'I just realised I got Universal Credit when I wasn't eligible - what do I tell the DWP?'
Months after their benefits ended, one person realised they may have accidentally committed fraud
Universal Credit claimants need to keep the DWP updated on a range of personal circumstances in order to keep their benefit and ensure they are getting the right amount. But one recipient accidentally slipped through the cracks.
Posting on Reddit for advice, the person explained their situation, according to Birmingham Live: "I was on UC for two years, the latter year my boyfriend moved in with me. It had been so long since I initially signed up for UC that I didn't realise that living together would impact my benefits.
"I thought it was only if you were married and I guess I never corrected myself. I've been off UC for about six months and I only realised today that we should've filed for a joint claim.
"As he was earning £25k whilst studying, I believe I wouldn't have got any money. I'm worried about this catching up to me legally. I work in the social sector now so have to renew my DBS, I don't exactly want fraud to be on there!"
Commenters on the platform urged the Redditor to come clean to the DWP and brace for the fallout, with one advising: "If you're honest and explain it was a genuine mistake, they're usually a lot more understanding...They tend to go easier on people who come forward on their own."
Being paid more benefit than you're actually entitled to is known as an overpayment. It can happen due to various factors, like errors on the part of the DWP or misreporting by claimants or their employers.
The charity Turn2Us said: "You will always have to repay overpayments under the Universal Credit system. It does not matter what caused the overpayment.
"If you think you are being paid too much benefit you should tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) straight away. This is because the longer you leave it the more money you will have to pay back."
Typically, these debts are docked from future benefit payments. However, if you're not receiving benefits and still owe money to the DWP, repayment could be directly taken from your wages or your case might be handed over to an independent debt collector or the DWP's own Debt Enforcement Squad.
In cases similar to the Redditors, civil penalties can also be levelled. This often involves a charge of £50 for every instance of overpayment, which is then added to the sum total that needs to be returned.
A full year's sum of Universal Credit can represent a considerable amount, potentially challenging for many to return in a single payment.
The Gov.uk website advises individuals who face difficulties repaying their debt or wish to renegotiate their repayment plan to reach out to the DWP Debt Management contact centre for assistance. Further details can be found here.
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