Universal credit say I owe them 3.5k…

[Walkwithmetonight]

I claimed universal credit 2.5 years ago.

I'm a full time student

I claimed at the end of January, first payment at end of February. They say they made a mistake in calculating the amount they’ve paid me and it’s “not my fault” but that as they’ve overpaid me I need to repay it.

The overpayment they say is actually not a huge amount month to month, so if correct I think I’d owe them around 1k.

But in the first year they’ve calculated my entire income as being earned from feb - aug. Instead of as from September to aug (as they usually would with student finance). Obviously this means that my income for those 6 months is double what it actually is! They say that’s correct and they should average income from the claim date.

Someone please help me! This can’t be correct?!

Sorry it’s not 2.5 years ago. Making mistakes because I’m stressed!

I claimed in January 2021

This doesn't sound correct.

Request a reconsideration of decision and an explanation as to how the overpayment has been calculated for each period.

I would direct them to regs 68 and 71 of the UC Regulations 2013. This sets out how student loan income is to be calculated for each assessment period. Making a claim part way through the academic year shouldn't affect how the calculation is done.

Unfortunately, unlike the old Housing Benefit (or other legacy benefits) however the overpayment occurs, the claimant is liable to repay it. They do have to offer you an affordable payment plan so can go down this route if there is in fact an overpayment.

Best of luck, OP