Universal Credit Overpayments

Universal Credit

Hi

I just dealt successfully with two UC overpayment demands, on behalf of clients based in London. They had received, around 6 months ago, invoiced demands for £7k & £10k for ex-tenants that had vacated their properties, more that 1 year before.

DWP's related letters intimated my clients were being pursued for recovery as they had received payment direct and had failed to report the change in circumstances, something they were legally obliged to do. However, this was untrue.

I submitted detailed Mandatory Reconsiderations (MR) in both cases, on the bases my clients fulfilled their obligations, unlike both tenants. The first case was conceded within weeks whereas, the other took months, and required the intervention of a District judge after DWP refused to comply by providing a MR Notice, something they are obliged to do. 
 

For those experienced landlords who have successfully appealed housing benefit overpayments, you could be forgiven for believing the rules are the same. Regrettably, that's not the case. DWP's approach is much more punitive and immediate, so if you receive letters or invoices, act quickly to challenge these or DWP will invoke recovery action by deducting "overpayments" from any other awards you normally receive.

Bill