Benefit overpayments
New benefit repayments on hold
If you're overpaid a payment from 1 April 2020 onwards, we will not ask you to repay it until 1 October 2020. We will write to you to confirm this.
You can still make a repayment before 1 October 2020, if you prefer.
Existing repayment plans
If you had a repayment plan in place before 1 April 2020, this will carry on. If you cannot make your repayments due to coronavirus (COVID-19), we will not ask you to make a payment until 1 October 2020.
You do not need to contact us about this.
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 as the payment reference. You can find this on your notice to pay.
| 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
Phone 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 as the payment reference. You can find this on your notice to pay.
We cannot accept cash or cheques.
Stay safe on the phone
We'll never phone you to take a payment. If you're not sure it is us calling, end the call and contact us on 0800 182 2222. We'll tell you if the call was from us.
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
Contact us as soon as possible free on 0800 182 2222. You'll need the reference number that's on the letter we sent you.
We've changed our phone service
You can still call us between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday, but you'll not be able to speak to someone straight away. Instead, you can leave a message and we'll call you back.
If we do not reach you the first time we call back, we'll try again another 2 times before we stop.
If you haven't heard from us after 2 working days, please call again and leave another message.
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
You can find your local Citizens Advice Bureau and get in touch.
