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Overpayments. Debi Schwartz, Social Security Consultant Get SSA Help, LLC. Definition of an Overpayment.
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Overpayments Debi Schwartz, Social Security Consultant Get SSA Help, LLC.
Definition of an Overpayment • “An overpayment is when you receive more money for a month than the amount you should have been paid. The amount of your overpayment is the difference between the amount you received and the amount due.”
Common Causes For Overpayments • Unreported/Underreported Wages • Excess Resources or Too Many Assets (SSI) • Change in Living Arrangement (SSI) • Receipt of Worker’s Compensation • Change in Marital Status
Ways to Avoid Overpayments • Report changes “early and often” • Ask questions—document your answers • Overestimate wages—Then follow-up with monthly wage reporting • SSI phone app. • Telephone wage reporting (SSI) • MySSA (SSDI and SSI)
Possible Overpayment Resolutions:#1—Disagree with the FACT of the Overpayment • This is the position that the determination which created the overpayment is incorrect. • Correct resolution is to file a request for a Reconsideration (SSA-561). • Overpayment recovery is suspended during the Reconsideration process. • If the Reconsideration is denied, a request for Hearing can be filed. • Overpayment recovery is NOT suspended during the Hearing process.
Possible Overpayment Resolutions:#2—Agree That the Overpayment Exists but Disagree Over Repayment • If you agree that the FACT of the overpayment is correct, but do not feel it is your fault AND you cannot afford to repay the overpayment • The proper recourse is to file a request for Waiver (SSA-632) • With the request for Waiver, you must submit documentation to affirm your inability to repay (proof of income, bills, etc.) • If the Waiver cannot be approved by Social Security, they will conduct a Personal Conference. • During the Waiver and Personal Conference levels, collection of the overpayment will be suspended. • If the Personal Conference is Denied, a request for Hearing can be filed. Collection of the overpayment is not suspended during the Hearing request.
Possible Overpayment Resolutions:#3—Against Equity & Good Conscience or Misinformation from an SSA Employee • Changed his or her position for the worse or relinquished a valuable right because of reliance upon a notice that a payment would be made or because of the overpayment itself • Was living in a separate household from the overpaid person at the time of the overpayment and did not receive the overpayment • Acceptance of the overpaid funds was contingent on reliance of information provided by an SSA employee that was later found to be incorrect • In these situations, the Request for Waiver form is used (SSA-632)
Possible Overpayment Resolutions:#4—Partial Repayment • Social Security will accept partial payments on the overpayment • If repayment can be fully achieved within 36 months, no proof of financial need will be required • If repayment cannot be fully achieved within 36 months, proof of financial need (copies of all income and expenses) will need to be submitted to SSA • The SSA-632 is used for the purpose of filing a partial repayment request if proof of financial necessity is required
Discussion and Questions
Thank You! Debi Schwartz Get SSA Help, LLC. www.getssahelp.com getssahelp@gmail.com