| answer text |
<p>The table below details the number of waivers of Universal Credit Official Error
overpayments granted in the requested years:</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>Financial
Year</p></td><td><p>Number of UC Official Error overpayments where recovery was waived</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2020/2021</p></td><td><p>9</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2021/2022
(April to October)</p></td><td><p>5</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p /><p><em>Please
note that this data is taken from operational data systems, and is not intended for
publication. Therefore, the data itself is not quality assured to the standard of
published Official Statistics and National Statistics.</em></p><p> </p><p>DWP pays
welfare benefits to around 23 million people and is committed to ensuring that the
right people are paid the right amount of Universal Credit. The vast majority of benefit
expenditure (more than £200bn across all benefits last financial year) is paid correctly,
with front line staff working hard to prevent overpayments from occurring.</p><p>
</p><p>Where an overpayment does occur, the Department has a responsibility to taxpayers
to recover the money without creating undue financial hardship. Universal Credit overpayments
are recoverable, irrespective of how they arose. Where recovery is made by deduction
from Universal Credit, there is a limit placed on the overall amount that can be deducted.
Formerly 40% of the Universal Credit Standard Allowance, this was reduced to 30% in
October 2019 and again to 25% in April 2021.</p><p> </p><p>A waiver can only be granted
where the recovery of the overpayment is causing substantial medical and/or financial
hardship, and where clear evidence of this can be provided.</p><p> </p><p>However,
any claimants struggling with the proposed rate of deductions are encouraged to contact
DWP Debt Management to discuss affordability, so that a lower repayment rate can be
negotiated as appropriate.</p><p> </p>
|
|
