Social Security Overpayment Recovery Policy Resumes
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has reinstated its policy of recovering overpayments by withholding up to 100% of a beneficiary's monthly check, effective today. This change impacts individuals who have received Social Security benefits exceeding what they were entitled to. Understanding the reasons for overpayments and the available options for repayment is crucial for affected beneficiaries. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about this policy change and how it might affect your benefits.
An overpayment can occur for various reasons, including errors in reporting income, changes in marital status, or miscalculations by the SSA. When an overpayment is identified, the SSA typically sends a notice to the beneficiary outlining the amount owed and the repayment options.
Under the reinstated policy, the SSA can withhold up to 100% of a beneficiary's monthly payment until the overpayment is fully recovered. However, beneficiaries have the right to appeal the overpayment decision or request a waiver if they believe they are not at fault or if repayment would cause undue financial hardship. To appeal or request a waiver, individuals should contact the SSA immediately upon receiving the overpayment notice.
It is crucial for Social Security beneficiaries to keep their information up-to-date with the SSA and to carefully review their benefit statements to identify any potential discrepancies. Individuals facing overpayment issues should contact the SSA directly to discuss their options and explore potential solutions.
Source: Read the original article at CBS