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Overpayment of SSI Benefits - American Judicial System
“SSI” is “Supplemental Security Income,” which is not regular Social Security but rather general assistance jointly administered by the State you live in and the Social Security Administration. Not to be confused with regular Social Security retirement benefits, SSI is a “means tested” supplemental income program available only to those with very little income and very few assets. Because income and assets are part of eligibility for SSI, any unreported change to one’s finances after benefits are awarded may cause an overpayment situation, and the SSI recipient may be required to repay a significant sum of money to the federal government. When this happens, it is always a shocking and traumatic event for those already financial challenged individuals receiving SSI benefits. So what to do?
There are, in fact, established processes to help deal with SSI overpayment situations, as explained in this American Judicial System article by Edward Gates. Among the options are requesting a reconsideration, requesting a waiver of the overpayment, and making arrangements to repay what is owed over time (rather than immediately as the Overpayment Notice will request). Click here to read about how to deal with the Social Security Administration if you have received an SSI Overpayment Notice.
Also, if you’re unsure about how these basics apply to you, or if you have any questions about your individual situation under Social Security, note that the AMAC Foundation provides a free-to-the-public advisory service to help Americans navigate the complexities of this program. Learn more about it here…