Why it happens
Repayments run through your payroll under PAYE. When your balance reaches zero, HMRC has to notify your employer to switch the deductions off, and that message takes about four weeks to work through the system.
In that window, one or two more repayments can be taken on a loan that is already clear. That is an overpayment, and it is refundable.
How to check
- Find the date your balance reached zero. Your online SLC statement shows this.
- Check your payslips for any student loan deductions taken after that date.
- Anything taken after the loan cleared is an overpayment you can reclaim.
How to claim, free
For a straightforward overpayment you can claim it yourself at no cost. Request a refund in your online account, or contact the SLC with the relevant payslips. Refunds are usually paid within about 28 days.
If the SLC does not refund it automatically, or delays
The SLC will often try to refund overpayments of this kind, but not always, and not always promptly, particularly if it no longer holds current contact or bank details for you. A clear written request with your figures and an escalation route gets it moving.
Over-Deduction Refund Request
For when the SLC does not refund automatically, or drags. Sets out the clearance date, the deductions taken after it, and asks for the money back. £15.
The other three refund reasons are in the refund hub. Before deciding to overpay a loan at all, the write-off guide is worth reading, because voluntary overpayments cannot be refunded.
The letter for this
Over-Deduction Refund Request
Written for this specific ground, with the law cited and the evidence demands built in. Complete the placeholders and send it.
Included free with the letter
- How Student Loan Complaints Work
- You May Be On the Wrong Repayment Plan
Frequently asked questions
Why did deductions carry on after my student loan was paid off?
Because repayments run through payroll. When your balance reaches zero, HMRC has to tell your employer to switch the deductions off, and that message takes around four weeks to work through. In that window one or two further repayments can be taken on a loan that is already clear.
Can I get those last payments back?
Yes. Anything taken after the balance reached zero is an overpayment, and paying more than you owe is one of the four official refund reasons. The SLC will often refund it without being asked, but not always, and not always quickly.
How do I avoid overpaying at the end?
In the final year of your loan you can switch your repayments to Direct Debit. The SLC then takes the exact remaining amount and stops, instead of payroll overshooting. Keep your contact details up to date so the SLC can offer you this as you approach the end.
How do I find out when my balance reached zero?
Your online SLC statement shows it. Once you have that date, check your payslips for any student loan deductions taken after it. The gap between the two is your refund.
Does the SLC refund this automatically?
Sometimes, and it does try. But it depends on the SLC having current contact and bank details for you, which is exactly what people stop maintaining once they think a loan is finished. If nothing has arrived, ask.
Sources: gov.uk, Repaying your student loan (getting a refund, and how you repay). Last checked 18 July 2026. Rules change: check gov.uk for the current position.