Confusing letter from pip

fiona_Jayne99

I wanted to ask if anyone knows how long it takes to receive backdated PIP payments in your bank account. I've been awarded the standard daily living and enhanced mobility components. The letter I received mentioned that they owe me money and that another letter will follow. I've read that if you owe any money, they might just pay that off and not give you the backdated amount. This is quite confusing, and I think it's unfair to withhold all the backdated money they owe, especially when the only money I owe them is for the loan I took when I was managed on a move to UC! Thank you in advance for any advice given.I really appreciate your help 🤔🫣

Albus_Scope

Hi @fiona_Jayne99 and welcome to the community. 😊

Congratulations on your PIP award, that must be a huge relief?

Often it can take several weeks for the DWP to crunch the numbers and get the backpay to you. But as stated, if you owe the DWP money, they can sometimes use the back payment to pay off any previous debt to them.

fiona_Jayne99

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/913635#Comment_913635

Thank you Albus , for explaining things. It looks like what they owe me will just pay off what I owe UC as the advance . Is this a new thing they brought in to pay of social fund Debts as I've not heard about it till now . It seems very harsh when it for people's disabilities and I could really use this money to get help and pay with a carer coming in to help me .

Albus_Scope

No problem @fiona_Jayne99 I'm just sorry it wasn't a happier answer. The DWP debt recovery will often take any back payments to pay off debts to them first, as it's more cost effective. But on the plus side, it'll mean the debt will be paid off all in one go, so anything you get in the future will be yours.

There's a full overpayment/debt recovery guide here if you wanted to read through it.

fiona_Jayne99

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/913653#Comment_913653

Thank you so much for all your help and as you say going forward I will not have to keep paying money out in repayments and all I get will be mine so it's not that bad.😊Got to look on the bright side 😊