Recovery of Retroactive Payments

4-6-2 Recovery of Retroactive Payments


PURPOSE

1. To recover benefits paid to Social Assistance applicants where delays in other sources of income have created a need for assistance.

PRINCIPLE

2. Funds when allocated twice for the same expenses shall be recovered.

POLICY

3. Where lump sum retroactive payments are received from other sources of income (i.e., CPP, OAS, WVA, EI, WCB, NCB, Maintenance Support Arrears, etc.) all or a portion of this payment is to be recovered.

4. Applicants, as a condition of eligibility, shall be required to access other sources of income for which they may be eligible. (Note: Assignment of Benefit forms are required as per Section 2-1-Application).

PROCEDURE

5. Applicants will refund, either the entire retroactive amount, or the amount of benefits received from the Department, whichever is the lesser amount. The calculation of “benefits received” is to include the total of the month’s basic and special needs. Free drug costs are not to be included in calculation of benefits received. Failure on the part of the client to refund the retroactive payment in whole or in part shall constitute an overpayment. Calculation and recovery of the overpayment shall be as specified in accordance with policy
7-2-Over payments. Asset levels as defined in Regulation 7(1) and (2) are to be applied to any funds remaining after recovery of the overpayment to determine continuing eligibility.