<p>The Department for Work and Pensions waived 25 Universal Credit overpayments in the last year.</p><p>Waivers are only granted in exceptional circumstances, usually where the recovery of the overpayment is causing substantial medical and/or financial hardship, and it can be clearly demonstrated that the debtor’s circumstances will only improve by waiver of the debt.</p><p>However, any claimants struggling with the proposed rate of deductions are encouraged to contact DWP Debt Management to discuss affordability, so that a lower repayment rate can be negotiated as appropriate.</p><p> </p><p>More information on the waiver process can be found at Chapter 8 of the department’s Benefit Overpayment Recovery Guide:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-overpayment-recovery-staff-guide/benefit-overpayment-recovery-guide#chapter-8" target="_blank">Benefit overpayment recovery guide - GOV.UK(www.gov.uk)</a></p>