Overview
- Minister Andrew Western confirmed in a written statement that people with serious or terminal illnesses can be pursued for overpayments even when official mistakes occurred.
- The statement answered a written question from Liberal Democrat MP Zöe Franklin seeking safeguards for cases arising from departmental error.
- The DWP said it strives to set affordable, sustainable repayment plans, urged claimants to get in touch if rates are unmanageable, and noted staff are trained to support vulnerable people.
- People with a serious or terminal diagnosis can request a waiver to stop recovery, and claimants can seek a mandatory reconsideration or appeal, with guidance available on the government website.
- Official figures report £2.7 billion reclaimed in 2023–24, while charities warn repayment demands can cause severe distress and are calling for clearer protections and transparency.