ESA overpayment

My husband is claiming ESA and started receiving a pension payment in January. This was reported to the DWP at the time in writing and chased up again in May as he had no response.
Both times the letters were sent by recorded/signed for post to ensure proof of delivery. The DWP have since been in touch asking why the change of circumstances was not reported immediately but this obviously was not the case and copies of the advice letters and proof of postage were sent to them again to prove this. The DWP are now asking for the over payment to be repaid, they still state this is due to the delay in notifying them. This is annoying as it was due to their error that the initial notification was not acted upon so has anybody else experienced this previously and can this be appealed. Thanks

Hi Cariad,

I had a similar situation when I sent correspoendence about an inheritence which they didn't action despite me ringing and following it up. Eventually when they responded they accepted that it was not my fault and didn't backdate the adjustment to my ESA.
It seems unfair that you did the right thing and their failure to process it has caused the overpayment. Perhaps there is different legislation for Pensions rather than inheritence but I wonder if its worth seeking advice from welfare rights just to check if you are liable for the overpayment, after all you have the proof of postage to back up what you are saying.

Wishing you all the best,

Gaddy