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A Guide to Overpayments

 

This guide is intended as a general guide only.  It cannot cover all circumstances so for more detailed personal advice please contact us.  The details are on the back of this form.

What is an overpayment?

An overpayment of benefit occurs when you are paid benefit to which you are not entitled.

How will I know if I have got an overpayment?

We will write to you.  In the letter you receive from us we will give you the full details of the overpayment.  We will tell you:

• What caused the overpayment
• The dates and the amounts of the overpayment
• How much the overpayment is.
• What to do if you disagree with the overpayment.
• How the overpayment will be recovered.

Why would I be overpaid?

There are several reasons why you may have been overpaid benefit.  Some of these are:

• Your income has increased
• You have started work
• Someone has moved into your home.

This list is not exhaustive.

If you do not understand the decision you can telephone, write to us, or visit a One Stop Shop.  In some circumstances we may be able to visit you.

What if I do not agree with the overpayment?

You must read your letter carefully.  It will contain details about what the overpayment is for and the period you have been overpaid.

If you still disagree with the overpayment you can ask us to reconsider the decision.  You must do this in writing within one month of the date on the letter.

How is the overpayment recovered?

If you are still getting Housing Benefit we may reduce your entitlement each week until the overpayment is recovered.  Standard rates are set by the Government each year; the amount is higher if your overpayment is classed as fradulent.  This amount will be detailed on your overpayment letter.  If this causes you hardship you can ask us to lower it.  You will need to complete an income/expenditure form and make an alternative offer of payment.

If you are not entitled to Housing Benefit we will send you a sundry invoice for you to arrange repayment.

If your landlord was paid your benefit direct we may, in certain circumstances, ask your landlord to repay the overpayment.

If you are a Council Tenant, and have a credit on your rent account, this credit will be used to reduce or recover the overpayment.

If you have been overpaid Council Tax Benefit we will send you a new council tax bill which will include your council tax benefit overpayment.

If your overpayment is a result of a fraudulent investigation or your claim has been referred to fraud following a review of your claim, criminal proceedings may be taken against you.  Any sanction will be imposed in line with this Authority's prosecution policy.

REMEMBER It is your duty to notify us about ANY changes in your circumstances.  Do not rely on the Department for Work and Pensions or your Landlord to tell us about any changes.  It is your responsibility.

For more information or advice:

Visit your local One Stop Shop at:

• The Town Hall
• Batchley Road Shops
• Winyates Centre
• Woodrow Centre

Contact us on (01527) 534050

Email us on hbenefits@redditchbc.gov.uk

Or write to us at:

The Benefit Section

Town Hall

Alcester Street

Redditch

Worcs

B98 8AH

Information and advice on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit can also be found on our website:

www.redditchbc.gov.uk/benefit .

You can get independent advice from an organisation like the Citizens Advice Bureau.  They can be contacted on 0870 1264142