Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:335. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a payment (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5442/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 2 February 2023
Ceisteanna (335)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department makes every effort to prevent over-issue of pension payments, but this is sometimes not possible where the death of a pension recipient occurs in the days immediately prior to their next scheduled payment day.
In the case of the person concerned, payment of the deceased's pension was suspended immediately on 28th November, the day my Department was notified of his death on 21st November. The overpayment of pension arose because the deceased's pension was lodged to his account on 25/11/2022, prior to the Department being notified of his death. In these circumstances, the standard procedure is that the Department writes to the personal representative of the deceased to request a refund of the pension payment.
All overpayments, including posthumous pension over-issues, are regarded as a debt to the State and as such every effort must be made to have them repaid. However, in seeking recovery, consideration is given to personal circumstances. If a person has difficulty in making the repayment and contacts my Department, it will be possible to facilitate repayment by instalments. The Department will assist similarly in this case, if required.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.