New research uncovers the damaging effects of DWP benefit deductions
Recent research from the Public Law Project highlights how incredibly detrimental benefit deductions are for so many, needlessly pushing claimants further into poverty and debt. One of the areas highlighted in their report are deductions caused by paying back Universal Credit overpayments, many of which are caused by the DWP themselves.
We are also hugely concerned about the impact repaying these overpayments is having on claimants and their families. That’s why we have created a brand new guide to help claimants facing a Universal Credit overpayment who cannot get support from an advice agency. Our guide provides practical steps for managing overpayments and explains what options are available to claimants who cannot afford to repay the deductions. Read the guide: How to deal with a Universal Credit overpayment.We wholeheartedly support PLP’s calls for :
- A reduction in the default rates of recovery for deductions
- The DWP to carry out a proactive assessment of claimants’ individual circumstances and their ability to repay before deciding to recover an overpayment
- Claimants to be contacted before the recovery is triggered to establish an affordable repayment plan
- The DWP must improve coordination between different departments and organisations, as well as the consistency and quality of communications with claimants
- Claimants should receive clear communication about all available solutions and hardship measures and told how to apply for deductions to be paused, reduced or written off.
At Advicenow, we want to ensure that anyone affected by Universal Credit overpayments are aware of their rights and the support available to them. By equipping claimants with the knowledge they need, we hope to help individuals and families facing overpayments avoid desperate financial situations and the impact that has on their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
If you are facing an overpayment we encourage you to explore our new guide and reach out to local advice agencies for further help if you can get an appointment.