The Social Security Administration (SSA) can request the return of erroneous payments in any state. The rules and procedures for handling overpayments, which occur when individuals receive more benefits than they are entitled to, are governed by federal law and apply uniformly across all states.
If the SSA determines that an individual has been overpaid, it will send a notice explaining the overpayment and the amount owed. The recipient has the right to appeal the decision or request a reconsideration.
The SSA may offer options for repaying the overpayment, such as a lump-sum payment or a repayment plan.
Why do erroneous payments happen?
Erroneous payments can occur due to various reasons, such as a miscalculation of benefits, changes in your financial situation, or other administrative errors.
It’s essential for individuals who receive Social Security benefits to promptly report any changes in their circumstances that may affect their eligibility or benefit amount. Failure to report such changes can lead to overpayments; this can be done by calling +1 800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Keeping detailed records of their interactions with the SSA, including information they provide to the agency such as their earnings and income history. This can help them avoid overpayment issues and ensure that they receive the correct amount of benefits.
