When Anne was alive she was getting the higher rate of disability allowance (!Now known as PIPS) as her cancer was terminal. Just after two months following her passing I get a letter saying an over payment had been made following her death and I was requested to pay it back. My mind went numb. Anxiety set in. And I felt deeply hurt at such a sensinsitive time. All for a paltry £86 +. There were various methods to reimburse the money but I decided to write a cheque. It took three writen cheques before I eventually wrote the final one correctly. Even then as I sealed the prepaid envelope up I had doubts so I slit it open to see it again. It was OK, I then had to reseal it with celotape before posting. My head was in a spin. Now I've received yet another letter this time from the state pensions scheme saying they had overpaid Anne's pension and wanted something like £300+ repaid. I cant even bring myself to look at the letter again to see the correct amount. Im having to ignore it. I'm not going through that pain again. My emotions are still raw. Think how much money both these organisations are saving since Anne's death with no further payments yet they still want their final pound of flesh. All government departments plus banks and building societies relating to Anne had been informed through a scheme called ' Tell All.' arranged through the registra of births and deaths when Anne's death was registered. So how come this distressing situation has arisen? And both organisations are denying any blame for this situation. It was just an error!
Love and Light
Geoff
Hi Geoff, ring the helpline n ask them about this situation on 0808 808 0000.
Love n light to you too,
Sue
Hi buttercup01
Thanks for the helpline number. But they made it clear in both letters that overpayments had been made. Also that nobody was at fault. I can't see any changes to their request/demands. I've paid the 86+ to the invalidity benefit people. The pensions dept can take a running jump. I can't even bring myself to look at that letter a second time. I'm not attempting to withhold payment, I of course have the money but I'm not prepared to deal with it
Love and Light
Geoff
At the end of all our journeying will be to find ourselves back where we started knowing the place for the first time. TS ELIOT.
Sorry to hear this Geoff, we have been dealing with this with regards to my wife’s mum (not cancer related)
You may have to deal with this sooner than later as the ‘system’ will just add on penalties for non payment.
Do use the Macmillan Support Line Services on 0808 808 00 00 this free service covers Financial Support mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.
They will be able to advise you with regards to penalties that can be added.
Hi Thehighlander
This is just a point of interest.
Found on line dated March 2019. ( Moneybox) Sorry this site won't let me cut and paste.
The UK government announced that the state has no legal status in asking for overpayments regarding overpaid state pensions following the death of a person. As such they will never pursue non payment. This is never stated in the letter sent asking for the money to be repaid. This follows ftom a stated case at court regarding a demand of £600 from the relatives of a destitute bereaved person.
At the end of all our journeying will be to find ourselves back where we started knowing the place for the first time. TS ELIOT.
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007