Question Author
Thanks everyone for your replies. The overpayment was because I moved to an address where there was a non dependant adult who was not on benefits and therefore I'm not entitled to SDP part of pension credit. I found this out through Age UK website not the DWP who just wrote to say I'm not entitled to pension credit anymore because of change of circumstances. Also income too high for savings credit so no pension credit. They are asking for over £3,000 back which is a lot of money, from Sept 2014 to Jan 2017 when they were aware of my circumstances. I had all my post redirected and the post office told them. I rang them and told them in January that I had forgotten to let them know and asked my solicitor if it made any difference when I moved and she said no, pension credit has to do with income and that had no changed. Obviously, I realise now that she was not aware of the rules about "non-dependants" and neither was I until I looked it up as I could not understand why it had been stopped and DWP were not being very clear. Anyway, I could ask them to reconsider but I think they may be right. Also, I would like a breakdown of the figure.
I read on Age UK site that if you are 65 or over (I'm 66) changes due to non-dependants that would reduce your PC should not apply until 26 weeks after the change of circumstance. So although I was not over 65 when my circumstances changed, would this still apply as I am now. Another thing is that they were aware I had moved to a new address even though I had not told them, back in February 2015 as my friend who also moved to the address was called for an interview at local DWP and asked why they had moved. They had their post redirected too. The official mentioned that they knew I had moved there. My friend, by the way is registered blind and also on PC and DLA and over 65. DWP seemed happy with what they said and would send report back Pensions who had asked for interview. So why didn't they contact me too? We heard nothing except for the annual letter. Sorry this is long winded but thought I'd give you a few more details. I will pay them back if I have to but just want to know how much per week. Thanks again for all your help.