[holding answer 11 December 2008]: We recognise that the death of someone being cared for is a difficult time for a carer and that they may need time to sort out the deceased's affairs and to make adjustments in their own life. For this reason entitlement to carer's allowance can continue for up to eight weeks after the disabled person dies.
Overpayments will therefore normally arise only if the Department had not been advised of the death in that period.
Should such an overpayment arise, normal recovery procedures would apply and repayment would be sought from the carer, with repayment rates set to avoid undue hardship.