Changes to Social Security Administration Overpayments

As of March 27, the Social Security Administration will begin mailing notices about the new 100 percent withholding rate, rather than the recent adjustment of just 10 percent. The withholding rate change applies to new overpayments related to Social Security benefits. This means that the Social Security Administration will withhold your full benefit to recover the overpayment.

The withholding rate for current beneficiaries with an overpayment before March 27 will not change and no action is required. Those who have been notified of overpayments before March 27 will have the 10 percent withholding apply.

For those with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) overpayments, the maximum withholding rate remains 10 percent.

If you have received notice from the Social Security Administration that you have an overpayment, it is important not to delay in responding. You typically have sixty days from the date of the first letter informing you of the overpayment to appeal. You can submit a reconsideration or request for a waiver as an appeal, or both. Submitting an appeal before the deadline will usually stop the withholding while a determination takes place.

Please note that the local Social Security Office now require you make appointments to see a representative in person about any issue you may be having so waiting to see someone at the office could take valuable time from your deadline.

There is also an option available to request a lower withholding rate if the current rate is causing a hardship.

Our office may be able to assist with overpayments if you meet our eligibility requirements for assistance.

Please contact us at (716) 853-3087 to talk about your specific circumstances and see if we can assist you.