What is a Disability Overpayment?

A disability overpayment occurs when the SSA or DCF pays you more in disability benefits than you were entitled to receive. This can apply to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or state-specific benefits.

Common Causes of Overpayment:

• Reporting income or work activity late.
• Changes in living arrangements or marital status.
• Medical improvements affecting eligibility.
• Errors in benefit calculations by the SSA or DCF.
• Receiving concurrent benefits (e.g., workers’ comp and SSDI) without proper adjustments.

Steps to Handle a Disability Overpayment in Florida

Step 1: Carefully Review the Overpayment Notice

• Read the SSA Notice of Overpayment or the DCF notification letter.
• Confirm the amount, the reason for overpayment, and the repayment instructions.
• Note any deadlines for response.

Step 2: Verify the Overpayment

• Double-check your records and payment history.
• Look for errors or discrepancies in the SSA or DCF calculations.
• Gather supporting documents (pay stubs, medical records, benefit award letters).

Step 3: Consider Repayment Options

If the overpayment is valid, you generally have three choices:

• Full Repayment: Pay the amount in full to resolve the matter quickly.
• Payment Plan: Request a monthly installment plan that fits your financial situation.
• Withholding from Benefits: The SSA can deduct a portion of your future benefits until the overpayment is repaid.

Step 4: Request a Waiver (If Applicable)

You can ask the SSA to waive the overpayment if:

• You were not at fault in causing the overpayment.
• Repaying would cause financial hardship.
• File a Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery (Form SSA-632-BK).

Step 5: File an Appeal if You Disagree

If you believe the overpayment is incorrect:

• File a Request for Reconsideration (Form SSA-561) within 60 days of receiving the notice.
• Provide documentation to support your case.
• You can appeal both the fact of the overpayment and the repayment terms.

Step 6: Stay in Contact with SSA or DCF

• Respond promptly to all correspondence.
• Keep records of all communications.
• Contact your local SSA office or Florida DCF office for assistance.

Florida Resources for Overpayment Issues

• SSA Field Offices in Florida for in-person support.
• Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) for state disability programs.
• Legal Aid organizations in Florida may offer free assistance for overpayment appeals.
• Social Security advocates and representatives who specialize in overpayment cases.