Bps Checks Have Begun – What You Need to Know
Preliminary checks for online Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applicants have now commenced and the Department will be notifying online BPS applicants of any non-compliance in the areas of overclaims, dual claims, and overlaps which arise from these preliminary checks.
Where a non-compliance is identified, applicants will be given an opportunity to rectify any non-compliance online by 19th June. There will be no penalty or reduction where such non-compliance is fully rectified by that date.
How will I know if a non-compliance is identified on my application?
Where a preliminary check identifies an overclaim, dual claim or overlap on a BPS application, a notification will issue online to you or your advisor.
If you are registered for text message alerts, a text will issue informing hat a preliminary check notification has issued.
You or your advisor will then have the opportunity to rectify any non-compliance without penalty by the deadline of 19th June.
What kind of issues are addressed by preliminary checks?
Preliminary checks will identify any overclaims, overlaps or dual claims in respect of online BPS applications. Where a preliminary check identifies such an issue applicants are given the opportunity to amend their claim. Applicants may wish to retain their original claim, or to amend their claim in light of the preliminary check.
Further information is available on the Department’s website www.agriculture.gov.ie and on www.agfood.ie , including a step by step guide for farmers and advisors to assist them with the process of responding to a preliminary check.
If a farmer or advisor receives a notification of a preliminary check they can contact the Direct Payments Helpdesk at 0761 064420 where a member of staff will be available to talk them through the process of responding.
What should I do if I get a notification arising from a preliminary check?
When a notification / text message alert of a preliminary check is received, you should
• Log into your BPS online account to read the notification. Where a preliminary check has identified a dual claim, overlap, or overclaim there will be a clear indication of this in the centre of the BPS home screen.
• Farmers who have applied through an advisor should contact their advisor in relation to responding the preliminary check.
Will all online applicants get a notification of a preliminary check?
No. An action is only required of farmers / advisors where a preliminary check has identified a dual claim, overclaim or overlap on an application.
What supports are available?
In order to help farmers and advisors to respond to preliminary checks, a number of supports are in place. Further information is available on the Department’s website www.agriculture.gov.ie and on www.agfood.ie, including a step by step guide for farmers and advisors to assist them with the process of responding to a preliminary check.
If a farmer or advisor receives a notification of a preliminary check they can contact the Direct Payments Helpdesk at 0761 064420 where a member of staff will be available to talk them through the process of responding.
