Why do Social Security Disability and ssi overpayments happen?Disability benefit overpayments (both Social Security Disability and SSI) happen for a variety of reasons. Some overpayments are caused by the disability beneficiary and others are not. Overpayments are often created due to work activity on the part of the disability beneficiary,resulting in an overpayment of monthly benefits to the beneficiary and their dependents. Performing SGA---in other words, earning more gross monthly income than the allowed limit for SGA or substantial gainful activity---may suspend your monthly benefit. Additionally, some overpayments are caused by disability medical cessations. What does this mean? It means that the state agency responsible for reviewing your file every few years (see CDRs) has determined that you have had medical improvement and are no longer disabled according to Social Security rules and regulations. In such situations, if a benefit recipient has elected to continue receiving benefits while they appeal their cessation and then lose their disability appeal, they will have been overpaid and will be responsible for paying this money back. In somewhat rarer instances, of course, it may be that the Social Security administration has paid a disability benefits recipient too much money due to a computational error, which may not be the fault of the recipient. Therefore, if you receive a letter from Social Security stating you have an overpayment, you should contact your local Social Security office to determine the cause of the overpayment and to make arrangements to resolve the overpayment. What should you do if you have been assessed an overpayment of disability benefits? For more information, refer to this page: What should you do when a disability overpayment happens? About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Tips for your North Carolina Disability Application What should you do when a Social Security Disability or ssi overpayment occurs? How Do You Avoid, and What causes, a Social Security Disability Overpayment? Why do Social Security Disability and ssi overpayments happen? Social Security made a mistake and assessed an overpayment and stopped benefits Social Security Disability Waiver of Overpayment Getting a Disability Lawyer in Connecticut If you apply for disability in Connecticut |
