Explanatory Memorandum

Welfare Reform Act (Northern Ireland) 2007

2007 CHAPTER 2

27 June 2007

Commentary on Sections

PART 3: Social security administration: General

Overpayment recovery

Section 41: Recovery of overpaid benefit

A Social Security Commissioner in Great Britain decided that benefit overpayments caused by errors made in the direct credit transfer system can be recovered only where a decision to revise the award and a decision that the overpayment is recoverable are made at the same time.

Section 41 amends section 69 of the Administration Act to ensure that overpayments of benefit are recoverable where a decision to revise the award and a decision that the overpayment is recoverable are made separately.