Understanding SSDI Overpayments

An SSDI overpayment occurs when the SSA pays you more than you should have received in benefits. This doesn’t always mean you did something wrong—overpayments can result from simple errors or delayed updates.

Common Reasons for SSDI Overpayments:

• Returning to work without timely reporting of income.
• Medical improvement that affects your disability status.
• Changes in family or living situations.
• Receiving other benefits like workers’ compensation.
• Clerical errors by the SSA.

Steps to Take if You Receive an SSDI Overpayment Notice

Step 1: Review the Overpayment Notice Carefully

• Examine the amount the SSA says you owe.
• Understand the reason for the overpayment.
• Check for response deadlines—usually 30 days to act.

Step 2: Confirm the Accuracy of the Overpayment

• Compare the SSA’s numbers with your own records.
• Look for mistakes in income reporting or benefit calculations.
• Gather relevant documents like pay stubs, award letters, and medical records.

Step 3: Consider Your Repayment Options

If the overpayment is correct, you have repayment choices:

• Full Repayment: Pay the total amount owed at once.
• Installment Payments: Request a monthly payment plan.
• Benefit Withholding: Allow the SSA to deduct a portion of your SSDI check until the balance is paid.

Step 4: Request a Waiver if You Qualify

If repaying the overpayment would cause financial hardship or you believe it wasn’t your fault, you can request a waiver by filing Form SSA-632-BK (Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery).

Eligibility for a waiver typically requires:

• You were not at fault for the overpayment.
• Paying it back would cause undue financial hardship.

Step 5: Appeal the Overpayment Decision

If you disagree with the overpayment determination, you can file a Request for Reconsideration (Form SSA-561) within 60 days of the notice.

You can appeal:

• Whether an overpayment actually occurred.
• The amount of the overpayment.
• The decision to recover the funds.

Step 6: Stay Proactive and Communicate with the SSA

• Respond to SSA requests promptly.
• Keep copies of all correspondence.
• Contact your local SSA office in Florida for support.

Florida Resources for SSDI Overpayments

• Social Security Administration Field Offices throughout Florida.
• Florida Legal Aid organizations offering free legal help.
• Disability advocates familiar with SSA overpayment procedures.