The change means many claimants will see an increase in
the amount of money they receive in benefits during the
outbreak.
It will also allow the department to move a significant
number of staff to front line roles, so it can focus on
getting money to those who need support, following a
significant increase in claims over the last two weeks.
Deductions for the recovery of Universal Credit and
legacy benefit overpayments, Social Fund loans and Tax
Credit debts will be paused.
The majority of deductions will be suspended
automatically, however if you currently make repayments
through a Bank Standing Order, Bank Giro Credit or
through online banking, please contact your bank to
cancel your arrangement.
The recovery of advances by deduction from Universal
Credit payments will continue.
A significant number of debt recovery staff have been
redeployed, with plans to release more in the coming
days, as a result and will take up front line roles to
focus on getting money to those who are most in need of
support.
10,000 existing staff are being moved to front line roles
and the department has announced it is recruiting more.
Additional information
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The recovery of Advances by deduction from Universal
Credit payments will continue.
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Local Authorities will suspend referral of Housing
Benefit overpayments.
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The transfer of Tax Credit debt from HMRC has already
been suspended.
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We are stopping debt recovery activity as soon as
possible. This includes all benefit-related
overpayments, Social Fund loans and Tax Credit debts.
Many activities will cease immediately but others may
take longer to implement.
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For citizens who are not on benefits, we have
directed private sector debt collection agencies to
stop their activity for Debt Management customers.
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We are also suspending voluntary debt repayments and
recovery by Direct Earnings Attachments.
