Could somebody please help with an issue I'm having.
I've received a couple of letters from the DWP recently saying I have been overpaid benefits over a number of years, ending a few years ago, because of a mistake in their calculations of how much I was due and therefore I must repay them. The sum totals a few thousand pounds.
I am aware of this situation from before, and I was paying back a sizeable sum each week when I was on benefits.
However, I am no longer on benefits and am very short of money, as I don't have an income. I am now a part-time student and I look after my elderly father who is quite ill. I get by on a very low expenditure, with money my father gives me from his pension (spending about £5 a week on my groceries for example).
The letters are becoming more forthright. The latest one I have just received states:
"DO NOT IGNORE
About the £xxxx owed
We have contacted you about paying back this money
You must make a payment by xx/xx/xxxx
Please do not ignore this letter. This will not mean you can avoid paying back this money, and you need to contact us to stop any further action being taken"
It goes on to say that they will consider recovering the money through the courts or "refer the case to a private company for repayment collection. You may have to pay additional costs if this happens, and your future credit rating may be affected"
I am very worried as you can imagine. I simply don't have the money anymore.
I don't know what to do. I know from past experience the DWP can be inefficient (even in their current letters they are commenting I am on benefits, which I haven't been for a long time now) and do you think they might pass over/'forget' this fairly old overpayment if I ignore their letters, including the one I have just received? Or will they continue to pursue it?
If they will pursue it, what do you think I should do pls?
I am very appreciative of any help anybody could offer please.