If you are awarded compensation

Check the facts

The Compensation Recovery Unit will tell the person or organisation who pays your compensation how much benefit and or lump sum if any, they have to pay back to the Department for Work and Pensions. The information will be shown on a certificate. You or your representative will also be told about this and will receive a copy of the certificate.

If you do not agree with the amount they have to repay to the Department for Work and Pensions, you have the right to ask for a review. There is information on the certificate that tells you what to do.

If you do not agree with the decision to reduce your compensation, you may be able to appeal. You can only do this after the person or organisation who pays your compensation payment, repays all benefits and or lump sums shown on the Certificate to the Department for Work and Pensions.

You must appeal within one month of the date that they make the final payment to the Department for Work and Pensions via the Compensation Recovery Unit.

You can get more information from the Recovery of benefits and or lump sums appeal guide (Z2)

If you are receiving benefit

You must tell the office that pays your benefit as soon as you get your compensation payment if you receive:

• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Working Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Pension Credit
• If you get a pension from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency, please make sure you let them know. Call the Veterans Free Helpline on 0800 169 2277.

You must tell the local authority as soon as you receive your compensation payment if you receive a reduction in Council Tax.

To get more information about Council Tax reduction contact your local Authority.