Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 September 2022
387. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the level of recovery that can be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) given the low level of income being received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44797/22]
View answerOverpayments 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). Citizens 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, the Department makes every effort to recover the amount overpaid.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. 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.
Recovery is sought over a period without imposing undue financial hardship on the person. The Department will work with each person and consider personal circumstances in determining a repayment plan.
My Department's Central Debt Unit is happy to contact this person directly in order to discuss her financial circumstances and agree an appropriate repayment amount.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
