Sometimes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) makes a mistake and sends more money than it should. If this happens to you, you will be notified by SSA and asked to return the extra money. If you do not respond, the SSA may take money out of your future checks. This is called “overpayment withholding.”
A recent change increases the default overpayment withholding rate for Social Security Disability (SSDI), Retirement, and Survivor beneficiaries to 100% of a person’s monthly benefit. This means that the SSA will withhold 100% of your future checks to recover the amount that they overpaid you until the full amount has been repaid. This new rate applies to new overpayments as of March 27, 2025. The old default rate of 10% still applies to any overpayments made before March 27.
Note: The new rate applies to Title II disability benefits (SSDI) and other SSA benefits, but does not apply to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, which still have a 10% default recovery rate.
Is there any way to lower the overpayment withholding?
There are some ways people can avoid overpayment recovery.
Given recent staff reductions in the SSA administration, it is especially important to save copies of appeals, waiver requests, and all correspondence and evidence that you send to SSA. If you have questions about your rights, you can apply for help from the LSNJLAWSM Hotline online at www.lsnjlawhotline.org, or by phone at 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529).
This information last reviewed: May 6, 2025