Have a client who has an overpayment on account of her failing to return the annual review form in time. Are there any known methods for dealing with these overpayments or is it a case of explaining the clients circumstances at the time it should have been returned?
Cheers

I think it has to be dealt with on a case by case basis.

If it is totally straightforward - i.e. client knows renewal was received and just didn't deal with it at the right time - then I suspect there is very little hope of getting the o/p written off.

If it is not a simple one, or client is unsure about any aspect of what was received/done, then I think it is best to dispute it and get a copy of all paperwork and CD of all calls under Data Protection. That way, if there is anything that can help the client's case, it should come to light.

I agree with Derek it certainly depends on the facts of the case.

I always start by looking at whether there is a reason that the claimant didn't return the form and whether any contact was made at all with TCO between the deadline and Jan 31st following year.

If a claimant makes contact with TCO within 30 days of the Statement of Account (issued when payments stop) then the claim should be reinstated. The 30 days can be extended to 31 Jan providing there is good cause for failure to return.

That is as good a starting point as any.

The data request is often useful for checking whether the s.17 was issued, whether there is any log of any contact etc as Derek says.

Victoria

Thank you both, much appreciated. Yes client was experiencing quite a bit of chaos at the time and returning it was the least of her worries and was completely overlooked.
Cheers again
John