Overpayments under the Universal Credit system - What is an overpayment under the Universal Credit system?
Read our guide to overpayments under the Universal Credit system and what to do about them.
- Last reviewed 25 February 2026
What is an overpayment under the Universal Credit system?
An overpayment under the Universal Credit system is an overpayment of
- Universal Credit,
- New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
An overpayment means that you have been paid more benefit than you were entitled to.
This can happen because of a mistake when working out your benefits, if you gave the wrong information or not enough information when you made your claim, or if you didn’t tell the Government department that is responsible for employment and welfare See full definition about a change of circumstances.
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