Overpayments

Housing benefit overpayments

What is an overpayment? | Reporting a change in circumstances | How to repay your overpayment | Payment difficulties? | What to do if you think the overpayment decision is wrong

What is an overpayment?

An overpayment is when more benefit is awarded than someone is entitled to, as a result of a change in their circumstances. This includes any benefit that has been paid to a claimant or their landlord or any amount that has been credited directly to a rent account.

Reporting a change in circumstances

It is very important that you let us know immediately if you have a change in your circumstances, as this could stop you from being overpaid. It is an offence not to tell us about any change of circumstance that affects your entitlement to benefit. Court action may be taken against you if you fail to tell us. For further information on how to tell us about any changes and examples of the type of changes that you need to report, see what happens if my circumstances change?

How to repay your overpayment?

There are several methods by which you can make repayments. The most convenient is direct debit, as payments are collected automatically each month from your bank or building society account. You can also make repayments with your credit or debit card, through the BACS system, by cheque or with cash. Listed below are full details of each repayment method.

Direct debit
Payments are collected automatically from you bank or building society account on the 5, 15, or 25 of each month. To set up a direct debit, please telephone 0161 909 6504 or email benefitenquiries@salford.gov.uk.

Internet payments
Salford City Council operates a secure online payments service where you can make repayments online using a debit or credit card. You will need to quote your invoice number (a nine digit number starting with 7) to access the service.

Telephone payments - automated payments service
If you have a push-button telephone you can use our automated telephone payments service to make repayments using a debit or credit card. This facility is available 24 hours a day on 0161 793 3325.

Bankers automated clearing services (BACS)
Payment can be made directly from your bank or building society account. Please quote the following bank details for Salford City Council:

• Sort code: 08-90-00
• Account number: 61191259
• Your invoice number (a nine digit number starting with a 7)

Post Office
You can make repayments at the Post Office by presenting your bar-coded invoice with your payment. Payment at the Post Office may be made by debit card, cheque (made payable to "Post Office Limited") or in cash. This is a free service.

PayPoint
Payments can also be made at any PayPoint outlet in the UK using your bar-coded invoice. Please note that only cash payments will be accepted. This is a free service.

Payzone
You can make a payment at any Payzone outlet by presenting your bar-coded invoice to the retailer. This is a free service.

Payment by post
If you wish to pay by cheque please make it payable to ‘Salford City Council', write your invoice number on the reverse and post it to:

Strategic Director of Customer and Support Services
Salford City Council
Unity House
Civic Centre
Chorley Road
Swinton
M27 5AW

Receipts are not normally issued for postal payments, but if you do require one please enclose a stamped-addressed envelope with your payment.

Payment difficulties?

If you are experiencing difficulties in repaying your overpayment, please contact us as soon as possible. Do not wait for a reminder letter to arrive before contacting us.

We are here to help you, particularly when circumstances are difficult to overcome on your own. Please call us on 0161 909 6504 or email us at benefitenquiries@salford.gov.uk.

What to do if you think the overpayment decision is wrong

If you think the decision is wrong, you should get in touch with us within one-month from the date of the benefit decision notice or we may not be able to consider any dispute.

You can contact us by phone on 0161 909 6504 or by writing to:

Strategic Director of Customer and Support Services
Salford City Council
Unity House
Civic Centre
Chorley Road
Swinton
M27 5AW

You can:

• Ask for an explanation
• Ask us to look at the decision again
• Appeal against the decision - this can only be in writing. If you appeal against the decision an independent tribunal administered by the Appeals Service will hear your appeal

This page was last updated on 22 September 2011