Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department takes to make sure Universal Credit helpline advice on capital disregards for compensation awards is accurate; and whether he will waive overpayments where a claimant relied on incorrect advice from his Department.

The Department supports Universal Credit helpline staff through operational guidance, learning products and regular policy updates to help ensure advice is accurate and consistent. Staff have access to guidance covering the treatment of capital, including compensation payments and capital disregard provisions where the relevant conditions are met.

Universal Credit overpayments are recoverable, including those arising from official error. The Department has an obligation to protect public funds and to ensure that, wherever possible, overpayment and penalty debt is recovered. Overpayment recovery is subject to various legislative limitations and safeguards.

It is DWP policy to recover all debt where it is reasonable and cost effective to do so. Debts should be recovered as quickly and cost effectively as possible without causing undue financial hardship to debtors. Any difficulties in repaying debt should be discussed directly with the Department, where individual circumstances can be.