Overpayments
Overpayments usually occur because there has been a delay in you telling the council about a change in your circumstances.
If you have been overpaid Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit we will normally want that money repaid.
We can recover almost all overpayments.
If you have been overpaid we will calculate the overpayment and will write to you to explain:
- The reason for the overpayment
- How much has been overpaid
- What period the overpayment relates to
- Whether it will be recovered and how
If you disagree with our decision to recover the overpayment you have the right to ask for the decision to be reconsidered. Please put your request in writing within one calendar month of the date on the decision letter.
- For more information go to Reconsiderations and Appeals
Recovery of overpayments:
Council Tax Benefit
Council Tax Benefit overpayments are recovered directly from your Council Tax account and an amended bill is sent to you.
Housing Benefit
Overpayments of Housing Benefit can be recovered from the tenant, the person to whom payments were made or an appointee.
In all cases the tenant is always notified of the overpayment and the way it is being recovered.
If you remain on benefit we will recover your overpayment from your weekly benefit by deducting an amount each week. You will need to increase the amount you pay your landlord for your rent by this amount. If you do not then you will accrue rent arrears.
If you are not still in receipt of benefit we will send you an invoice.
If you cannot pay in full you can arrange to pay by instalments by credit and debit card, cheque or standing order providing your bank with the Council’s bank account:
National Westminster Bank Plc
Account number 07845537
Sort code 55-70-06.
If you are experiencing difficulty in making payments please contact the Overpayments Officer on 01327 322171 or alternatively you can complete a statement of means form and send this to us.
Failure to repay an overpayment
If you do not repay an overpayment this may result in further action being taken. This may include passing your account to a debt collecting agency, possible county court action or recovery from on-going DWP benefits.
Pay Online
Please contact us if you get into any difficulties with your repayments.
South Northamptonshire Council
Springfields
Towcester
Northants
NN12 6AE
Phone: 01327 322171
Email: benefits@southnorthants.gov.uk