DMBM557060 - Debt and return pursuit: Child Benefit overpayments: introduction to CBO: official error

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Definition

An official error is an overpayment caused by an error or omission by an officer of HMRC.

For recording purposes this type of overpayment is classified as O/E.

If an overpayment is caused by an O/E, recovery is usually not pursued unless one of the following exceptions applies:

  • a customer has correctly reported a change of circumstances and would reasonably expect a reduction of benefit
  • as a result of an error in the actual payment of benefit there has been an 'overprovision' of benefit. Overprovision is where an amount is paid incorrectly over and above the amount of the award. Because the error is an actual payment it is not necessary to refer the case to the DM.

Note: Only O/E overpayments where repayment has been requested will be referred to Washington DTO by CBO. (This content has been withheld because of exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act 2000) 

O/E raised in CBO

When the E37 is received:

  • record the overpayment on Oprec
  • update the notepad and set BF Code 15 for five years.

If an offer to pay is made, take normal recovery action as in DMBM557280.

(This content has been withheld because of exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act 2000), (This content has been withheld because of exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act 2000)

O/E raised in Washington DTO

  • Complete the calculation on form CH44.
  • Issue form CH429 to invite payment.
  • Update account and record the overpayment on CBCS using CBUS.
  • Record on Oprec, update the notepad and set BF Code 15 for five years.
  • (This content has been withheld because of exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act 2000)