(a) When an overpayment has been made to an individual who is
entitled to further payments, the individual shall refund to OWCP the
amount of the overpayment as soon as the error is discovered or his or
her attention is called to same. If no refund is made, OWCP shall
decrease later payments of compensation, taking into account the
probable extent of future payments, the rate of compensation, the
financial circumstances of the individual, and any other relevant
factors, so as to minimize any hardship. Should the individual die
before collection has been completed, collection shall be made by
decreasing later payments, if any, payable under the FECA with respect
to the individual's death.
(b) When an overpayment has been made to an individual who is not
entitled to further payments, the individual shall refund to OWCP the
amount of the overpayment as soon as the error is discovered or his or
her attention is called to same. The overpayment is subject to the
provisions of the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966 (as amended) and
may be reported to the Internal Revenue Service as income. If the
individual fails to make such refund, OWCP may recover the same through
any available means, including offset of salary, annuity benefits, or
other Federal payments, including tax refunds as authorized by the Tax
Refund Offset Program, or referral of the debt to a collection agency or
to the Department of Justice.
