Overpayments of Social Security benefit can be complex

People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits have to pay close attention to the benefits they receive. There is a chance that they’ll be overpaid at some point. When this happens, the agency is going to come after them for repayment.

There are several things that can happen when you’re overpaid. You’ll receive a notice that states you have a 30-day period to provide the agency with a refund of the overpayment. If you can’t do this, the agency will then tell you that it is going to reduce your benefits by 10% each month until the balance is paid.

If you aren’t receiving benefits, you’ll either have to repay the full amount or get set up on a payment plan. The overpayment notice will tell you how to do this. Remember, you must be truthful and prompt when you make an offer for repayment if you can’t pay the full balance at once.

Of course, some individuals don’t believe they were overpaid. In this case, you’d have to file an appeal. You can also appeal if having to repay the SSI benefit money will place you in a financial hardship. You may have to submit bills and proof of income when you ask for this type of waiver.

It is imperative that you act quickly when you need to ask for a waiver or appeal. There are time limits that are outlined in the documentation you received about the overpayment. Working with someone familiar with this type of situation might help you to come out with an outcome that doesn’t place too much of a hardship on you.