Q & A Session: Refunding Accidental Additional Money from an Agency

0

Q:

I received additional money in my paycheck. In my previous positions, it was not uncommon to receive awards without notification, so I assumed the additional money was a performance award. I have since been informed that it was an error and I need to repay the money. Am I responsible for someone else’s mistake?

A:

Yes, you must repay that money, regardless of whether or not you have already spent it.  It is not your money to keep.  You are only entitled to money or benefits from the government which are entitled to you by law.  You are not entitled to money or benefits from the government simply because the government, or someone acting on behalf of the government, erroneously gave it to you.

This response is written by Christopher J. Keeven, supervisory attorney of Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm.

Disclaimer: Ask a Lawyer publishes information on this website for informational purposes only. Information on this website is intended – but not promised, guaranteed, or warranted – to reflect correct, complete and current developments. In addition, the contents of the website do not constitute legal advice and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the attorney. Information from this website is not intended to be used as a substitute for specific legal advice, nor should you consider it as such. You should not act, or refrain from acting, based on information on this website without seeking specific legal advice about your particular circumstances. No attorney-client relationship between you and Ask a Lawyer’s author is created by the transmission of information to or from this site.

Share.

About Author

Leave A Reply