A Social Security recipient was told she only had 30 days to pay more than $5,000 or her benefits would be cut.
Susan made a post in her county’s Facebook group asking if anyone else had received a letter from Social Security.
two
The letter explained that an audit found she had received excessive benefits from 2011 to 2015.
Now, she has to pay back more than $5,000 within 30 days or her monthly payments will be withheld.
“I can request an exemption/payment plan, but the forms are worse than a tax return,” she wrote.
She called the number on the letter, which was supposed to be the local Social Security office, but became worried it was a scam and hung up.
read more about social security
Several people commented on the post that it might be a hoax and suggested that she come to the office in person to make things right.
“It has felt so unfair for so long, when it’s their mistake and not mine. I just wonder if anyone else has experienced this,” she wrote.
“We’re not extremely flush with cash and we’ll be fine, but some rely heavily on their monthly Social Security, so be careful!”
HEAVY DEBT
Social Security beneficiary Janet Decuir was in a similar situation to Susan.
Like Susan, Janet was told she owed $40,571 and had just 30 days to pay it.
To make matters worse, his disability benefits were immediately suspended.
“I’ve been without income for 11 months and I can’t find work.
“I’ve tried working from home and working as a nurse — I just can’t do it anymore,” she told local ABC affiliate KATC.
Janet filed for relief in hopes of canceling the debt.
Unfortunately, she only received a payment adjustment extending the repayment period to three years instead of just one month.
Janet says she is not giving up and will continue to appeal the payment.
Submitting a Waiver to the SSA
Those who are unable to repay the overpayment amounts indicated by the SSA or who feel they should not be able to do so can fill out a specific form.
- O form is identified as SSA-632 in the SSA website and can be completed and submitted at a local office.
- “If you agree that you received an overpayment, but you feel that you should not have to return it because you did not cause the overpayment and you are unable to repay it, you should complete Form SSA-632,” notes the SSA on your website.
- It also lists several refund options.
- Recipients with additional questions should call 1-800-772-1213.
The Social Security Administration has listed several reasons why an overpayment may occur, such as:
- The income is higher than you estimated
- Changes in living situation
- Changes in marital status
- No longer disabled, but still receives benefits
- More resources than the limit allowed
- Social Security had incorrect information to calculate benefits
If the beneficiary chooses to appeal the debt through a waiver request, they must prove the approval requirement:
- They were not at fault for causing the overpayment
- Paying the fee would mean they would not be able to afford housing, medical expenses, food or clothing
- They believe giving back Social Security is unfair for another reason
People request reconsideration if the initial waiver is denied.
A couple felt “pure panic” when they received a letter saying they owed the SSA $84,000.
And one mother was stuck in a bind when she discovered her disabled daughter owed nearly $15,000 to Social Security Disability Insurance.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
