Tribunal Win

neevieblue

Hello and apologies if this has been asked before but I am wondering if anyone can help please. 

I won my pip tribunal today, to be backdated to February last year. I unfortunately have debt from overpayment of tax credits which is now being deducted from my universal credits each month. 

I have been told that I won’t receive the back dated amount as the govt will use this money to pay off the debt. 

Can anyone tell me if this is true please? I feel like I have won the battle but not the war.
Many thanks

poppy123456

Hi,
They sometimes take money that’s owed for a debt from any money you are owed but not always. 

As you are paying it back from your UC then it may not be taken from your PIP.
If you only owe a small amount wouldn’t it be better for you to just pay it off then you won’t have your UC reduced going forward. 

neevieblue

Thank you for replying. I don’t really mind them taking the money as I can’t mourn what I didn’t have to begin with. I just needed some clarification if this is what happened. 

Thank you 

neevieblue

Thank you so much. Nerve wracking to say the least but I got there in the end

AndrewHall

If they are already recovering the money from your UC, I can't see any justification by recovering from your PIP.   

Well done for your win. Another one in the eye of evil DWP. 

poppy123456

bekindalways said:

I would pay the debt because not doing so will always be on your credit record. 

That's not correct, a benefit debt isn't on anyone's credit file.

AndrewHall

bekindalways said:

Hello @neevieblue Your circumstances are a worry so sorry to hear that. My perspective on this, is that you owe money.... you've already said that you're ok with them taking any amount you owe. So allow them to do that, be clear of your debt and keep accurate accounts regarding child and working tax credits.

Please know that this isn't a dig at you at all. It is my way of saying that if I were in your position I would pay the debt because not doing so will always be on your credit record. 

Get rid of your debt. Reap those rewards of being able to say you settled a debt. And move on. 

Big hugs.xxxxx 

[removed by moderator] 

There is nothing like "benefit debt". It is either you are overpaid or not. Even if you are, it doesn't mean it is recoverable from you or as @poppy123456 correctly points out, it is not on your credit record.  

A friend of mine recently has a five figure alleged overpayments wiped out at the Tribunal. DWP had knowledge of his non-entitlement but continued paying him because according to their usual nonsense, they didn't want to reveal the source of their knowledge, so as to "safeguard his safety" . So they continued paying him. I wonder why more of these DWP officials not in jail.


Edit: This comment has been edited by a moderator in line with our policy of Keep It Friendly 

It's good to be mindful of the language we use and how that might make someone feel, especially during a difficult time. Please do have a read of the Community House rules, linked above, for details on this policy.

lb35

how long did you wait before tribunal date was booked of you don't mind me asking

neevieblue

lb35 said:

how long did you wait before tribunal date was booked of you don't mind me asking

Hi. I waited 7 weeks for tribunal hearing after I applied. It was then deferred for a further 6 weeks for medical info. Hope this helps 

lb35

thank you for your reply