The Social Security Administration may mistakenly overpay beneficiaries, leading to notices requesting money back. To prevent overpayments, it is important to take steps to prevent them from occurring.
Overpayments can occur to recipients of SSI due to an increase in income or errors in the information provided. The most common reasons for overpayments are marriage, a roommate moving in or out, working, receiving additional benefits, receiving child support, receiving more income than an SSI recipient is allowed, being no longer disabled, or being convicted of a crime. If the SSA overpays, a notice will be given to the recipient detailing how much they have been overpaid, how to repay the overpayment, and what their appeal and waiver rights are.
If you agree with the SSA’s overpayment claims, you have 30 days plus five mailing days to repay the agency. If not, the administration will withhold the full amount of your benefits 30 days after notifying you of the overpayment, unless you request a lower withholding amount and the SSA approves your request. If you are no longer receiving SSI, you can have 10% of your monthly Social Security benefits withheld.
Overpayment notification is a document that informs the Social Security Association of any changes in work status, income, or other factors that could affect the amount of benefits collected. It is important to contact the SSA to set up a repayment plan or send a check within 30 days of overpayment notification. Form SSA-634 is essential for SSI and SSDI recipients to report their work and wages, and programs like Registered Social Security Analysts and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives can help beneficiaries understand their benefits (Raemont, 2023).