Benefit overpayments

Last updated: 30 January 2019

You might be overpaid a benefit if:

your circumstances change
you or Social Security Scotland make a mistake

How to repay a benefit

We'll send you a letter telling you what you owe and how to repay it.

There are different ways you can pay.

Internet banking

Pay into our account and use your Social Security reference number (found on your notice to pay) as the payment reference.

Account number	Sort code	Account name
21044612	83-06-08	SSS Debt Management

If you're paying from an overseas account

Use these details:

Account number	Sort code	Account name	IBAN number
21044612	83-06-08	SSS Debt Management	GB81RBOS83060821044612

At a bank branch or post office

Call free on 0800 182 2222 and ask for a paying-in slip.

Fill in the slip and pay at your local bank branch or post office. Make sure you use your Social Security reference number (found on your notice to pay) as the payment reference.

We cannot accept cash or cheques.

If you cannot afford to pay the money back

You can ask to repay what you owe over a longer period of time if you're having financial difficulty. Contact us as soon as possible free on 0800 182 2222.

We can discuss your options and set up a payment plan.

You'll need the reference number that's on the letter we sent you.

If you disagree with the overpayment decision

If you don't tell us about an overpayment

You may be committing benefit fraud if you:

know you've been overpaid but do not do anything about it
deliberately fail to report a change in your personal circumstances

If you're prosecuted for benefit fraud you could be fined or get a prison sentence, as well as having to repay the money.

Get free independent advice

Money Advice Scotland

Address: Suite 410
Pentagon Centre
36 Washington Street
Glasgow
G3 8AZ

Phone: 0141 572 0237
Email: info@moneyadvicescotland.org.uk
Web: www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk

Citizens Advice Scotland

Phone: 0808 800 9060
Web: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Accessibility links