They want a benefit or allowance paid back

Direct answer

Yes, and quickly: a recovery decision usually has a 30-day objection window. Ask INPS — ricorsi amministrativi (803 164) in writing for the calculation and the reason, and object if the amount is wrong or the overpayment was their mistake — in many countries an overpayment caused by the agency cannot be recovered in full if you acted in good faith. If they ignore the objection or take the money without a decision, Difensore civico regionale (difensorecivico.it) intervenes. Patrocinio a spese dello Stato (Ordine degli avvocati) (consiglionazionaleforense.it) helps with the appeal and, if the debt is real, with a repayment plan you can afford.

Call firstINPS — ricorsi amministrativi

Report toDifensore civico regionale

If that failsPatrocinio a spese dello Stato (Ordine degli avvocati)

🗣️ What to say

"I object to your recovery decision [number] of [date]. I ask for the full calculation and the reason for the overpayment. [I reported all changes on time / the error was on your side.] Please suspend recovery while my objection is examined and propose a repayment plan I can afford if any amount remains."

🪜 Step by step

Read the decision for the deadlineObjection periods are short and strict. File first, argue later.
Ask for the calculationYou are entitled to see how the amount was reached and which information was used.
Check whose mistakeIf you reported everything on time and the agency still overpaid, say so — good-faith recipients are protected in many countries.
Object and ask for suspensionIn writing, with copies of what you reported and when. Ask for recovery to pause until the decision.
Escalate: Difensore civico regionale, then Patrocinio a spese dello Stato (Ordine degli avvocati)The ombudsman for procedure; legal aid for the appeal to the social court, which is usually free of charge.

📇 All contacts

INPS — ricorsi amministrativiBenefits, overpayments, appealsWithin 90 days of the decision📞 803 164 🔗 www.inps.it

Difensore civico regionaleComplaints about public administration, freeWhen the administration does not answer or acts unfairly🔗 www.difensorecivico.it

Patrocinio a spese dello Stato (Ordine degli avvocati)Free lawyer below the income thresholdWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.consiglionazionaleforense.it

TAR — Tribunale amministrativo regionaleAppeals against administrative actsWithin 60 days of the act🔗 www.giustizia-amministrativa.it

❓ Frequently asked

Can they take it from my next payments?

Yes, but within limits — a monthly deduction that leaves you below the minimum is not allowed. Ask for a lower rate in writing.

They say I did not report a change

Bring proof: the letter, the online submission receipt, the date. If you have none, explain and ask for a waiver on hardship grounds.

Is this fraud?

Only if you knowingly hid information. An honest mistake is an overpayment, not fraud — do not accept a fraud label in the decision without objecting.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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💶 They want a benefit or allowance paid back — can I object?