I just got a letter from Social Security that I was overpaid $21,490.97. I don’t believe I should owe anything because I was improperly terminated from my SSI benefits.
March 23, 2025
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So, if they incorrectly determined an amount is overpaid, the recipient can dispute that.
One would have to file an appeal to any determination letter with the agency first, as the concept of qualified immunity requires that, or will help to prepare an accounting showing where the error is and why it is incorrect.
If they refuse to adjust their records and correct the error, the next step is to file a petition for review in civil court.
The court has final authority over this, so they can order them to make the necessary adjustments.
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I just got a letter from Social Security that I was overpaid $21,490.97. I don’t believe I should owe anything because I was improperly terminated from my SSI benefits.
I understand this must be very frustrating for you. Have you already appealed the decision regarding the overpayment with the Social Security Administration?
I say this because the Social Security Administration has made one mistake after another.
I moved to another county and got married in January of 2022. I immediately reported the information to them, and they changed my name on the card.
I had a review meeting in July of 2024. During the meeting, my caseworker informed me that the person I initially reported the changes to didn’t properly process the paperwork I submitted.
A month after my review, I received a letter about a decrease in my benefits. From August to November, I continued receiving letters every other month notifying me of further decreases.
In December, I got a COLA increase letter stating I’d receive a higher amount starting in January. Instead, I never received any payment at all that month.
I called the Social Security office to find out what was going on. They told me my benefits were being stopped because of my husband’s income.
Before I hung up, I asked if I owed anything. The representative told me I didn’t.
I was never notified ahead of time that my payments would be stopping. Now, I’ve just received a letter saying I’ve been overpaid—and they want the entire amount back by the end of this month.
Is there anything I can do from a legal standpoint?
Have you kept records of all the communication and paperwork related to your reporting of changes in your circumstances to the Social Security Administration?
Yes, I have letters and bank statements.
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your overpayment issue.
No. Thank you.
Hi! A few minutes please as I review your question so I can provide you with legal information—thanks!
I’m so sorry. That is a lot of money. So you disagree with their determination?
Yes, I do.
Thanks. One moment please.
So, if they incorrectly determined an amount is overpaid, the recipient can dispute that.
One would have to file an appeal to any determination letter with the agency first, as the concept of qualified immunity requires that, or will help to prepare an accounting showing where the error is and why it is incorrect.
If they refuse to adjust their records and correct the error, the next step is to file a petition for review in civil court.
The court has final authority over this, so they can order them to make the necessary adjustments.
