Overpayment of SSP?!

tracystrong

Hi all. I was wondering if someone could give me a little advice? I work 12 hours per week within a school kitchen. For the past 7 months I have been off sick. I had routine surgery in May which resulted in me being transferred to various hospitals and finally having emergency surgery to try and rectify a problem that had originated from my surgery in May. I have never seen, signed or received a contract of employment and have been with my employer for just under 2 years. I was payed SSP up to Sept. I questioned my entitlement to SSP during my period of hospitalisation, again once I had been discharged and even put the request in writing. I was told at one point that I was entitled to it, then they would look into it and get back to me. Due to various circumstances I am unable to return to work at the school and handed my notice in last week. Yesterday I received a letter from the payroll company saying that they had made an error with regard to SSP and I had been overpayed by £600.

Basically I dont know what to do next. I am not in a position to repay the full amount. What money I had has covered the bills over the past few months. I am happy to pay a set amount every month until my circumstances change or the amount is payed off, which ever happens sooner. My husband is working, his wages pay the rent etc.

After having a year from hell, trying to sort Christmas out with very little money, I am now at the end of my tether.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks

SarEl

It would be foolish of an employer to refuse reasonable installments, since if they took this to court then that is all they would get anyway. Just write to them pointing all of this out, and explaining your circumstances and what you can offer. It is a good idea to include a cheque for the first payment with the letter - it shows willingness to pay.

tracystrong

Thank you. Will have a look at the Debt help pages and find a letter template.