'I'm further in debt,' cries woman overpaid $6.5k by Social Security for 4 years & didn't know – as agency says 'sorry' | 1P4Q739 | 2024-05-07 17:08:01
A WOMAN was told that she owes the agency thousands of dollars in overpayments.
The Social Security Administration's (SSA) handling of overpayments has come under scrutiny as more cases like that of Kalia Alicia White and her parent emerge.
White said that she had no prior knowledge that the agency was overpaying her.
In 2020, Kalia, a minor child receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), was unknowingly issued an overpayment, per the child's parent's post in the SSA blog.
This error was unbeknownst to the child's parent, Monique, who was blindsided when $105 per month started being deducted from Kalia's checks.
Initially, SSA claimed a debt of over $3,500, which gradually decreased to $1,509 through monthly deductions.
However, a letter dated February 1, 2024, shattered any semblance of relief when the debt suddenly ballooned to a staggering $6,583.36.
SSA cited their decision to halt overpayment charges in 2020 due to the financial strain caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on SSI recipients.
Ironically, this decision exacerbated the financial burden for families like the Whites, Monique said in her post.
By pausing the deduction of the overpayment from Kalia's checks, SSA unknowingly plunged them further into debt.
This revelation left Kalia's parent, already grappling with disability and financial constraints, in shock and distress.
"I am [sic] not been able to contact him," said Monique in her post.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> "I've left several messages," she added. "I am very very upset."
It is unknown whether her issue has been resolved.
However, moderators for the SSA blog, responded to Monique's post, saying that they were "sorry to hear" she was unable to get in contact with the agency and giving her options regarding how to reach out alternatively.
<p class="article__content--intro"> Those who cannot afford to pay back the overpayment amounts noted by the SSA or feel they should not have to can file a specific form. </p> </div> </div> TAKING ACTION
Monique and Kalia's cases are not isolated as many Social Security beneficiaries have experienced similar stories.
Upon receiving a notice of overpayment, you have several options:
- Repay the overpayment if you agree with the assessment and are currently receiving benefits.
- You can choose to settle the full balance, opt for monthly deductions from your benefits, or arrange a repayment plan using check, money order, or credit card. If you're not receiving benefits presently, you can make payments in full or partial through Pay.gov or your bank's online bill pay.
- Flexible repayment plans are available, with options for payments as low as $10 per month.
- Appeal the overpayment if you disagree with the decision or believe the amount is incorrect.
- You can request a non-medical reconsideration online or by submitting an SSA-561 Request for Reconsideration to your local Social Security office.
- Apply for a waiver for the overpayment if you believe you're not responsible for it or cannot afford repayment.
- Submit an SSA-632, Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery, to your local office.
- For overpayments under $1,000, expedited processing may be possible via telephone by contacting your local office or calling 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8 am and 7 pm.
- Request an adjustment to the repayment amount if the current arrangement strains your essential living expenses.
- If the agreed-upon repayment amount makes it impossible to clear the debt within 60 months, you can fill out Form SSA-634 Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate.
In other news, a recipient of Social Security appealed to the administration following a reduction in her benefits caused by an overpayment dating back three years.
And another beneficiary was told they owed over $8,000 after being overpaid by SSA.
More >> https://ift.tt/WthaGnO Source: MAG NEWS
