge the decision. 

gazid

It is a job in itself just trying to find which department to contact in relation to trying to get more information. Thanks all for your input!