Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support Overpayments

An overpayment can happen if we pay you benefit that you are not entitled to. For example, if you didn't tell us that your income had increased, and a recalculation of your benefits meant that you had been paid too much benefit.

We will send you a letter if we give you too much benefit. The letter we send you will tell you:

• Why you were awarded too much benefit
• How much the overpayment is
• If you have to pay back the amount
• How you can appeal if you think this is wrong          

If the overpayment relates to Housing Benefit and Housing Benefit is no longer in payment the overpayment is recovered via invoice. If the overpayment relates to council tax support, we will send you a revised council tax bill, and you will usually have to pay more council tax.

If you have received an invoice for the repayment of an overpayment and you are unable to repay this in full please contact us as soon as possible on 03004 560 560 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  to discuss a payment arrangement.

If you fail to make payment or contact us or to discuss further, we will consider the following recovery actions.

Direct Earning Attachment

A deduction from 3% to 20% can be taken from your net wages, no Court action is required for this action.

Table A: Where earnings are paid weekly

Amounts to be deducted by employers under direct earnings attachment

Table B: Where earnings are paid monthly

Amounts to be deducted by employers under direct earnings attachment

Attachment of Benefits

The local authority can request deductions to be taken from ongoing housing benefit award or from benefits/payments received from DWP such as Universal Credit, State Retirement Pension, Maternity Allowance for a full list please visit Benefit overpayment recovery guide.

Enforcement Agents

The outstanding balance can be referred to external Enforcement Agents for collection.

Apply to the County Court for a Tribunal Award or County Court Judgment (CCJ)

If a Tribunal Award is granted this may lead to Bankruptcy Proceedings against you or an application for a Charging Order being obtained against your property.

A Tribunal Award may affect your future credit rating and costs incurred added to the amount you owe.

Financial Circumstances Form

If you wish to set a payment arrangement but are currently in financial difficulty, please complete our financial circumstances form for us to review your circumstances.