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An overpayment happens when Social Security pays you more than you should have received. This isn't your fault in many cases. The Social Security Administration (SSA) might make calculation errors or not have your most current information.
You have rights when facing an overpayment notice.
The SSA has recently changed how they recover overpayments:
Until March 2024: SSA with held 10% of monthly benefits
March 27, 2025: SSA increased to 100% withholding
April 25, 2025: SSA reduced to 50% withholding (current policy)
You have four options:
There are two different forms for challenging overpayments, and you can submit both:
Many beneficiaries submit both forms to cover all bases.
You have 60 days from receiving the notice to file an appeal.
During the appeal:
You can request a waiver at any time - even after you've started repaying.
To qualify for a waiver, you must prove:
Steps to request a waiver:
If your reconsideration request is denied, you have three more levels of appeal:
If you can't afford the 50% withholding rate:
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Common reasons include:
There is no time limit. SSA can collect over payments indefinitely.
If you can prove financial hardship, SSA may temporarily suspend collection.
Yes, if you don't respond to notices or make arrangements to repay.
It can if you don't respond and the debt is referred to the Treasury Department.
If you need help with an overpayment:
Call Social Security: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
Visit your local Social Security office
Consider contacting a legal aid organization
Remember: Always respond to overpayment notices even if you can't pay. Ignoring them will make the situation worse.
Before he became the go-to guru for government benefits on his YouTube channel, MyGovExpert, Dr. Ed was a District Manager for the Social Security Administration. That's right, he wasn't just reading the rulebook; he was living it, managing the folks who make the decisions. If you've ever felt like SSA speaks a different language, Dr. Ed is your translator. He's seen it all, heard it all, and now he's here to share that invaluable insider experience with you, cutting through the red tape with a healthy dose of common sense (and maybe a terrible joke or two).
But his journey didn't start there. Long before navigating bureaucratic hall ways, Dr. Ed served his country with distinction as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. Semper Fi! That discipline and commitment to service are still a core part of who he is today.
His dedication to public service also led him to a role as a Family Services Specialist with the Department of Social Services, giving him a broad perspective on the challenges many people face. And because he apparently doesn't believe in free time, Dr. Ed has also been shaping young minds as a University Adjunct Professor.
With a PhD to his name and a wealth of real-world experience, Dr. Ed Weir isn't just an expert; he's your expert. He's passionate about helping people understand their benefits and get what they're entitled to. So, if you're looking for some one who can explain complex government stuff in plain English, with a bit of humor and the authority that only comes from having been there, you've found your guy.
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