Have you received more than you expected in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit payments?
You may want to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you believe that you have been overpaid, as the issue could come back to haunt you.
Recently, WFMY-TV in Charlotte reported that a woman was allegedly overpaid benefits by more than $3,000, and the SSA threatened to stop her benefits for mistakes that were made. The woman was reportedly sent a letter from the Department of the Treasury demanding the overpaid funds, or the letter said the government might stop paying her until all the funds are returned.
The woman disputed the claims that she was overpaid; after she received the letter, she contacted the media who brought the case to the attention of the SSA, who admitted it actually owed money to the victim.
As we have reported in the past, there is no statute of limitations on SSA overpayments. There have been stories in the news about people who have been harassed about overpayments made 20 to 30 years ago—it is our hope that someday Congress passes a statue of limitations for non-fraudulent overpayments, to avoid these types of stories.
Do I Need a Social Security Disability Attorney?
You should always check your account balances if you receive SSDI or other federal benefits to make sure your activities and funds are correct. You should also contact the SSA if a garnishment has been made or one has been attempted, and you have questions.
There are many murky areas when it comes to collection attempts involving federal benefits, as there are some exceptions as for when they are allowed and are not. If you want to discuss your disability case, contact our attorneys today at (918) 265-1404, so that we may help you through this application process.
Again, if you are experiencing issues involving overpayments, you should contact the SSA or the Department of Treasury immediately, to avoid issues like the woman in this case experienced. Keep in mind, mistakes do happen—you could very well be owed money, as this case shows.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability attorneys
