What happens after a disability overpayment notice in Florida?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 04/29/2025
Receiving a disability overpayment notice in Florida can be stressful, but it’s essential to understand what it means and how to respond. Whether the overpayment came from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or state-administered programs, you have options—and taking timely action is critical.
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Understanding Your Overpayment Notice
The Social Security Administration (SSA) or Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) will send you a written notice explaining:
- The amount overpaid
- The reason for the overpayment
- How to repay the money
- Your rights to appeal or request a waiver
Read the notice carefully to ensure you understand the timeline and instructions provided.
Step-by-Step: What to Do Next
Step 1: Don’t Ignore the Notice
Ignoring an overpayment notice can result in:
- Withholding of future benefits
- Debt collection actions
- Loss of Medicaid or other linked benefits
Take immediate action—even if you don’t agree with the notice.
Step 2: Review the Accuracy
Check the SSA or DCF’s calculations. Ask:
- Is the amount correct?
- Did they account for all reported income or changes?
- Was there a misunderstanding or outdated information?
Errors are not uncommon, so double-check the facts.
Step 3: Repayment Options
If the overpayment is correct and you agree with it:
- Repay in full via check, money order, or online payment
- Set up a payment plan if you can’t afford full repayment
Contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or use your mySSA account to arrange a plan.
Step 4: Appeal the Decision (Optional)
If you believe the overpayment is wrong, you can:
- File SSA Form 561 (Request for Reconsideration)
- This must be done within 60 days of receiving the notice
Step 5: Request a Waiver (Optional)
If the overpayment wasn’t your fault and paying it back would cause hardship, you can:
- Submit SSA Form 632 (Waiver of Overpayment Recovery)
- Include financial documentation to prove hardship
Florida-Specific Considerations
If your benefits are tied to state programs like Medicaid or Food Assistance, overpayment issues may also impact those. Contact the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) through the ACCESS Florida portal or by calling 1-866-762-2237.
Possible Outcomes After the Notice
Depending on your response, the SSA or DCF may:
- Accept repayment or establish a payment plan
- Grant your waiver and cancel the overpayment
- Deny your appeal or waiver, in which case you can further appeal the decision to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
How Hogan Smith Can Help You
Dealing with a disability overpayment notice in Florida is serious—but you don’t have to handle it alone. Hogan Smith helps clients:
- Understand their overpayment notices and next steps
- File appeals and waivers quickly and accurately
- Negotiate fair repayment terms
- Protect their ongoing benefits from unnecessary disruption
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’ve received an overpayment notice and need guidance, Hogan Smith is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you take the right steps—so you can move forward with peace of mind.
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