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Original poster

UC want all my money back…

577 replies

MapleHazelLatte · 19/09/2025 08:11

I applied for UC when I separated from DC’s father 3 years ago. I have since been living with my parents and he stayed in the house we bought together. I’ve been asking him to take my name of the mortgage to give me my share but he just has been dragging his heels about it. I applied for UC when we split up.

i then got a notification to say I was having a review phone call. Apparently someone had accused me of still being with DC’s father. I had to send all my bank statements for the last 3 years and fill out forms regarding the house. Originally I vaguely remember they did say they would disregard the house for 6 months then I heard no more.

a couple of months later I was told I had been overpaid but it was only slightly and a manageable amount to pay back.

I’ve not got another letter saying I shouldn’t have got UC since 2022 and they want ALL the money back other than the first 6 months. It’s “disallowed” I’ve worked this out to be around £30k. I have no idea what I’m going to do. Anyone else been in this situation ??

OP posts:
Snakebite61 · 20/09/2025 12:58

MapleHazelLatte · 19/09/2025 08:11

I applied for UC when I separated from DC’s father 3 years ago. I have since been living with my parents and he stayed in the house we bought together. I’ve been asking him to take my name of the mortgage to give me my share but he just has been dragging his heels about it. I applied for UC when we split up.

i then got a notification to say I was having a review phone call. Apparently someone had accused me of still being with DC’s father. I had to send all my bank statements for the last 3 years and fill out forms regarding the house. Originally I vaguely remember they did say they would disregard the house for 6 months then I heard no more.

a couple of months later I was told I had been overpaid but it was only slightly and a manageable amount to pay back.

I’ve not got another letter saying I shouldn’t have got UC since 2022 and they want ALL the money back other than the first 6 months. It’s “disallowed” I’ve worked this out to be around £30k. I have no idea what I’m going to do. Anyone else been in this situation ??

Being honest with UC never works. They're more interested in screwing you over than helping.
And people say it's an easy life on it. Ignorant mugs.

lilkitten · 20/09/2025 14:42

That's an awful situation. It looks like PP have recommended people to get advice from, but I think it is correct (not ethical, but correct under their rules) that they disregard for a certain amount of time but then it would be an asset, which would mean you're not entitled. That is really shit of him to drag his heels, when it impacts you so much. I hate UC, luckily I have been able to get away from claiming it anymore but they were so demoralising.

PotatoLove · 20/09/2025 15:53

OP, I suggest making an appointment with your local CAB.
I also think that you are entitled to an hours free legal advice if you wish to speak to a solicitor. Good luck 😊

Lovingbooks · 20/09/2025 16:12

Not sure why OP believes bailiffs could turn up at parents house. As I understand it DWP has written to OP to advise they have overpaid. Claimants can request a mandatory reconsideration within 1 month of their decision. But OP seems to have jumped to thinking they will send bailiffs to parents house to recover the debt. Firstly the debt is not linked to the parents but if OP doesn’t engage with DWP it might be attached to OP property as a charging order at later date. Government pages and CAB say a letter will detail how you need to repay the overpayment so we seem to be missing info from OP. The house sale or division of the equity will need to be dealt with separately with the ex.

Original poster
MapleHazelLatte · 20/09/2025 17:13

Thank you everyone for you advice, I didn’t expect this much response it’s been quite overwhelming. I sat with my Dad last night and we worked out from when they said it was disallowed until my most recent payment I would owe them £27k. He’s said he will help me with a lump sum and then I’m hoping I can pay the rest off monthly until the house sells and/or I’m working more hours.
I’m just worrying they’re going to add to that amount for whatever reason with fines or hidden cost of something, but £27k is the amount they have paid me from when they said I was no longer allowed it after the 6 months.

what does “disallowed” actually mean? Does it mean I no longer claim? Do I still need to report to them any earnings, change of circumstances etc? I’m terrified of any move I make now.

OP posts:
Original poster
MapleHazelLatte · 20/09/2025 17:13

I haven’t rang CA as it was closed by the time I finished work so we’re going to ring on Monday.

OP posts:
Original poster
MapleHazelLatte · 20/09/2025 17:15

I mean I know they will no longer send me payments as I wouldn’t expect them to - but I just wondered if it still means I’m a “claimant” that has to report to them even though I obviously get no money from them each month.

OP posts:
Roobarbtwo · 20/09/2025 17:18

MapleHazelLatte · 20/09/2025 17:13

Thank you everyone for you advice, I didn’t expect this much response it’s been quite overwhelming. I sat with my Dad last night and we worked out from when they said it was disallowed until my most recent payment I would owe them £27k. He’s said he will help me with a lump sum and then I’m hoping I can pay the rest off monthly until the house sells and/or I’m working more hours.
I’m just worrying they’re going to add to that amount for whatever reason with fines or hidden cost of something, but £27k is the amount they have paid me from when they said I was no longer allowed it after the 6 months.

what does “disallowed” actually mean? Does it mean I no longer claim? Do I still need to report to them any earnings, change of circumstances etc? I’m terrified of any move I make now.

There will be no fines

Roobarbtwo · 20/09/2025 17:18

MapleHazelLatte · 20/09/2025 17:15

I mean I know they will no longer send me payments as I wouldn’t expect them to - but I just wondered if it still means I’m a “claimant” that has to report to them even though I obviously get no money from them each month.

No. You won't

Viviennemary · 20/09/2025 17:19

Disallowed from x date I think means you should not have been claiming from that date and any money paid since then should be paid back. And if your circumstances are the same you are not eligible to claim now. That's what I would understand. But you can probably set up a repayment scheme paying back very little monthly. Don't borrow the money to pay back the whole amount. That wouldn't be wise IMHO.

Original poster
MapleHazelLatte · 20/09/2025 17:21

Thank you.

OP posts:
Original poster
MapleHazelLatte · 20/09/2025 17:25

Sorry posted too soon. Thank you, I hope not. I’m now conscious of anything I say or post on social media as I feel paranoid someone has it out for me. My circumstances are exactly the same as when I was claiming but I’m just worried as my journal is still open etc and I don’t want to get into any more trouble if anything was to change and I didn’t report if my claim was still “open”

no as I say my dad will very kindly help me out with a chunk of it and then I will need to see if I can do some kind of repayment plan.

I’m just in limbo now knowing they want all the money back but just sat waiting for the letter to come through with the exact amount 😞

OP posts:
Invinsibubblality · 20/09/2025 17:30

Don't use your dad to pay a lump sum. DWP debt is interest free and you can create a payment plan. Using funds from other people may make things even more complicated as they will then question where this additional 'capital' has come from.

Lovingbooks · 20/09/2025 17:42

MapleHazelLatte · 20/09/2025 17:25

Sorry posted too soon. Thank you, I hope not. I’m now conscious of anything I say or post on social media as I feel paranoid someone has it out for me. My circumstances are exactly the same as when I was claiming but I’m just worried as my journal is still open etc and I don’t want to get into any more trouble if anything was to change and I didn’t report if my claim was still “open”

no as I say my dad will very kindly help me out with a chunk of it and then I will need to see if I can do some kind of repayment plan.

I’m just in limbo now knowing they want all the money back but just sat waiting for the letter to come through with the exact amount 😞

Financial help from your dad might be better spent with a solicitors appointment to double check your legal rights as to the property you own with the ex. Good luck and still check with CAB as to help with the DWP overpayment as others have advised it might not be as bad as you think just be realistic with DWP if setting up a payment plan.

User1839474 · 20/09/2025 19:08

PotatoLove · 20/09/2025 15:53

OP, I suggest making an appointment with your local CAB.
I also think that you are entitled to an hours free legal advice if you wish to speak to a solicitor. Good luck 😊

In what way is she entitled to free legal advice? Legal aid doesn’t apply for benefits anymore.

KilkennyCats · 20/09/2025 19:10

The “entitlement” to a free hour of a solicitor’s time is an urban myth.

User1839474 · 20/09/2025 19:15

Invinsibubblality · 20/09/2025 17:30

Don't use your dad to pay a lump sum. DWP debt is interest free and you can create a payment plan. Using funds from other people may make things even more complicated as they will then question where this additional 'capital' has come from.

I agree with this poster. Definitely do not get your dad to pay them.

Swandry · 20/09/2025 19:16

PotatoLove · 20/09/2025 15:53

OP, I suggest making an appointment with your local CAB.
I also think that you are entitled to an hours free legal advice if you wish to speak to a solicitor. Good luck 😊

The free hour is indeed a myth. Some solicitors may offer a half hour for free but by no means all and with a case as complex as this, the op can expect to have to pay for legal advice.

if there is a welfare rights organisation near you @MapleHazelLatte you could try them, or alternatively universities often operate a law clinic staffed by students with the support of their lecturers.

GlitteryRainbow · 20/09/2025 19:25

Lovingbooks · 20/09/2025 17:42

Financial help from your dad might be better spent with a solicitors appointment to double check your legal rights as to the property you own with the ex. Good luck and still check with CAB as to help with the DWP overpayment as others have advised it might not be as bad as you think just be realistic with DWP if setting up a payment plan.

Show quote history

Did OP actually confirm that she owns the house with her ex? She only mentioned her name being on the mortgage. I’m not sure that means anything. It’s whose name are on the deeds. If her name isn’t on the deeds she has a bigger legal problem. Though might sort out the UC issue as she won’t have that share of the house. Or make it more complex if she goes into a legal battle with the house.

Lovingbooks · 20/09/2025 19:58

GlitteryRainbow · 20/09/2025 19:25

Did OP actually confirm that she owns the house with her ex? She only mentioned her name being on the mortgage. I’m not sure that means anything. It’s whose name are on the deeds. If her name isn’t on the deeds she has a bigger legal problem. Though might sort out the UC issue as she won’t have that share of the house. Or make it more complex if she goes into a legal battle with the house.

Show quote history

Yes in opening post she says he stayed in the house they bought together, she thinks it’s owned 50/50 and is on the deeds. If ex has been paying mortgage soley for 3 years then yes legal opinion might be required regarding equity. Hopefully if OP starts seeking advice in real life she might be better equipped and less panicked about the whole situation…

pollymere · 20/09/2025 20:06

When we had Tax Credits due to no income when our kid was about four, we got a decent sum so we could live. My husband quickly found a job luckily. Then we got a demand for £10000 from them for overpaid tax credits. We had needed the money to live. We did manage to get the sum reduced.

We then received a payment plan which we were paying until our kid reached eighteen... They didn't care, I'm afraid.

It sounds as if you needed to sort the house out to keep your benefits. If you can prove it wasn't an accessible asset then they may reassess the situation. I suspect that's what the forms were for though. I would however ask for a repayment plan on the basis of income Vs outgoings. They have a legal obligation to ensure you can afford the repayments.

PotatoLove · 20/09/2025 20:54

Swandry · 20/09/2025 19:16

The free hour is indeed a myth. Some solicitors may offer a half hour for free but by no means all and with a case as complex as this, the op can expect to have to pay for legal advice.

if there is a welfare rights organisation near you @MapleHazelLatte you could try them, or alternatively universities often operate a law clinic staffed by students with the support of their lecturers.

Show quote history

Ahh...thanks for the correction.

PotatoLove · 20/09/2025 20:55

User1839474 · 20/09/2025 19:08

In what way is she entitled to free legal advice? Legal aid doesn’t apply for benefits anymore.

Show quote history

Oh, do they not? Thanks for the correction.

Kelly1969 · 20/09/2025 20:57

MapleHazelLatte · 20/09/2025 17:13

Thank you everyone for you advice, I didn’t expect this much response it’s been quite overwhelming. I sat with my Dad last night and we worked out from when they said it was disallowed until my most recent payment I would owe them £27k. He’s said he will help me with a lump sum and then I’m hoping I can pay the rest off monthly until the house sells and/or I’m working more hours.
I’m just worrying they’re going to add to that amount for whatever reason with fines or hidden cost of something, but £27k is the amount they have paid me from when they said I was no longer allowed it after the 6 months.

what does “disallowed” actually mean? Does it mean I no longer claim? Do I still need to report to them any earnings, change of circumstances etc? I’m terrified of any move I make now.

If they want all that money back you won’t be eligible to claim I’m sure.

Kelly1969 · 20/09/2025 20:58

Kelly1969 · 20/09/2025 20:57

If they want all that money back you won’t be eligible to claim I’m sure.

Show quote history

I don’t think there is a penalty or fine, just clawing back the overpayment