You get a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) telling you to claim Universal Credit by a certain date. your situation changes in certain ways - for example, you might need to claim Universal Credit if you've separated from a partner or moved to a different council area.
A Debt collection letter or Dunning letter is a formal communication sent by a creditor or a debt collection agency to a debtor requesting prompt payment of an outstanding debt. These letters often include details like the amount owed, the due date, and any applicable interest or late fees.
Appeal Rights You have the right to appeal an overpayment determination. You must submit your appeal in writing within 30 days of the mailing date on the Notice of Overpayment (DE 1444). You can still submit an appeal after the 30-day deadline, but you must provide the reasons why you missed the appeal deadline.
Overpayments can also be recovered from your wage via a direct earnings attachment. You and your employer will be sent a notice setting out how much will be deducted. The deduction will be a % of your net income (after tax and deductions).
The standard time in which debts should be reclaimed by the DWP is six years. You can put in a defence if they issue you a county court claim for a benefit overpayment older than six years. Seek legal advice for this.