Pension overpayment

Andy20001

can anyone advise
my father died April 2020
i advised his pension company of his death, provided death certificates 
they confirmed closure of pension and an overpayment of £155 which I paid. Now 3 years later they are claiming another over payment of £5600 out of the blue.
His estate has been executed, and beneficiaries paid. There is no money left.
Am I responsible for this so called error , does it have to be paid 
can I contest it ?
any advice would be a big help
thanks 

Silvertabby

They must at least explain why this has alleged debt has suddenly popped up.  Can only think that they have carried out some form of audit (GMP ?) and realised that your dad's pension was always higher than it should have been.

Get the official explanation, and come back to us.

My sympathies on the loss of your father - it may be nearly 3 years, but you don't need carp like this raking over your emotions.

Andy20001

Thanks for your comments and best wishes, I thought they might just be fishing for the money, I am going to write to them and ask for how and why this occurred.

xylophone

any advice would be a big help

Ask for precise details of how this overpayment arose and who was responsible for the error.

Contact https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/pension-problems

re the problem for advice and assistance.

Albermarle

If they can show that there was really an overpayment, then theoretically at least you probably owe them the money ( or the estate does) However I think you should be able to resist paying it after such a long delay, especially as it is the estate that owes it and not you personally.  If you do not pay it, what are they going to do. Haul you/the estate through the courts for £5K ?
Or alternatively offer a lower figure in return for the end of the matter.

Marcon

Andy20001 said:

Thanks for your comments and best wishes, I thought they might just be fishing for the money, I am going to write to them and ask for how and why this occurred.

I wouldn't even ask for the how and why - it suggests you might be open to paying it! I'd just point out that:

• you repaid the £155 overpayment as advised by the scheme, and understood this concluded matters in respect of his pension
• administration of your father's estate has been finalised and all funds distributed.

Albermarle

Marcon said:

Andy20001 said:

Thanks for your comments and best wishes, I thought they might just be fishing for the money, I am going to write to them and ask for how and why this occurred.

I wouldn't even ask for the how and why - it suggests you might be open to paying it! I'd just point out that:

• you repaid the £155 overpayment as advised by the scheme, and understood this concluded matters in respect of his pension
• administration of your father's estate has been finalised and all funds distributed.

On reflection the above is probably the best tactic. Just tell them politely that as the estate was settled three years ago there is no possibility of any new payment. Then see what they say ( if anything )