Discretion on overpayments

Q. I have an overpayment of Income Support, which I accept, but the DWP are taking £11.10 per week off my benefits and I’m struggling to pay my bills, is there anything I can do? . The DWP are able to recover most benefit overpayments as a deduction from your ongoing benefits, however, the deductions that can be taken from means tested benefits are capped at £11.10 per week or £29.60 if it is a fraud case (these amounts can be increased if you have an earnings disregard or certain other types of income). If the deductions are causing you financial hardship then you can ask the DWP

Ato reduce the amount being taken. You will be asked to provide details of your income and expenditure to show how much money you have available. You can approach your local Citizens Advice Bureau for assistance with this. You can also ask the DWP to use their discretion to not recover the overpayment if it is causing you financial hardship, however, they will need evidence to confirm this.

Q. I am due to start my Maternity Leave in 2 weeks, but my employer has told me that I have not worked there long enough to be paid Statutory Maternity Pay. Is there anything your due date and can be paid from 11 weeks before your due date. If you don’t meet the criteria for Maternity Allowance then you may be able to claim Income Support from 11 weeks before your due date if your household income is low enough. . My son is 16 and a full time student. He has received a letter telling us that he can no longer claim Disability Living Allowance and he should make a claim for Personal Independence Payment. His health has not changed so why is he not entitled to Disability Living Allowance anymore? . Disability Living Allowance is being phased out

QAfor claimants over 16 years old and they are being assessed for Personal Independence Payment instead; it is not a determination that your son’s health has improved.With Disability Living Allowance your son’s care needs were compared to a child of the same age, but without the relevant health condition. If he applies for Personal Independence Payment then he will be assessed as an adult against a list of activities including getting bathed and dressed, making meals and his ability to get around. If he qualifies for Personal Independence Payment you will continue to receive the increases in your Child Tax Credit claim.