DWP confirms £350 refunds and will write to benefits claimants affected

NewsCost Of LivingDWP197 cases confirmed13:30, 13 Aug 2026The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed refunds for nearly 200 benefits claimants. DWP data shows hundreds will be handed back cash after the DWP incorrectly collected penalties which had been wrongly issued to those on benefits.‌The DWP has confirmed 197 cases where it wrongly issued Administrative Penalties – or ‘Ad Pens’ – between 2023 and 2025. These are charged to claimants suspected of benefit fraud.‌So-called 'Ad Pens' are handed to claimants “as an alternative to a criminal prosecution" and where the evidence points to a “realistic prospect of conviction”. The refunds being issued will range from £350 to £5,000.‌READ MORE Andy Burnham government confirms change to 7 high street banks - full listA DWP spokesperson