Glenroy mum told to pay back $150k in ‘overpayments’

A MUM is being pursued by the federal government after refusing to pay back $150,000 in welfare payments she was not entitled to.

The Glenroy home of Fatma Sleiman, who is accused of receiving $150,000 while working and renting out a second home. Picture: David Caird

A GLENROY mum is being pursued by the federal government after refusing to pay back $150,000 in welfare payments she was not entitled to.

Fatma Sleiman was paid $107,000 in childcare fee assistance and almost $47,000 in carer payments between ­December 2013 and May 2016, according to a statement of claim filed on behalf of the federal government.

When the Herald Sun visited Ms Sleiman’s Gowrie St home, a large speed boat and late-model Holden sedan were parked in the driveway. It is not known if they belonged to Ms Sleiman.

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She declined to comment on the claims outlined in a writ issued in the County Court by the Department of Human Services.

The department claims Ms Sleiman was not entitled to receive the benefits because of income she was earning from “self-employment” and rental from a property in nearby Daley St — currently let at $400 a week — that was not taken into account when her eligibility for the welfare was means tested.

A car and boat parked in the driveway. Picture: David Caird

As a result, the department alleges Ms Sleiman has been “unjustly enriched” and is ­liable to return the funds.

It claims a delegate of the secretary of the department determined in May last year that Ms Sleiman was not entitled to any childcare help and had been entitled to only $4195 in carer payments.

The department claims it wrote to Ms Sleiman in September last year requesting ­she repay the overpayments.

“Despite (this) demand, the defendant has not repaid the outstanding payments … which amount to $147,629.87,” the writ says.

A Glenroy house from which Ms Sleiman was allegedly receiving rent while being paid welfare. Picture: David Caird

As a result, the Commonwealth has launched legal ­action to recover the alleged debt plus $2850 in legal ­expenses.

If the court rules Ms Sleiman is liable to repay the debt, the Commonwealth could seek a forfeiture order to allow it to seize and sell Ms Sleiman’s assets, potentially including her home or the rental property, to recover the debt.

The three-bedroom plus bungalow rental property, “renovated to ensure that a maximum return”, is currently listed for auction later this month.

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