What happens if I am overpaid benefit?

       

What is an overpayment?

An overpayment of benefit happens when you are paid benefit, to which you are not entitled. An example of this is where you have not told us straightaway about a change in your circumstances. (For more information please see the section on Change of Circumstances )|

How do I repay my Housing Benefit Overpayment?

If you are responsible for the Housing Benefit Overpayment an Invoice will be sent describing the reason and period of the overpayment.

The Invoice will show the period of the overpayment and the total of overpaid benefit.

On the reverse side of the Invoice there are details of the various repayment methods available to you, these include;

• Pay online by Credit or Debit Card
  - under the 'overpayment' option if your account number begins with 5000.......

- all other account numbers should be paid under the 'Sundry Debtors' option.

• Post. Cheque or Postal orders only made payable to Gloucester City Council, please note your Invoice number with your payment.
• Calling the Overpayments Team. On 01452 396465 to make an arrangement.
• Use the automated telephone payment service. On 0845 155 6000.
• By cash, cheque, credit or debit cards, using the automated machine at The Herbert Warehouse, The Docks
  

  How will I know if I have been overpaid?

  We will write to you and let you know if you have been overpaid. In the letter we will give you full details of the overpayment including:

  • The reason for the overpayment
  • The period that the overpayment covers
  • The total amount of the overpayment
  • Information about appeal rights

  The letter will also inform you of the repayment method to be used.

• • If you are still entitled to Housing Benefit the overpayment can be recovered from your ongoing entitlement. This is known as 'Clawback'
  • If your Housing Benefit is paid to your landlord then the amount that is paid to your landlord will be reduced until the overpayment has been cleared. It is your responsibility to pay the additional top up to your landlord.
  • If your entitlement to benefit has ceased then an invoice will be sent to:
    
  • • You if the benefit was being paid to yourself.
    • You or your landlord (depending on the circumstances).

If you have been overpaid Council Tax Rebate, we will send you a new Council Tax Bill with a new payment schedule.

• If you disagree with our decision you have the right of appeal.

What happens if an overpayment is not repaid and there is no future entitlement to Housing Benefit?

We will send you an invoice showing the amount of money you must pay. If you have difficulty in paying, then contact the Benefit Recovery Team who will be happy to discuss an instalment plan.

If no steps are taken to pay back the money, then you could be taken to court which could add more to the amount you owe.

Please remember that overpayments can be avoided if the Council are told about all changes in circumstances straightaway.

Last Modified: Wednesday 21 March 2012