DWP pressure to increase repayments

[vintagegal]

I have a signed agreement with the department of work and pensions to repay them on an overpayment of benefits. I set up a standing order a couple of years ago and everything has been fine until I received a letter froma credit agency to say my details had been sent to them. On contacting the agency I told them my repayments had been regular as I had a standing order. I gave the agency all the details on the reference number of the agreement between the DWP and myself and they said they would pass the case back to the DWP. I feel this may be because I have moved and they have tried to contact me at some point. However, I would like to ask is a signed agreement with details including the last repayment date binding, as I feel they may be trying to increase my repayment amounts (trying to recover as much as they can in the recession). I am a full time student at this moment in time and only have my grant to live on, I am really struggling as it is. The bottom line on my question is can they renage on an agreement they have with me or is it binding.

Any advice would be welcome - Thank you

[FindLaw_Miriam]

Hi vintagegal,

Thanks for you post.

The first thing you should do is look over your copy of the signed agreement with the DWP carefully. It may contain provisions regarding if and when they can change your repayments. The DWP can review overpayment situations and request people to pay more, however, they have to take into consideration your financial situation and should not ask you to repay more than you can.

If you are concerned you might want to speak to the DWP directly. The important thing is don't panic and ensure that you keep communicating with them.

Good luck,

-FindLaw Moderation Team

[vintagegal]

Thank you so much for this information. From my recollection I had to go in with a budget plan and then i told them how much I felt i could afford to pay. I got a letter saying it was agreed. The letter was succint, first payment date, last payment date and the amount. I dont recall any other paperwork included with finer details. Is this a legally binding 'contract' between us. Can I refuse to have a review? my financial circumstances are worse now than when I started the repayment. I am on a low repayment arrangement and I feel they are trying to get more from me. Should I refuse can they threaten court action against me.

My bottom line is - is this legal, as I found them quite bullish in the past and dont wish to feel intimidated like before.

Many thanks , your clarification would not result in more question from me!