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This letter is relevant in England, Wales and Scotland.

England Wales

DWP overpayment suspend or reduce repayment request (sole name)

Use this letter when asking the DWP to consider suspending a Universal Credit overpayment recovery, or reducing the amount you pay.

Use this letter when asking the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) if they will suspend recovery of a Universal Credit overpayment or reduce the amount being taken from your Universal Credit. A benefit overpayment may also include a Universal Credit Advance payment if you are no longer claiming Universal Credit.

A debt may be suspended, or deductions reduced,  if you can show that the rate of recovery will cause you or your family hardship. This hardship could be based on:

  • welfare grounds;
  • health grounds; or
  • financial grounds.

You will need to send evidence to support a suspension or reduction in the recovery rate on welfare or health grounds. This could include:

  • showing exactly how recovery of the debt would have a very negative impact on the welfare of you and your family; and
  • a letter from a medical professional showing that your ill health is being made worse or caused by financial hardship. For example, a GP, consultant, psychiatric nurse, support worker or welfare advisor might write a letter for you.

You will need to give evidence to support a suspension or reduction in the recovery rate on financial grounds.

  • You will need to send a copy of your budget sheet to show that the deduction amount is causing you financial hardship.
  • Give some specific examples in the letter that show the difficulties the deductions are causing. This could be that you are having to cut back or are unable to afford essentials such as energy or food. It could be that you are unable to pay your rent in full and could be at risk of eviction. Try to give as much detail as you can.

If you have no money available, it is reasonable to ask for a suspension of the recovery initially. If you do have some money available, then you can make this offer of payment.

You can choose to send a letter in your own name or in joint names. You may have a debt in joint names, or want to write to the DWP together because you have worked out a joint budget.

  • Fill in your contact details, account number and any extra information you want to include in the grey shaded areas.
  • Today’s date will be added automatically.
  • Sign each letter and enclose a copy of your budget if needed.

Letter in joint names

You can choose to send a letter in your own name or in joint names. You may have a debt in joint names, or want to write to your creditors together because you have worked out a joint budget.

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8th February 2025

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