Member

The department’s approach is outlined in the Benefit Overpayment Recovery Guide, which I mentioned earlier. It is available on GOV.UK, but I can send a link if helpful. It says that, when considering waiver applications, officials will consider all relevant factors, which may include but are not limited to: the individual’s financial circumstances and those of their household, which answers the point on destitution from the noble Lord, Lord Palmer; whether the recovery of the debt is impacting the individual’s health or that of their family; the DWP’s conduct, including statements it made and the circumstances surrounding how the overpayment arose, including any missed opportunities; and the individual’s conduct, including whether the individual took steps to mitigate any overpayment or to contact or notify the DWP, or whether the individual knew or could reasonably have known or reported that they were being overpaid and did not question the amount of their overpayment.