Collection of DEAs issued by DWP suspended
02 April 2020
We have received several calls into our Advisory team in relation to Direct Earning Attachment Orders (DEAs) issued by the Department of Work and Pension (DWP). Members have advised that they have been contacted by DWP and have been told to suspend all DEAs processed via their payroll that have been issued by them.
Upon investigation, DWP have, in fact, issued a statement on their debt management telephone line, advising that all debt management collection in relation to overpayments of benefits, tax credits and social funds have been suspended for a temporary period. They will not be issuing any new collection notices nor collecting any debt during this time.
Employers who process DEAs for DWP via their payroll are advised to suspend all DEA collections and to not set up new orders that may have recently been received. You are not required to speak to an advisor or gain authorisation to action this.
Official guidance will be published very soon, however, if you would like to hear the notice given, you can call 0800 916 0614, selecting option 1 for employers.
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