How are overpayments recovered in Navy pay?

• A. Payroll adjustments or repayment plans; the Sailor must cooperate and repay the amount owed
• B. Garnishments from the next paycheck
• C. Automatic forgiveness after six months
• D. Written off if not detected within a year

Answer: (B)

When an overpayment occurs, the Navy recovers the funds by deducting the amount from the Sailor’s next paycheck. This payroll deduction method ensures the debt is recovered quickly and through an official, authorized channel, so funds are recouped without delay. The Sailor will typically be notified and may discuss repayment options, but the standard action is to start recoupment with the upcoming paycheck.

While a repayment plan can be arranged in some cases, automatic forgiveness after a set period or writing off the debt after a year isn’t how this recovery normally works.