Why do overpayments happen?

Overpayments may happen for a number of reasons. Here are a few examples:

  • You may have forgotten to tell us that your income has increased, for example, you have had a pay rise or your tax credit award or pension amount has changed.
  • Somebody may have moved into, or out of, your home.
  • You may have moved out of your home and not told us.
  • You may have started work or changed jobs.
  • If you have other adults living with you, their circumstances may have changed.
  • Your Income Support (IS) or Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) ended.

Even if you have told the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about any changes, you must still tell us and not rely on anyone else to do it for you.

Page last updated on 29 November 2011