Big surprise in the United States: the SSA gets serious and many will pay for it

Maximum tension is being experienced in the United States. Social Security (SSA) has decided to implement new measures that are causing anxiety among millions of Americans who receive benefits.

From now on, SSA will apply a new protocol to recover overpayments. If someone was paid more than they should have received, they could now lose up to 100% of their monthly check to pay it back. This shift is very serious compared to the previous policy, which only withheld 10%, a radical change that worries many people.

Maximum Concern in the United States: This SSA Move Disorients Many

The amount withheld can be total, leaving the beneficiary without their regular payment. Many simply didn't know they had been overpaid. Now, without prior notice, they may find themselves without income.

SSA is already sending official letters. In them, they explain that the beneficiary has about 90 days to act. They can request a reduction in the withholding percentage, ask for a reconsideration, or submit a waiver request if they can show it wasn't their fault.

Be Careful with Overpayments: They Can Play a Dirty Trick on You

If they don't do so, the automatic cut, which can reach 50% or 100% depending on the case, will begin as soon as that period ends. The government's goal with this tough measure is to recover billions of dollars that have been given out by mistake. Between 2015 and 2022, SSA paid nearly 72 billion USD in improper payments.

With the new efforts to collect the full amount of those sums, about 7 billion USD are expected to be recovered in the next decade. Some retirees or disabled people who rely completely on that income will see their only monthly support disappear.

Experts warn that this can cause serious problems for those who aren't prepared. Advocacy groups have already shown their concern.

Act as You Should to Avoid Getting into Trouble

To avoid fines or penalties, it's urgent to act. If you've received a letter indicating an overpayment, you must contact SSA as soon as possible. You can call 1‑800‑772‑1213 or go to a local office.

You can also request a reduction in the withholding rate if you can't pay the full amount. Or you can ask for a reconsideration to review the amount or a waiver if you prove it wasn't your error.

In addition, you could file a formal appeal before the deadline indicated in the letter. The tension is real. SSA is applying a strong policy, but they're also offering mechanisms to avoid serious harm to those who can't face a total withholding.