Receiving a Social Security overpayment notice can be stressful, but the good news is that many overpayments are preventable. Whether you're receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), understanding the rules and staying proactive can help you avoid unnecessary debt and interruptions in your benefits.
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What causes Overpayments?
Overpayments occur when the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends you more money than you were eligible to receive. This can happen due to:
- Unreported changes in income
- Starting or stopping work
- Changes in living arrangements
- Marital status updates
- Receiving other benefits
- Incorrect or outdated information on file
Many of these issues stem from misunderstandings or delays in communication—making it critical to stay informed and diligent.
Tips to Prevent Overpayments
Report Changes Promptly
Any change that may impact your eligibility or benefit amount should be reported to SSA within 10 days of the end of the month in which it occurred. This includes:
- Starting or ending a job
- Changes in work hours or wages
- Moving in or out of someone’s home
- Marriage, divorce, or changes in household size
- Receiving workers’ compensation or other benefits
Use your SSA online account or call them directly at 1-800-772-1213 to report updates.
Keep Good Records
Maintain organized records of:
- Pay stubs and work schedules
- Rent and household expense documentation
- Correspondence with SSA
- Bank statements and income summaries
Having documentation ready can help clarify your situation if questions arise.
Understand the Rules for Your Program
Know the specific rules for SSDI vs. SSI:
- SSDI is based on work history and can be affected by returning to work above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) levels.
- SSI is based on income and resources. Even small changes can affect your benefit amount.
Understanding these differences helps you know what must be reported and how it impacts your case.
Monitor Your SSA Records
Regularly check your information through your “my Social Security” account to make sure:
- Your earnings are correctly reported
- Your contact and payment details are accurate
- No unexpected activity is listed
Mistakes happen—catching them early can prevent overpayments.
Ask Questions if You’re Unsure
If you're not sure whether a life change affects your benefits, ask SSA or a legal expert. It's always better to double-check than risk being overpaid.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we work with individuals to not only resolve existing overpayments, but also to help prevent them from happening in the first place. We can:
- Explain what income and life changes need to be reported
- Review your SSA correspondence and benefit history
- Guide you on how to stay in compliance with SSA rules
- Set up regular check-ins if your situation is complex or changing
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’re receiving disability benefits and want to ensure you’re doing everything right, contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through the steps to stay on track, avoid overpayments, and keep your benefits secure. Don’t wait for a mistake to cost you—reach out to our team today.
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