What to do if You Have Received a Disability Overpayment
What to do if You Have Received a Disability Overpayment
Sometimes the Social Security Administration (SSA) inadvertently pays benefit recipients more than they should. There are a variety of reasons overpayments occur. Some of these reasons are based on applicant error, such as making mistakes in reporting information. Other reasons have their genesis at the SSA, of which applicants may not be aware. Here is some important information you need to know if you have received an overpayment from the SSA.
Finding out About the Overpayment
If you have been overpaid by the SSA, you will receive a letter that indicates the amount of the overpayment. The letter will also state that you need to return the amount within 30 days. Once you receive this letter, it is important to read it carefully to make sure all of the information in it is correct. After you read the letter, you have three options from which to choose.
– Ask for a reconsideration
A reconsideration is the same as an appeal. When you request a reconsideration, you are asking the SSA to take a second look at your case. This option is great if you think the overpayment is wrong or the reason the SSA gave for the overpayment is wrong.
– Ask for a waiver
If you think you were overpaid, you can ask for a waiver. A waiver is a formal request to not have to pay back the overpaid amount. This option is ideal if the overpayment was at the fault of the SSA and not you or if you are unable to pay the money back.
– Ask for a payment arrangement
You can choose this option if the overpayment was due to an error on your part or if you can pay it back. All you need to do is ask the SSA if you can pay the amount back over time. Your payment amounts will be based on how much of your income you need for your everyday expenses and basic necessities.
Act Quickly
Whichever option you decide, you need to make your decision quickly. If you do not take action, the SSA will simply begin deducting money from your benefit checks until the full amount of the overpayment is paid back.
Although it may be stressful to receive an overpayment letter from the SSA, there is no reason to overreact about it. As long as you read the letter carefully and take the action that best fits your situation, you can resolve the situation without too much trouble.
If you have received an overpayment letter and are not sure what to do next, contact us today. We are here to help you.