U.C overpayment

mowest1962

Hi in November 2023 we became first time foster carers for 3 siblings. I informed u.c that the children had moved in. I got a reply saying we would receive more money in our u.c for the children. We are been paid foster allance by the local authority. When talking to other foster carers
 Some was saying the payment from the local authority isn't counted. When been paid by L.A. others saying you can't claim money from both. To be on the safe side I messaged u.c saying I don't think I'm entitled to an increase in payment from u.c because I get the money from L.A.. they said no i can't get child element payment. Because off the L.A Payment. But they started to pay me the extra money. So I went on the entitled to calculate. That came up has I would be paid the child element eventhough I entered. The L.A payment. So I left it at that.fast faward. They are now saying I've been over paid by over £9,000
 And started to claim. It back at £95 per month. Which is aot with having the children. Can I get the monthly payments reduced. After all it wasn't my fault I got over paid. I told them from day 1 and did the online calculations using gov. Recommended calculate
Thank you 

kaMelo

Whilst the fosterers allowance is disregarded for UC purposes I'm pretty sure you can't claim the child element of UC for them at the same time.

If that is what has happened then yes you've been overpaid

KxMx

Unfortunately all repayments are recoverable under UC legislation, even those caused by UC being at fault. 

You can speak to DWP Debt Management about reducing the repayment amount. 

 0800 916 0647

mowest1962

Thanks for the replies. I know I will have to pay it back. Just wondered if I could get the payments reduced and pay it back over a longer period 

8dayweek

The maximum deduction would be equivalent to 15% of your Standard Allowance. You can call Debt Management (0800 916 0647) to set up a specific, set repayment plan. 

HillStreetBlues

https://gcnchambers.co.uk/official-error-overpayment/

It's a very high bar, but as you did inform them that you thought the payments were incorrect you can request that they wave the recovery of the overpayment.
I expect they won't, but you have little to lose except time and effort