You must pay the full amount back within 14 days of receiving the invoice.
If you can't repay it, you must contact us straight away so we can arrange repayments which suit your financial circumstances. You can contact us by calling 01642 726006 or emailing hbop@middlesbrough.gov.uk.
Our phone lines are open Monday to Wednesday (10am to 4:30pm), and Friday (10am to 4pm). They are closed on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Set up monthly payments (available 24 hours)
If you want to set up regular payments, you can use the HBOP arrangement to pay form.
You'll need to enter the amount you've been overpaid, then decide how quickly you can repay it. You can choose from 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, or more than 12 months. If you repay it over a shorter amount of time, your monthly repayments will be more.
For example, for an overpayment of £1,000, you could choose to repay:
- over 6 months - £166.67 per month
- over 9 months - £111.11 per month
- over 12 months - £83.33 per month
One-off payment form (available 24 hours)
You can repay your Housing Benefit overpayment all in one go by using the online payment form.
You can also use the online payment form to make repayments which suit your circumstances - for example, paying what you can afford, when you can afford it.
The amount you pay will be credited to the account you chose. This will normally be done on the next working day.
You'll need to have the following details ready when you fill in the form:
- Your invoice number (including any 0s), for example 0012345
- Your debit or credit card details
- The amount you want to repay
Payment by phone (available 24 hours)
To repay your Housing Benefit overpayment by phone, call 01642 726726 at any time and have the following details ready:
- your invoice number (including any 0s), for example 0012345
- your debit or credit card details
- the amount you want to repay
Please note, you'll get a unique reference number when you make your payment - remember to keep a record of this.
Payment by Direct Debit
If you'd like to start paying by Direct Debit, call 01642 726006 and we'll set up your Direct Debit immediately. Please remember to have all your bank details ready when you call.
Our phone lines are open Monday to Wednesday (10am to 4:30pm), and Friday (10am to 4pm). They are closed on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
If you cannot call us during those hours, you can email HBOP@middlesbrough.gov.uk.
We have a flexible approach to Direct Debits, and we offer a range of payment dates to suit your circumstances.
Payment by standing order
You can make repayments directly from your bank or building society account by standing order.
Please contact the Overpayment Recovery Section on 01642 726006 so we can fill in the paperwork for you. Our phone lines are open Monday to Wednesday (10am to 4:30pm), and Friday (10am to 4pm). They are closed on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
We'll write to you to confirm the arrangement and our bank details. You'll then need to take this letter to your bank or building society, and they'll set up the standing order on your bank account.
Payment by Post Office or PayPoint
You can also pay at any Post Office or establishment displaying the PayPoint logo. This service is free. You'll need to take your invoice, which shows the barcode on the front, with you. You'll get a separate receipt which you should keep as proof of payment.
You can find your nearest Post Office or find your nearest PayPoint online.