How to Find Out About Money Taken Off Your Universal Credit Payments Online?
Universal Credit is a vital financial support system for millions of people in the UK.
However, if you notice that your payments have been reduced, you may be wondering why money has been taken off and how to find out the details.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can take deductions from your Universal Credit for several reasons, including repaying debts, covering overpayments, and third-party deductions such as rent or utility bills.
This guide will explain how to check deductions online, understand the different types of deductions, and what you can do if you are struggling financially.
What Are Universal Credit Deductions?
Universal Credit deductions occur when a portion of your payment is withheld to repay outstanding debts. The DWP automatically applies these deductions at the end of each assessment period (one calendar month).
You can find out about money taken off your Universal Credit payments online by following these steps:
- Sign into your Universal Credit account at GOV.UK.
- Go to the ‘Payments’ section to review your latest payment details.
- Look for ‘What we take off – deductions’ to see a breakdown of the amounts deducted and the reasons for them.
Understanding why deductions are made can help you manage your finances better and take action if necessary.
How to Find Out About Money Taken Off Your Universal Credit Payments Online?
If money has been deducted from your Universal Credit payment and you need more information, the right point of contact depends on the type of deduction.
Universal Credit deductions cover a wide range of financial obligations, including advance repayments, benefit overpayments, third-party debts, and hardship payments.
The department you need to contact depends on the type of deduction applied to your Universal Credit payment. Below, we break down the different types of deductions and who to contact for help.
What Are the Different Types of Universal Credit Deductions?
Advance Payment Repayments
If you took an advance payment when you first applied for Universal Credit, this amount must be repaid in instalments. Deductions will continue until the full amount is repaid.
- How to check? Log into your Universal Credit account and check the “Payments” section.
- Who to contact? If you are struggling to repay, send a journal message or contact the Universal Credit helpline at 0800 328 5644.
Universal Credit Overpayment
An overpayment happens when you receive more Universal Credit than you are entitled to. This could be due to:
- A change in your income or household circumstances
- An administrative error
- Failing to report a change on time
If you have an overpayment, the DWP will send you a message in your online journal or a letter by post.
How to check?:
- Log into your Universal Credit account and check your journal for an overpayment notification.
- If you haven’t received a message but suspect an overpayment, contact Universal Credit immediately to avoid penalties.
Who to contact?:
- Call DWP Debt Management at 0800 916 0647 to find out how much you owe.
- To dispute an overpayment, request a mandatory reconsideration through your journal.
Tax Credits and Benefit Overpayments
If you were overpaid for tax credits or other benefits such as Housing Benefit, the DWP may recover the debt by deducting money from your Universal Credit.
- How to check? Check your journal or letters from DWP for details.
- Who to contact? If you believe there has been an error, contact DWP Debt Management at 0800 916 0647.
Recoverable Hardship Payment
A hardship payment is available if your Universal Credit was reduced due to a sanction or fraud penalty.
- This payment must be repaid once your fraud penalty or sanction ends.
- The repayment amount is fixed and cannot be changed later.
Who to contact? If you need help repaying, contact DWP Debt Management.
Budgeting and Crisis Loan Repayments
If you took a budgeting loan or crisis loan, your repayments will be deducted from your Universal Credit until the full amount is repaid.
- How to check? Review your “Payments” section in your online account.
- Who to contact? Contact DWP Debt Management for repayment queries.
Third-Party Deductions (Debts to Other Organisations)
The DWP may deduct money from your Universal Credit to pay off debts to other organisations, including:
- Utility bills (gas, electricity, water)
- Council Tax arrears
- Rent or service charge arrears
- Court fines
- Child maintenance payments
A maximum of 3 third-party deductions can be applied at any time.
- Who to contact? If a third-party deduction is causing financial hardship, contact Citizens Advice or the DWP.
How Much Will Be Taken Off Your Universal Credit Payment?
The DWP calculates deductions at the end of each assessment period (one calendar month).
- Normally, a maximum of 25% of your Standard Allowance can be deducted.
- If you have a ‘last resort deduction’, more than 25% may be taken to prevent eviction or disconnection of utilities.
How Can You Dispute or Appeal a Universal Credit Deduction?
If you believe a deduction from your Universal Credit payment is incorrect or unfair, you have the right to challenge it through the following steps.
Step 1: Review Your Universal Credit Account
- Log into your Universal Credit account and check the “Payments” section for a breakdown of deductions.
- Read your journal messages to see if any updates or explanations have been provided regarding the deduction.
Step 2: Contact the Universal Credit Helpline or DWP Debt Management
- If you believe the deduction was made in error, contact Universal Credit or DWP Debt Management to request clarification.
- Explain why you believe the deduction is incorrect and ask for a detailed explanation.
Step 3: Request a Mandatory Reconsideration
If you are not satisfied with the explanation provided, you can formally request a mandatory reconsideration. This is the first stage of the appeal process.
- You can request a reconsideration by writing a message in your Universal Credit journal or calling Universal Credit at 0800 328 5644.
- Provide any supporting evidence, such as previous payment statements, proof of overpayment corrections, or letters confirming debts have been cleared.
- The DWP will review your case and provide a decision.
Step 4: Further Appeal if Necessary
If the mandatory reconsideration does not resolve the issue, you have the right to escalate the appeal:
- You can submit an appeal to a tribunal if you still believe the deduction was unfair.
- Appeals must be submitted via the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal.
More details on how to appeal can be found on the GOV.UK website.
What to Do If You’re Struggling to Repay Your Debt?
Deductions from Universal Credit can place financial strain on claimants, particularly those already facing financial hardship. If you are struggling to make ends meet, there are several options available.
Request a Lower Repayment Rate
If deductions are making it difficult to afford rent, food, or essential bills, you can request a reduction in the amount being deducted.
- Contact DWP Debt Management at 0800 916 0647.
- Explain your financial situation and request a lower repayment rate.
- If approved, the new rate will take effect in the next assessment period.
Apply for a Hardship Payment
If you are struggling due to a sanction or fraud penalty, you may be eligible for a hardship payment.
- Hardship payments are temporary financial assistance but must be repaid.
- Contact Universal Credit at 0800 328 5644 to apply.
Seek Help from a Debt Advice Organisation
If you have multiple debts and are struggling to keep up with repayments, consider getting free financial advice from:
- Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk
- StepChange Debt Charity: stepchange.org
- Turn2Us: turn2us.org.uk
They can provide budgeting advice, help you negotiate lower repayments, or check if you qualify for additional support.
Consider a Financial Hardship Decision
If deductions are severely impacting your ability to afford essentials, you can request a financial hardship decision to lower repayment amounts.
You may be eligible for this if deductions are for:
- Benefit overpayments
- Budgeting Loan and Crisis Loan repayments
- Advance repayments
- Rent arrears (if deductions exceed 10% of your standard allowance)
If approved, the reduced deduction will apply to your next assessment period.
How to Contact Universal Credit About Deductions?
If you need to speak to Universal Credit about a deduction, there are multiple ways to do so:
Online Through Your Universal Credit Account
- Log into your account at GOV.UK.
- Check your journal messages for updates on deductions.
- Send a message through your journal if you need assistance.
By Phone
| Reason for Contact | Phone Number | Availability |
| Universal Credit General Enquiries | 0800 328 5644 | Mon-Fri, 8 am-6 pm |
| DWP Debt Management (Overpayments and Repayments) | 0800 916 0647 | Mon-Fri, 8 am-7:30 pm |
| Welsh Language Support | 0800 328 1744 | Mon-Fri, 8 am-6 pm |
| Calling from Abroad | +44 (0)161 904 1233 | Mon-Fri, 8 am-7:30 pm |
If you have hearing or speech difficulties, use the NGT text relay service by dialling 18001 before the phone number.
By Post
You can also contact Universal Credit or DWP Debt Management by post. However, this method takes longer, and online or phone communication is recommended for faster responses.
Address for DWP Debt Management:
Debt Management (DWP)
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 2DF
Conclusion
Understanding Universal Credit deductions is essential for managing your finances effectively.
Whether your payment has been reduced due to advance repayments, benefit overpayments, or third-party deductions, it is important to check your Universal Credit account regularly to stay informed.
If you need further assistance, you can contact Universal Credit or DWP Debt Management to discuss repayment options, dispute deductions, or request financial support.
Additionally, free advice services like Citizens Advice and StepChange can help if you are struggling with repayments.
For more detailed information on Universal Credit, deductions, payments, and financial support, visit Universal Credit News for the latest updates and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Universal Credit Deductions
What percentage of my Universal Credit can be deducted?
The standard maximum deduction is 25% of your Universal Credit standard allowance, though in certain cases, it may be higher.
Can I stop deductions from my Universal Credit?
You can request a lower deduction rate by contacting DWP Debt Management and explaining your financial difficulties.
How long do deductions last?
It depends on the amount owed and repayment agreement. Some deductions last months, while others continue until the debt is fully repaid.
How do I check if I have overpayments?
Log into your Universal Credit account, check your journal messages, or contact the Universal Credit helpline.
Can I negotiate lower deduction amounts?
Yes, if you’re struggling financially, call DWP Debt Management to request a lower repayment rate.
What help is available if deductions leave me struggling?
You can apply for a hardship payment or contact Citizens Advice for additional support.
