DWP overpayments update as 'thousands' must repay up to £20,000

The Department for Work and Pensions has issued a statementRory Poulter12:30, 20 Jul 2026Thousands of unpaid carers are being chased by the DWP for benefit overpayments – with some landing debts of more than £20,000.‌Official figures reveal the Department for Work and Pensions demanded the repayment of £33million from carers last year after 32,559 earnings-related overpayments, suggesting the controversial Carer's Allowance system continues to trap thousands despite reforms. Campaigners warned the figures show the department is still operating a "business as usual" approach, leaving unpaid carers exposed to crippling debts and even potential fraud investigations.‌The latest data, obtained under Freedom of Information laws, show the DWP cut both the number and value of overpayments by aroun