Non-beneficiary client debt
Existing non-current debt
When a client is granted non-beneficiary assistance and they have a non-current debt the debt is not transferred to SWIFTT. If the client is already repaying the debt (for example by automatic payments) when Extra Help is granted then this arrangement can continue.
However, if the client is granted non-beneficiary accommodation supplement and they have a non-current debt in TRACE that is not being recovered, then the debt should be added to SWIFTT from TRACE and offset in the normal way. You must inform Client Support - Debt Management for the TRACE record to be updated.
New debt created on non-beneficiary record
When a client is getting non-beneficiary assistance and a debt is created as a result of a review of that assistance, the debt remains on SWIFTT.
Recoverable Assistance Payments
Repayment of Recoverable Assistance Payments is negotiated with the client at the time of granting the assistance. The repayment arrangement and the client's employment details should be recorded on the SDPAA screen.
Deductions from extra help
If the client does not have an arrangement to repay the debt, for example Accommodation Supplement is granted when their main benefit is cancelled, then you can consider deductions from extra help as an option when negotiating a debt repayment arrangement with the client.
When a client would like to have debt repayments deducted from their extra help they should request this in writing. Deductions from extra help are made using the payee system.
Exceptions
Deductions cannot be made from Child Disability Allowance.
As a general rule, only make deductions from Disability Allowance, Special Benefit or Temporary Additional Support if the client requests this.
For more information see:
- Recoverable Assistance Payments Recovery of payment
- Non-beneficiary accommodation supplement Debt from TRACE to SWIFTT [no link find out why]
- Arranging repayments at cancellation
- Adding a payee in SWIFTT
