Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
831. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a full review of the case of a person (details supplied) can be undertaken with a view to explaining the reason payment was taken from their weekly payment in respect of an overpayment that was never proven to have been paid to them directly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32298/20]
View answerIn accordance with Social Welfare legislation the person with whom a qualified child normally resides is qualified to receive child benefit in respect of that child.
The person concerned received child benefit for her daughter for a period when the child no longer resided with her. As a result, she was not entitled to payment for the period in question and a revised decision was made disallowing child benefit in respect of the period concerned (August to October 2006). This resulted in an overpayment of €450.00. She was notified of the decision and the overpayment amount in November 2006.
The Department has already reviewed this matter as a result of an earlier PQ (reference 52235/2017) and is satisfied that the payments issued to the same Post Office as other earlier child benefit payments made to the same person. Social Welfare payments made at Post Offices must be collected in person by the customer.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
