An overpayment is when more benefit is awarded than someone is entitled to (this can happen when somebody doesn't tell us about a change in their circumstances). This includes any benefit that has been paid to a claimant or their landlord or any amount that has been credited directly to a rent account.
It is very important that you let us know immediately if you have a change in your circumstances, as this could stop you from being overpaid. It is an offence not to tell us about any change of circumstance that affects your benefit entitlement. Court action may be taken against you if you fail to tell us. For further information on how to tell us about any changes and examples of the type of changes that you need to report, see our changes in circumstances page.
You can make repayments with your credit or debit card, through the BACS system, by cheque or with cash. Listed below are full details of each repayment method.
Internet payments
Salford City Council operates a secure online payments service where you can make repayments online using a debit or credit card. You will need to quote your invoice number (a nine digit number starting with 7) to make your payment.
Telephone payments - automated payments service
You can use our automated telephone payments service to make repayments using a debit or credit card. This facility is available 24 hours a day on 0300 456 0645.
Bankers automated clearing services (BACS)
Payment can be made directly from your bank or building society account. Please quote the following bank details for Salford City Council:
Please be aware that the council's sort code has changed to 20-54-66. If residents make a faster payment or companies make a BACS payment to the old sort code, they will be informed that the council has changed its sort code. All payments will be redirected by Barclays to the new sort code.
If you pay by direct debit or standing order, you don't need to do anything as Barclays will make this change for you.
Post Office
You can make repayments at the Post Office by presenting your bar-coded invoice with your payment. Payment at the Post Office may be made by debit card, cheque (made payable to 'Post Office Limited') or in cash. This is a free service.
PayPoint
Cash payments can be made at any PayPoint outlet in the UK using your bar-coded invoice. This is a free service.
Payment by post
If you wish to pay by cheque please make it payable to ‘Salford City Council', write your invoice number on the back and post it to:
Chief Finance Officer
Salford City Council
Salford Civic Centre
Chorley Road
Swinton
M27 5AW
No receipts are given for payments by post.
If you are experiencing difficulties in repaying your overpayment, please contact us as soon as possible. Do not wait for a reminder letter to arrive before contacting us.
We are here to help you, particularly when circumstances are difficult to overcome on your own. Please use our struggling to pay form.
See our advice sessions page for details of ways to get help and advice if you're struggling with money or having problems with your rent or council tax.
If you think the decision is wrong, you should get in touch with us within one month from the date of the benefit decision notice or we may not be able to consider any dispute.
You can contact us by writing to:
Chief Finance Officer
Salford City Council
Salford Civic Centre
Chorley Road
Swinton
M27 5AW
You can:
This page was last updated on 20 July 2021