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<p>The Government recognises and appreciates the vital role unpaid carers play in
supporting loved ones who are ill, frail or disabled.</p><p> </p><p>The Carer’s Allowance
debts referred to Debt Management in each of the last 3 years, reflect individual
overpayments; the starting dates and durations will therefore vary accordingly.</p><p>
</p><p>However, the average lengths of the recoverable Carer’s Allowance overpayments
referred to Debt Management in each of the requested years was as follows:</p><p>
</p><table><tbody><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p><strong>2018/2019</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2019/2020</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2020/2021
YTD</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Average Length (Days)</strong></p></td><td><p>164</p></td><td><p>213</p></td><td><p>135</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>
</p><p>I can also confirm that the median start dates for those overpayments were:</p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>
</p></td><td><p><strong>2018/2019</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2019/2020</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2020/2021
YTD</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Median Start Date</strong></p></td><td><p>06/11/2017</p></td><td><p>17/12/2018</p></td><td><p>09/12/2019</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>
</p><p>These overpayments have arisen in the main because changes have not been reported
on time. DWP takes every care to explain a claimant’s responsibilities when they apply
for Carer’s Allowance; this includes the need to report changes on time. The Department
has improved Carer’s Allowance communications to make this even clearer.</p><p> </p><p>New
technology and additional staffing have now made it easier to identify and prevent
overpayments.</p><p> </p><p>Notes:</p><p> </p><ul><li>The Department has a duty to
recover overpaid benefits as quickly and efficiently as possible.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Overpayment
recovery is subject to various legislative limitations and safeguards so customers
do not experience financial hardship.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>There are rules covering
the amount of money we can take from a person’s benefit and customers are informed
in advance before benefit deductions start.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Where a person
claims they cannot afford the proposed rate of recovery, they are asked to provide
details of their income and expenditure. When this information is provided, their
financial circumstances can be taken into account and a reduction in their rate of
repayment may be agreed. In these circumstances, the situation would be reviewed at
regular periods. In exceptional circumstances, a temporary suspension of recovery
may be agreed.</li></ul>
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