Lawmakers are seeking explanations regarding reports that the Social Security Administration has mistakenly overpaid benefits to millions of Americans and subsequently demanded repayment amounts reaching thousands of dollars. In a bipartisan letter sent by House members from the Ohio delegation to Dr. Kilolo Kijakazi, the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), inquiries are made about the agency’s efforts to claw back overpayments, affecting elderly or disabled individuals on fixed incomes. The correspondence raises apprehension about individuals impacted, potentially innocent, confronting the prospect of suspended or diminished benefits until the repayment of the debt.

Representative Mike Carey, R-Ohio, emphasizes that seniors and disabled Americans should not be treated like criminals for errors made by the government, stating that they deserve compassion and fair treatment. The letter references cases in which individuals received inaccurate notices of overpayment, resulting in requests for repayment, frequently with a deadline as short as 30 days.

Lawmakers reveal that over one million Americans annually receive notices about Social Security overpayments. Unlike the testimony of SSA Acting Commissioner Kijakazi, a CBS “60 Minutes” report implies that the real figure surpasses two million Americans, and beneficiaries are confronted with considerable amounts owed, coupled with a restricted timeframe for repayment.

Affected individuals include retirees, individuals with disabilities, and those who rely solely on Social Security as their main source of income. Lawmakers emphasize that seniors who have followed all the correct procedures should not face penalties for the mistakes made by the SSA, and they call for accountability to ensure accurate payments.

The SSA acknowledges the unsettling nature of overpayment notices and outlines the appeal and repayment options available to beneficiaries. The organization maintains that the retrieval of overpayments constitutes a minimal portion of the overall benefits disbursed, underscoring its authority to forgo recovery if deemed inequitable and against good conscience. Legislators voice unease over beneficiaries encountering difficulties in securing waivers, particularly following media exposure.

The Social Security Administration has commenced a thorough examination of its overpayment procedures, presently in the information-gathering phase, concentrating on potential administrative enhancements to alleviate complexity and burdens.