Receiving a letter from the Social Security Administration about an SSDI overpayment can feel confusing, frustrating, or even alarming, especially if you rely on your monthly benefits to get by. These overpayments happen more often than you might think and can result from outdated records, unreported changes, or clerical errors.
Claim what you worked for.
If you’ve been told you were overpaid, you’re not alone, and you’re not without options. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes Social Security overpayments and what steps you can take to protect your benefits.
Key Takeaways
- SSDI overpayments are common, and this can result from unreported life changes, outdated records, or administrative errors.
- You have options. If you disagree with the overpayment, you can file an appeal within 60 days. If you agree you were overpaid but can’t afford to repay it, you can request a waiver.
- Social Security can take your whole check for overpayment. In some cases, it may withhold part or all of your monthly check to recover the overpayment.
In this article on whether Social Security can take your whole check for overpayment:
What are SSDI overpayments?
A Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) overpayment occurs when you receive more money in your monthly benefits than you are entitled to. If this happens, you’ll get a notice explaining why the overpayment occurred, how much you owe, and how to repay it.
SSDI overpayments often result from incorrect or incomplete information in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) records. This can happen if your file isn’t updated with changes in your situation. That’s why it’s important to report life changes as soon as they happen, such as:
- Changes in your ability to work
- A new living arrangement
- Marriage or divorce
- Changes in income
You’ll have at least 30 days from the date on your notice before the SSA collects the overpayment. If you can’t afford to pay it back or believe the SSA made a mistake, you do have options. You can file an appeal or request a waiver to avoid repayment.
SSDI overpayment appeal
If you believe the SSA made a mistake, you have the right to appeal. To do this, you can submit Form SSA-561, Request for Reconsideration, and explain why you disagree with the overpayment or the amount listed.
You have 60 days from the date you received your SSDI overpayment notice to file an appeal.
SSDI overpayment waiver
If you agree you were overpaid, but believe you shouldn’t have to pay it back, you can file form SSA-632, Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery.
If the overpayment is $2,000 or less and you believe you’re not at fault, you can request a waiver by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office.
While there is technically no time limit to file a waiver, it’s important to remember that the SSA may begin to collect the overpayment within about 30 days after you receive the notice. To file a waiver, you will need to show both of the following:
- The overpayment wasn’t your fault
- Repaying it would cause financial hardship or would be otherwise unfair
The SSA may ask for proof of your income and expenses, but they will pause collection efforts while your waiver request is under review.
How does Social Security collect overpayments?
The SSA offers several options for repaying a Social Security overpayment, depending on your situation:
- Repay online or by phone
If you agree you were overpaid, your notice will include a 10-digit ID number and instructions for repaying online. You can also pay by calling 1-800-772-1213 (or 1-800-325-0778 if you’re deaf or hard of hearing).
- Automatically withholding from benefits
If you’re receiving SSDI benefits, the SSA will withhold 10% of your monthly check, or $10, whichever is greater. This deduction typically begins 60 days after the date on your overpayment notice.
- Tax refund or wage garnishment
If you’re not currently receiving benefits or fall behind on a repayment plan, the SSA may recover the overpayment by:
- Withholding money from your federal tax refund
- Garnishing wages if you’re working
- Deducting from any future SSDI benefits you may receive
- Repayment plans
If repaying the full amount at once would cause financial hardship, you can request smaller monthly payments by submitting Form SSA-634 (Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate). Fax or mail the completed form to your local Social Security office.
Can Social Security take your whole check for overpayment?
On March 27, 2025, the SSA announced a major change to how it collects overpayments. Now, if you get an overpayment notice dated after that date, the SSA will take your entire monthly SSDI check until the overpayment is recovered.
This rule only applies to new overpayments, not overpayments before that date. If your overpayment notice is dated before March 27, 2025, your withholding rate will remain the same, and no action is required.
How Woods & Woods can help
Having a disability shouldn’t mean losing your peace of mind. At Woods & Woods, we help individuals with disabilities connect with legal help. If you’re seeking SSDI benefits, call us today for a free case evaluation.
You worked hard – let us fight for you.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of March 27, 2025, the Social Security Administration can take 100% of your monthly disability check to recover any overpayments.
If you were overpaid by Social Security, you have several options. You can request that the overpayment be waived, file an appeal, repay the overpayment in full, or make payment arrangements online, by phone, or by visiting a local Social Security office
Lori Underwood
Lori Underwood received her law degree from Northern Kentucky University. She previously practiced Social Security disability and personal injury law and was a juvenile court attorney.
She has been an attorney at
Woods & Woods since 2014.
