Universal Credit UK: Britons asked to repay money they do not owe in fraud crisis

However, the advance must be paid back, usually in instalments, within 12 months, although interest is not applicable. 

Benefit fraud is an issue which the government is making attempts to stamp out, to ensure only those entitled to the money receive it. 

According to a letter from the National Audit Office (NAO), in 2019-20, the DWP estimates it overpaid £1,730million, recovering £70million of overpayments.

Joshua Reddaway, Director of Work and Pensions VFM at the NAO, wrote to Stephen Timms MP, stating it was “likely” most of the £1,730 will be lost to the taxpayer.