Universal credit - overpayments and deductions

About this course

Universal credit (UC) can be overpaid for many reasons, and UC overpayments are usually recoverable, even if the claimant is not at fault. This is a big departure from legacy benefit rules and can be particularly hard on claimants. 

This course equips you to deal with UC overpayments by taking a systematic approach to checking and challenging decisions. Using practical examples, the course highlights how the DWP can use discretion to ‘waive’ recovery of an overpayment or be flexible over how it recovers the money. We also look at the wider rules on deductions from UC, highlighting recurring issues and how best to advise claimants who are in financial hardship. 

This course is aimed at advisers who are familiar with the main UC rules. 

The course covers: 

• The overpayment decision-making process 
• When overpayments can be recovered (including the ‘legitimate expectation’ principle)
• The DWP’s guidance on waivers
• Appeals and other ways to challenge a decision
• Deductions from UC  
• Alternative methods for recovering an overpayment 

Method of delivery and timings 

This half-day standard-level course is delivered online via Zoom. It runs from 10am to 1pm, with a half hour break between 11.15am-11.45am. 

It is a practical course delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, exercises and group discussion. Participants will need a Wi-Fi connection and a suitable device to access the internet. It is not recommended to join via a mobile phone.