Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2021
457. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the way her Department proposes to recover the alleged amount of overpayment of State pension (non-contributory) from a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the options available to them in repaying the overpayment. [54005/21]
View answerAn overpayment of non-contributory pension was assessed in this case as the claimant did not declare means from a British Retirement Pension.
The Department’s policy is to ensure that every effort is made to prevent overpayments but, if they occur, they are regarded as a debt to the Exchequer and every effort must be made to recover the amounts due. Legislation provides for the deduction of 15% of the personal rate of a person’s social welfare payment, without their consent, for the recoupment of outstanding debts. However, consideration is given to customers who contact us in relation to recovery of overpayments, always with a view to coming to a mutually agreeable arrangement, both prior to any deductions being made from customers’ payments and at any stage thereafter if people make contact to say that they are experiencing difficulties in making repayments. The Department does not apply interest or penalties on amounts owing.
In this case, following a means assessment, the person concerned is in receipt of a reduced State Pension Non-Contributory from this Department. Debts may be paid by a once off payment, by payment of lump sums followed by deductions from a person’s social welfare payments, by direct debit or standing order. A letter has issued to the person concerned asking that they contact the Debt Recovery Unit with a proposal for repayment.
