Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2022
574. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress that has been made to date in bringing about a resolution to alleged overpayment in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39341/22]
View answerOn 09/11/2018 the person concerned was informed by my Department of an overpayment that had occurred on her Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA) payment during the period 09/03/2018 to 28/08/2018.
The overpayment occurred as the person concerned had received an incorrect rate of JA as a result of an increase in her weekly means. The means assessment on the person’s JA claim had increased from €0 to €142 per week due to her spouses’ income. This resulted in a total overpayment of €3,502.70.
Persons in receipt of a Jobseeker’s payment sign a declaration to immediately advise my Department of any change in their circumstances (e.g., commencing employment/self-employment, change in family circumstances etc.) which may affect their entitlement to a payment. It is the responsibility of the customer to advise my Department of any change in their circumstances so that a review of their entitlement can be undertaken.
Following the Deputy’s Dáil Question No. 462, officials in my Department undertook a review of the person’s overpayment. Having reviewed the circumstances of the overpayment, the Deciding Officer determined the decision remained unchanged. A letter dated 31/03/2022 issued to the person concerned informing her of the outcome.
Overpayments of social welfare assistance and benefit payments arise as a consequence of decisions made under the relevant sections of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005 (as amended). Customers who have been overpaid social welfare have a liability to refund the overpayment as they have been in receipt of a payment to which they were not entitled. Where an overpayment is raised, my Department makes every effort to recover the amount overpaid.
Recovery is sought over a period without imposing undue financial hardship on the person. My Department will work with the person concerned and consider personal circumstances in determining a repayment plan.
Repayments may be made by Debit Card, Standing Order, Direct Debit or by cheque. Where a customer is in receipt of a Social Welfare payment, legislation allows the Department to deduct up to 15% of the personal rate of the payment, where the customer does not engage in agreeing a repayment plan.
However, every effort is made to agree a repayment plan with customers. Where a person is in employment and does not engage in agreeing a repayment plan, the Department will consider making an attachment of earnings order.
I would urge the person concerned to contact my Department's Central Debt Unit in order to discuss and agree a suitable repayment arrangement. She can do this by emailing CentralDebt@welfare.ie or by calling 0818 927 999.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
