To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) the number of official errors that took place in welfare provision; (ii) number of times discretionary waivers were implemented; and (iii) the total value of the waivers, in (a) 2018/19; (b) 2019/20; and (c) the first three quarters of 2020/21.

The Department holds data on the number of official errors that occurred as a result of overpayment of benefit. Data is not captured on underpayments as when an error is detected in a case that results in underpayment, the proper benefit award is made by the benefit branch and if appropriate an arrears payment made. Estimates on the value of underpayments due to official error are published in the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts.

The table overleaf sets out the number of overpayments due to official error in all social security benefits for the period requested including both non-recoverable and recoverable overpayments. A waiver is only appropriate for consideration where an overpayment is deemed recoverable.

Table 1: Benefit Overpayment Data – 1 Apr 2018 to 31 Dec 2020

I fully understand and appreciate the difficulties some people may be experiencing at this time and I am committed to protecting vulnerable people in these difficult and uncertain times.

My Department has well established processes in place to help people who are experiencing financial hardship, or having difficulty repaying loans or benefit overpayments. A range of steps have been taken to ensure people are aware that they can contact the Department if they are experiencing any difficulties with repayment rates including publishing information and guidance on NI Direct and on the Department for Communities website.

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