waiting on appeal

foxy_j

Hi there

I am currently waiting on an appeal of an overpayment of social welfare benefit. I filled in the forms to show reason to disagree with this and sent them to the department, but the inspector didn't agree so sent them off for an appeal. (which i didn't actually want to go that far but they were sent).
This was back in august. Do they usually need to hold an oral hearing? I don't mind if they give me a decision by letter but if they decide to hold an oral hearing can i decline to go? i wouldn't be up for something like that, i'd just rather paid the overpayment to end it all

thanks

snubbleste

Why not ring the Dept. head office and ask them about the appeals process and waiting time without giving your details?

I'm pretty sure you can end it all by sending in a letter telling them that they overpaid you!

foxy_j

Hi thanks for reply

The dept already told me if could take 3 months+ to hear back about the appeal.
They were the ones that alerted me to the overpayment and i appealed the decision made by the inspector of my local social welfare office plus the amount of the overpayment
Saying, without going into detail that i was prepared to repay half as i didn't have enough evidence to wrie off the total overpayment. but the social didn't have enough evidence themselves to claim the full amount back.
I originally only wanted to suggest to the inspector i pay half back, which i stated in a letter along wth forms i was given. She rang sayin she did not agree to this so she sent it on to the appeals office.
I don't want it going to an oral hearing, too stressful.