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How Social Security Policies Threaten the Vulnerable
The Truth About Overpayments and how it kills people
Overpayments in the context of Social Security typically refer to situations where individuals receive more benefits than they are entitled to under the program's rules. Social Security overpayments can occur for various reasons and may involve retirement benefits, disability benefits, survivor benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Common causes of overpayments include:
Income Changes: If a recipient's income changes and they do not promptly report it to the Social Security Administration (SSA), they may continue to receive benefits based on outdated information.
Employment Status: For disability beneficiaries, engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) while receiving benefits can lead to overpayments, as disability benefits are intended for individuals who are unable to work.
Errors in Reporting: Mistakes made during the application or reporting process, whether by the individual or the SSA, can result in overpayments.
Failure to Update Personal Information: Changes in personal circumstances such as marriage, divorce, or the death of a beneficiary may impact benefit eligibility. Failure to update this information promptly can lead to overpayments.
When an overpayment occurs, the Social Security Administration usually notifies the beneficiary about the excess funds received and provides details on the overpayment amount. Recipients are typically required to repay the overpaid amount, either through a lump sum payment or a gradual reduction in future benefits until the overpayment is recovered.
It's essential for individuals receiving Social Security benefits to stay informed about reporting requirements, promptly update any changes in their circumstances, and respond to communications from the SSA to avoid overpayments. The Social Security Administration has established processes to address overpayments, and individuals can work with the agency to develop a repayment plan if necessary.
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