If the Ministry of Housing and Social Development 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:

• Your Welfare Rights: A Guide to BC Employment and Assistance, from the Legal Services Society, has information about overpayments. See the section, “What You Need to Know About Being on Welfare - When the Ministry says you owe them money.”

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 January 2015

tags

welfare, welfare overpayment, repayment agreement