NHS Pension

LibertyValance

Recently retired from the NHS to find that their Payroll Services gave the Paymaster incorrect information that resulted in being overpaid with both monthly income and lump sum. The monthly income has been adjusted but the Paymaster is insisting that I repay the overpayment of approximately £1000 back to them. I am of the option that NHS Payroll Services are responsible for this gross error of information that resulted in the overpayment and should be held accountable for same.

Payroll Services originally submitted an AW8 pension application form providing the required TTP details. They later submitted an AW171 and a revised award was submitted followed by a second AW171 for a further revised award. Initially the middle years TTP was used as the highest to calculate the retirement benefits and an immediate cost of living rise was applied to the benefits. Since my final year was not thought to be the highest and I had previously received a cost of living rise in error I was now being informed after the second AW171 I was still in an overpayment situation.

Has anyone had experience of same and what was the outcome?

atush

yes, they made the mistake. And the person who did it should get their pay docked (not that they will).

But sorry, it isn't your money so you will have to pay it back.

xylophone

As it was not your error, it would be reasonable to ask to repay the overpaid lump sum by instalments - £100 a month say?

atush

Oh yes, you can definitely ask for an interest free plan. I am sure they will agree to one.

jackyann

Yes, very unfair that you have to repay it, but it is clear. Ask for as long a repayment time as possible - are you still in your union? They will help (and check NHS pensions are correct - but I assume you have already done that)

kidmugsy

jackyann wrote: »

Yes, very unfair that you have to repay it

Good God, why? If, say, you made a payment into someone else's bank account in error, wouldn't you want your money back? Or would you he happy for the accidental recipient to steal it from you?

dunstonh

I am of the option that NHS Payroll Services are responsible for this gross error of information that resulted in the overpayment and should be held accountable for same.

They are. However, that doesnt give you legal title on the money. How would you like it if the error was the other way around and they owed you money?

You have no legal right to benefit from the error. However, if you do not have the money, they have to consider repayment options. Typically, over 12-24 months. Although they may ask to view your savings and bank accounts if you play that card as proof you dont have the money.

Yes, very unfair that you have to repay it,

How is it unfair to repay something you were not expecting and doesnt belong to you?

LibertyValance

Many thanks for all your postings, all comments noted.

Just for the record I was given a projection that ultimately influenced my decision to retire, someone screwed up when extracting the required information. It took 3 attempts to finalise figures!! Not exactly rocket science is it?? Hope nobody has to experience what I have been through during the last 12 months trying to resolve and rationalise the NHS and Paymaster "excuses" for their errors.