You appear to be using an unsupported browser, and it may not be able to display this site properly. You may wish to upgrade your browser.

We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to know

You've been redirected from a site that no longer exists (). Find what you're looking for on mygov.scot.

Benefit overpayments

Last updated
14 January 2021

You might be overpaid a benefit if:

  • your circumstances change
  • you or Social Security Scotland make a mistake

Coronavirus (COVID-19) changes

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 April 2021. We will write to you to confirm this.

You can still make a repayment before 1 April 2021, 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 April 2021.

You do not need to contact us about this.

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 001 4542 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 001 4542. 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 001 4542.

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 001 4542. You'll need the reference number that's on the letter we sent you.

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.

Back to top