Housing >> Housing Benefit

Housing benefit, Local Housing Allowance: What to do if you if we overpay you

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Introduction

If you get Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance to which you are not entitled, we need to establish why the overpayment happened in the first place before deciding if it is 'recoverable'.  In most cases, the money will need to be repaid by either the tenant or the landlord, depending on who received it and the circumstances surrounding the overpayment.

If it was our mistake and you can show that you could not reasonably have been expected to know you were being overpaid, we may not ask for the money back.

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If you disagree with us

You can ask for a statement of reasons or you can appeal against our decision.

See Making an Appeal for guidance on making your appeal and to download the appeal form.

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How we recover overpayment

If you're a tenant:

• By deduction from ongoing Housing Benefit entitlement
• By deduction from other Social Security benefits
• By sending an invoice

If you're a landlord:

• By deduction from benefit paid direct to the landlord
• By sending an invoice

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If you fail to repay

We will:

• Register the debt at court
• Apply for an Attachment of Earnings
• Register a charge on your property (if appropriate)

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Preventing overpayment

Always advise us promptly of any changes of circumstances eg. increased income; addition to the household; start work; change of address.

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