Good afternoon.
I have checked the DWP guidance and also advised a number of times to staff on this issue. But it does seem to be a little subjective and has caused a discussion as to the right and wrong time to offset arrears of Benefit in one go.
I realise that a revision of income for example can be used to offset even if the credit and the op are not for the same period.
We have had a few problems with Rent Officer determinations, and as a result we have had some credits being created that go back some way and are therefore arrears of Benefit . My view is that these can be used in total to offset an overpayment.
The other view however is that these credits are bein caused due to our error and so they are not true arrears of Benefit as a revsion would be.
The guidance is not that clear, but I would be interested to know if anyone has an opinion or other viewpoint on this.
thanks
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