If you've received notice of a Universal Credit overpayment, you have several options based on whether or not you agree with the overpayment amount.
If you disagree with the notice
If you disagree that you've been overpaid, or if you agree that you've been overpaid but disagree with the amount of the overpayment, then you can request a mandatory reconsideration of the decision.
Visit GOV.UK to find more information on how to make mandatory reconsideration.
If you remain unhappy after receiving a mandatory reconsideration decision, you can then go on to appeal the decision. For advice and support in doing this, contact us to request a welfare rights appointment.
If you agree with the notice
If you agree that you've been overpaid and that the amount on the notice is correct, then in most cases the law allows the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to recover the overpayment from you.
However, if the overpayment has occurred because of a mistake made by the DWP, then the DWP has discretion to waive some or all of the overpayment.
You can request a waiver in your Universal Credit journal, or, if you have a telephone claim, you can call Universal Credit on 0800 328 5644. Once you've done this, you can also get advice and support by contacting us to request a welfare rights appointment.
If you think you'll struggle to repay an overpaid amount, you can request to make your repayments at a lower rate by calling DWP Debt Management on 0800 916 0647.