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5 CFR § 1215.22Chapter II

Definitions

Primary source

Verbatim text below is from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the current version with the eCFR before relying on it for any legal matter.

Full Text

(a) Claim or debt. An amount or property owed to the United States which includes, but is not limited to: Overpayments to program beneficiaries; overpayments to contractors and grantees, including overpayments arising from audit disallowances; excessive cash advances to grantees and contractors; and civil penalties and assessments. A debt is overdue or delinquent if it is not paid by the due date specified in the initial notice of the debt (see § 1215.26) or if the debtor fails to satisfy his or her obligation under a repayment agreement.

(b) Debtor. An individual, organization, group, association, partnership, or corporation indebted to the United States, or the person or entity with legal responsibility for assuming the debtor's obligation.

(c) MSPB. The Merit Systems Protection Board.

(d) Administrative offset. Satisfying a debt by withholding money payable by the United States to or held by the United States for a debtor.

eCFR data current as of: November 5, 2026

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.