Pay back a Housing Benefit overpayment

What to do if we've paid you too much Housing Benefit, and how to pay it back.

An overpayment is when we've paid you more Housing Benefit than you were entitled to. This usually happens when a change was not reported in time.

Pay it back

You'll need the invoice number on your overpayment letter. You can pay in full or in instalments.

Pay an overpayment

If you still get Housing Benefit, we'll usually take a small amount from each payment instead.

If you cannot afford to pay

Call us on 01632 960 005, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. We'll agree an amount you can afford. You can also get free debt advice.

If you think we're wrong

Ask us to look at our decision again within one month of the date on your letter. If you still disagree, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.

Ask us to look at the decision again