Can work & pensions take money out of pip

ste123

Hi all. A few years back me and my wife where on Universal Credits. Then my wife fou d work. Now Work & Pentions has sent me a bill for £1.200. They are going to take the money monthly out of my pip. Can they do this. I'm so stressed haven't got a clue what to do. Thanks

janer1967

Hi there 

Yes they can take money from your PIP to recover debt as it is all gov money 

I suggest you get some advice from welfare rights or cab 

Unfortunately it is one of the parts of the system that any overpayment of uc can be recovered even if its there error 

Do you agree you were overpaid and understand how it happened 

ste123

Not at first. But now we understand.  We shouldn't of been accepted for it in the beginning.  I understand lots of people are in the same situation.  With my mental health. I fighting very hard to stay calm and not to beat me. I'm so worried.  

janer1967

Easy to say but try not to worry 

You can ring debt management at dwp if you think you can't afford the repayments and they may give a solution 

But again as above get some advice see if cab or welfare rights can help 

Alex_Scope

Hello @ste123 thank you for reaching out, I'm sorry to hear what's happened. As @janer1967 has mentioned, I would also encourage you to seek some professional advice, you can go to:

• Citizens Advice
• Welfare Rights
• Advice Local

If you would like some advice around managing debt, and finding emotional support then Scope has some guidance which I hope is helpful for you.

The mental health charity Mind also has some help for staying calm when you're struggling with anxiety. 

And if you'd like to talk things through with someone there's always the Scope Helpline as well.

If there's anything you feel you need more support with, please just ask, we're here to support you.

Alex