Step 3 Choose your debt solution – Common priority debts 3 Benefit overpayments Why are these a priority? The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may say that you have been overpaid a benefit, such as Universal Credit. Benefit overpayments are usually a priority debt because the DWP can take the following action. • Take money directly from most benefit awards. • Tell your employer to take money directly from your wages. • Get an order in the County Court which lets them use county court enforcement, such as using bailiffs to try and take your goods or a charging order to secure the debt against property you own. This could put your property at risk. A charging order cannot be made against a property that you rent. What can I do? Contact the DWP as soon as possible. Use the Summary budget for creditors to make an affordable offer of payment. If you are threatened with court action, or receive court papers, contact us for advice. If the DWP are taking money from your benefit or wages, check whether you can afford this. If what they are taking causes you hardship, contact the DWP and explain why. Send a copy of the Summary budget for creditors and ask if they will take less. Do you have a Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction overpayment? Different rules apply if the council says you have been overpaid Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction (also known as Council Tax Support). Contact us for advice. Page 65