Receiving a notice that Social Security overpaid your benefits can be stressful, particularly when you rely on those payments to cover your daily expenses. You may wonder why the agency says you owe money and what you can do about it. Knowing your options can help you decide how to respond and protect your benefits.
Review your overpayment notice
Start by reading your Social Security overpayment notice carefully. It explains why the agency believes you received more benefits than you qualified for, how much you owe and what options you have.
Check the payment dates and amounts against your records. If you believe Social Security got something wrong, act promptly because you generally have 60 days from receiving the notice to appeal.
Challenge the decision or request a waiver
If you disagree with Social Security’s decision or cannot afford to repay the money, you have options. Choose the one that fits your situation:
- Appeal the decision: Submit Form SSA-561 if you believe Social Security got something wrong or calculated the overpayment incorrectly.
- Ask Social Security to forgive the debt: Submit Form SSA-632 if the overpayment was not your fault and repayment would leave you unable to cover necessary expenses or would otherwise be unfair.
You can ask Social Security about both options if you disagree with the decision and believe you should not have to repay the money. A waiver request has no general filing deadline, but act promptly to protect your benefits.
Explore your repayment options
If you agree that you owe the money but cannot afford the proposed repayment amount, you can ask Social Security for a more manageable payment arrangement. The agency offers options based on your circumstances.
You can contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or your local office to discuss a lower monthly deduction or a repayment plan. If you no longer receive benefits, you can ask about other repayment methods.
Get help with your overpayment
A Social Security overpayment notice does not mean you have no options. Review your choices, gather your records and contact Social Security to discuss the next steps. Taking action promptly can help you address the debt and protect your financial stability.