All overpaid benefit you are informed of is recoverable unless we tell you otherwise.
If we decide that an overpayment is not recoverable you will be advised in writing. We may decide not to recover an overpayment if it was caused by our error. However, if you could have reasonably known that you were being overpaid we may still seek to recover the debt from you. An overpayment will be recovered from either you or the person we sent your benefit award to, for example, a private landlord.
We will send you a letter telling you how much you owe, the period of the overpayment, and why you have been overpaid.
If you do not believe that the overpayment is correct and wish to ask for a reconsideration of the balance or to appeal, this must be done in writing.
There are standard rates of recovery that normally apply to deductions from benefit, however, these will be reviewed if a person who is being asked to repay the debt can provide proof that the continued repayment at the rate suggested would result in undue financial hardship.
The invoice you receive will tell you how and where you can repay your overpayment. When making any repayments you will need to state your invoice number starting with 800.
Make a payment
Alternative options to make a repayment include:
Direct Debit: To set up a Direct Debit please contact us.
Phone: Please contact us to access our telephone payment system. Please follow the instructions given and when asked choose the option to pay a Housing Benefit invoice.
Paypoint: For customers who prefer to pay with cash, payments can be made at the Post Office or retail outlets where the PayPoint sign is displayed. Please ensure you take your bill which displays the PayPoint barcode with you.
Please allow five working days for your payment to reach your account.
To find the nearest outlet, please visit the PayPoint website.
