Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many waivers for Carer's Allowance overpayments were applied for and accepted in 2025/26.

In very exceptional circumstances, there is discretion for DWP to waive recovery of an overpayment, as a derogation granted by the Treasury from the absolute requirement to recover all overpayments of public money. This is considered only where there is reasonable evidence available that the recovery of the overpayment is detrimental to the health and/or welfare of the debtor or their family; there needs to be very specific and compelling grounds for a waiver to be agreed.

Carer's Allowance overpayment waivers 25/26:

Received waiver requests:18

Refused waivers: 15

Approved waivers: 3

Further information on Waivers can be found in chapter 8 of the Benefit Overpayment Recovery Guide.