Universal Credits and ESA claim mix up

TerraceBull2025

Hi, I recently had to give up a job due to excruciating pain. I have an injury and tumour in my femur. My ex-employer paid me incorrectly. The DWP have deducted my wages from January from my Universal Credit from this month. They have also taken a £43.00 payment for a supposed overpayment of tax credits. I haven't claimed Tax Credits for ten years or more, and haven't been notified of an overpayment. This has left me with a Universal Credit payment of £142.00 for a two month period. I cannot afford to buy food or pay any bills. I have worked all of my and paid taxes. I have tried messaging the Job Centre, but they said they cannot help me. In short I will starve!

Lauren29

I would suggest that you contact a local advice agency such as CAB or the Welfare Rights Unit of your local council for advice. They should be able to check if your Universal Credit Payments are correct and if not to challenge this. They should also be able to help to access help with food probably via a referral to a foodbank and may be able to help you with fuel costs.

TerraceBull2025

Thanks Lauren, I been to the CAB and they have told me there is nothing they can do. Apparently the DWP have the powers to do this. I can't afford to live, literally!

Mary_Scope

Hi @TerraceBull2025 and a warm welcome to the community from me!

I'm sorry to hear about situation, it sounds very stressful! Your local council may be able to give you a food bank voucher even if CAB weren't able too.

There is Scope's Disability Energy Support that may be able to help you with your energy and water bills.

We're going to send over an email in a short while so please keep an eye out for it🙂

TerraceBull2025

Thank you Mary,

Sorry I didn't get back yesterday. I've been having a really awful time with the DWP. The Job Coach was very rude to me and told me there is nothing that they can do. Despite being in constant pain and struggling to walk, she told me that I can work if I can't walk. Really cold and unhelpful. The Citizens Advice Bureau completed the health questionnaire for me, but the Job Coach told me that if it doesn't get back to them, I won't get any money. I asked her how she could be so cold and inhumane. She didn't respond. I have had a bit of an argument with them. Now worried that I will get nothing at all.

Catherine21

Barbaric im so sorry your suffering like this i hope you have support

TerraceBull2025

Thank you Catherine