Repaying Attendance allowence - how long?

sparkiemalarkie

Hi mum was overpaid her attendance allowance last year. She had a short hospital stay that stretched into just over 4 weeks. I should have informed the DWP but was unaware at the time.
I phoned up the DWP and offered to pay the owed amount by debit card or cheque but was told that the 'debt' had to go to the debt collection department.
This debt is now over a year old. How's the best way to settle it please?


tia


sparkie

[Deleted User]

Ring debt collection, your mum should have a letter from them, and offer to pay.

Mojisola

sparkiemalarkie wrote: »

Hi mum was overpaid her attendance allowance last year. She had a short hospital stay that stretched into just over 4 weeks. I should have informed the DWP but was unaware at the time.
I phoned up the DWP and offered to pay the owed amount by debit card or cheque but was told that the 'debt' had to go to the debt collection department.
This debt is now over a year old. How's the best way to settle it please?

How many actual days?

She would still have been entitled for the first 28 days - it might be that it will cost more to reclaim the few days that were overpaid and they've written it off - but ask in writing about it and get their decision in writing and keep it case it's raised again in the future.

sparkiemalarkie

Mum came out of hospital on day 38.
Sadly she has since died.
I owe Carers Allowance for the same period and have only ever had a phone conversation re the debt.
To be honest I had forgotten about it until the Probate Solicitor mentioned it but she won't give the final settlement until this has been paid.
I will try calling the debt department.


thanks


sparkie

calcotti

The overpayment if both AA and CA is only 10 days so shouldn’t be very much. I understand your frustration at not having been able to simply pay it off.

sparkiemalarkie

Just got through to the debt department and they have no record of my debt and no record of mum ( I guess because her account has been shut down).
The phone operator suggested phoning the DWP AA department again to see if they could get it sorted.


Thanks for the help


sparkie

wild666

Be aware that if you should have told them something and are overpaid then they WILL add £50 to the debt under the ruling of not telling them something they should know about. They don't take not knowing as a good enough excuse.