Money owed to Dhss

[susannicola]

My sister has been in mental health care for over 40 years she is now in a care home , she was over paid a benefit during her stay in mental health hospital which was £24,000 she has paid a small amount back each month it’s now down to £22.000 what happens if she dies do I have to pay as I have POA as she doesn’t have a lot of money in bank only about £4000 can someone explain please

[susannicola]

I forgot to say this debt was built up
over years when she was in a mental health unit and the controlled her money

[des8]

You will have no liability for the overpayment.
After any secured debts, funeral expenses and administration of the estate expenses have been paid, any debts are paid in order of priority and DWP will have to await their turn.

[susannicola]

I have been so worried as she isn’t well at the moment, I did ring the dhss when I found out about the money owed and said she never looked after her money it was mental health concern but wouldn’t do anything when I explained she wasn’t liable and didn’t know what was happening to her money