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Housing benefit

Overpayment information

What is an overpayment?

An overpayment of benefit happens when you are paid benefit which you weren’t entitled to.

How will I know if I have been overpaid?

We will send you a letter and an invoice. The invoice will show:

How are overpayments caused?

Overpayments are caused when the Benefits Unit is not informed of the following:

You must tell us about any of these changes. Please do not rely on Job Centre Plus, the Pension Service or your Landlord to tell us.

What if I don’t agree with the overpayment?

Read your letter carefully. It will explain how the overpayment happened and the dates it relates to. If you don’t understand the overpayment you can phone us, write to us or visit the Benefits Office to have it explained to you.

If you don’t agree with the overpayment, you must let us know within one month of the date on the overpayment notification letter we send to you. You can:

• Write to us and ask us to reconsider our decision
• Fill in an appeal form. You can get an appeal form by phoning 0845 245 8000.
  

Who can the Council get the money back from?

• You (and in some cases your partner)
• Someone acting on your behalf
• Your Landlord (if they have had your benefit payments made to them and the overpayment was due to a change of address, or a change in rent.)

The Landlord must be expected to be aware of these changes.

How will the Council get the money back?

• Weekly amounts can be taken from your Housing Benefit. If this will cause you any financial hardship, you can write to us explaining what income you get, and what you have to spend each week. We may then reconsider the amount taken each week.
• If you do not get Housing Benefit but do get other state benefit, we will apply to the Department for Work and Pensions to take some back every week or fortnight.
• If you do not get any benefits and you can not afford to repay the overpayment in full, you must contact the Benefits Recovery Section. They will help you to make payment arrangements to suit your circumstances.

How do I make payments?

When you receive your invoice, payments can be made:

• At any Post Office and any Council Cash Office
• You can also pay over the phone with a debit or credit card
• You can send cheques, postal orders or set up a standing order
• You can also pay online: Online payments.

Please note: This information gives general advice and guidance only. If you want to discuss your individual circumstances please contact the Benefits Recovery Team by:

• E-mail:
• benefits.overpayments@calderdale.gov.uk
• Telephone:
• 01422 393510 (24 hour answer machine)
  01422 393574
  01422 393579
• Fax:
• 01422 393510
• In writing:
• Benefits Overpayments
  PO Box 660
  Halifax HX1 1ZT.

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