If the Ministry says that you need to pay back money because of overpayment, it is always best to talk to an advocate. An advocate is someone who can help explain the Ministry’s claim and what your options are. He/she can also assist you in finding legal help.

Even if you agree that you owe the Ministry money, an advocate may be able to help you create a repayment schedule that suits you and satisfies the Ministry.

Good starting points include:

• Legal Help Guide for British Columbians - Welfare and Disability Problems, a Clicklaw Wikibooks, has an article called "I'm Being Investigated by the Welfare Ministry". It outlines the first steps you can take if you are being investigated by the Ministry and tells you where to get help.
• LSLAP Manual: Welfare Law, from UBC Law Students' Legal Advice Program, has a section about welfare overpayments and fraud.

Need more help?

• Find an Advocate, from PovNet, provides a list of community advocates who may be able to provide assistance or information about welfare.
• Find more help near you on Clicklaw HelpMap. 

See our related common questions:

• If I don’t get welfare this month I’ll lose my housing
• I’m on income assistance and have been turned down for a crisis grant
• See all common questions about pensions, benefits & welfare

Last reviewed December 2018

tags

welfare, welfare overpayment, repayment agreement