United Kingdom, subject to benefit and administration differences

DWP benefit overpayments and repayment

What happens when DWP says you have been overpaid benefits, how repayment can work and where to seek help if deductions are unaffordable.

If DWP says you have received a recoverable benefit overpayment, repayment may be taken from ongoing benefits or arranged directly with DWP Debt Management. If deductions are causing financial hardship, contact DWP Debt Management and explain what you can afford rather than ignoring the debt.

How repayment can happen

Where someone is still receiving relevant benefits, deductions can be made from ongoing payments. If benefits have stopped, DWP Debt Management can ask for repayment directly and may offer regular monthly payments.

If the amount is unaffordable

GOV.UK directs people to DWP Debt Management if they believe too much is being deducted or need help managing repayments. Affordability should be raised as early as possible.

If the debt is ignored

DWP can use additional recovery routes. GOV.UK says these can include deductions from earnings, referral to an independent debt collector or the DWP Debt Enforcement Team.

Related guidance

Important: This page provides general information, not regulated financial or legal advice. Rules and enforcement processes can depend on the debt, court, creditor and jurisdiction.