While much of the media attention recently on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) has focused on funding concerns, there was some good news recently announced by the Social Security Administration.
According to CBS News, the SSA has announced that it will no longer seize tax refunds to collect old debts from overpayments. There was some outrage among people who had their refunds collected for older debts—in some cases, adults were being forced to pay for benefits they may have received due to issues their parents encountered when they were children.
The agency said it would suspend the collections program this spring. “The commissioner is concerned about the public perception about the way we’re running this program,” said Pete Spencer, Social Security’s deputy commissioner for budget, finance, quality and management, according to CBS News.
Last year, the SSA reported that it identified about 400,000 people with old debts totaling $714 million. Most of the debts were for under $1,000.
You should be aware that even though the SSA has suspended the collection program, the debt will not go away—when you get older and you look into collecting benefits from an SSA program, the agency could potentially deduct any debt you owe from your payments.
Can an Attorney Help Me Collect Disability Benefits?
This is good news for people who may have faced issues with overpayments in the past. For more information about the disability process, you can visit our Social Security FAQ page.
Remember, working with an attorney can greatly improve your chances of receiving a successful outcome in your case. Speak to our attorneys about the complicated application and appeals process.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security Disability lawyers
Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/social-security-will-stop-seizing-tax-refunds-to-collect-old-debts/
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