If an overpayment occurs and you are still getting Housing Benefit, we will reduce your future Housing Benefit payments by an amount deducted each week to pay back the overpayment, until the balance is cleared. You will be notified of this before the deductions start.
From April 2022, the standard rate of overpayment recovery is £11.55 per week. A higher rate of £19.25 per week applies for overpayments caused by fraud. This may be increased if you are working.
The standard weekly recovery rates are set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and are normally increased in April of each year.
You will need to increase the amount you pay your landlord for your rent, by this amount; otherwise, you will fall into rent arrears. You are responsible for paying this shortfall to your rent.
If you would prefer to have your overpayment balance recovered at a weekly rate that is higher than the rate that is set for you, you can request this by telephoning the benefits helpline on 01908 253100. If you would like the amount to be temporarily reduced, you will need to complete an Income and Expenditure form, this can be found Here