Got a Letter From SSA About Overpayments? Don’t Panic Until You Read This

So, you got a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) saying you’ve been overpaid and now they want some money back. Yeah, that can be a real punch to the gut. But before you freak out, let’s break down what’s going on and what it actually means for your monthly check.

Why Are They Sending These Letters?

Basically, the SSA has been going through accounts and found that some folks were paid more than they should have been. It could be because your income changed, your family situation changed, or sometimes it’s just a paperwork mix-up. Now, they’re asking for that extra money back.

How Much Can They Take From Your Check?

Here’s the tricky part. Starting in March 2025, SSA said they could take up to 100% of your monthly benefits to get the overpaid money back. That means some people were facing the scary possibility of getting no check at all.

But after a lot of people pushed back, the SSA eased up a bit. Now, the default is they’ll take about 50% of your monthly benefit instead.

So if you get $1,200 a month, they might hold back $600 each month until you pay back what you owe.

What If Half Your Check Isn’t Doable?

Good news — you’re not stuck with that.

• You can ask the SSA to take less if 50% is too much. Just explain your situation, and they might work out a lower amount.

• If you think the overpayment is a mistake, you can appeal it. That means you ask them to double-check before they take anything.

• If paying back the money would be a real hardship, you can apply for a waiver — basically, a “forgiveness” so you don’t have to pay it back at all.

How Long Do You Have?

You usually get about a month before they start taking money out of your benefits. So don’t ignore that letter! Use that time to figure out your options.

Why Does This Keep Happening?

Sometimes things change in your life and the SSA doesn’t get the update right away. Sometimes it’s just a mistake on their end. Either way, it’s frustrating — but the key is to stay on top of it, report changes quickly, and ask for help if you need it.

Getting a letter about overpayments isn’t the end of the world. You’ve got choices, and you don’t have to lose your whole check. Take your time, reach out to SSA if you need to, and get the help you deserve.