If you think that anything about the overpayment is incorrect, you should complete a Request for Reconsideration form. You can complete the PDF and mail it, fax it, or drop it off at Social Security. You can also complete and upload it within your MySSA account, and we recommend doing it that way.
The Request for Reconsideration form has 3 pages. You only fill out the top of page 1.
In the space that says “ISSUE BEING APPEALED”, write the name of the benefit that Social Security said you need to pay back, and the date of notice of overpayment. For example, “SSI benefit, letter dated March 1, 2025”.
In that same space, write what you think is incorrect about the overpayment. For example, they thought you were married but you are now divorced. Or they thought your earnings were at a certain level, but you had work incentives that they haven’t counted.
You should include documentation that shows the facts or fills in the missing information. For example, include a copy of the divorce decree if Social Security thought you were still married. Or include documentation of your work incentives that should lower your countable income.
In the section that lists THREE WAYS TO APPEAL, if you are an SSDI beneficiary, the default will be case review. If you are an SSI recipient, you can choose. We recommend choosing a formal conference so that you have an opportunity to talk to someone and bring evidence to show that the overpayment notice is incorrect.
Once this form is processed, if you still have an overpayment, you can request a waiver of overpayment or request a change in repayment recovery rate. It’s a good idea to start with the Request for Reconsideration if there has been a mistake because correcting the mistake can make the overpayment amount smaller or get rid of the overpayment altogether.
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To Do: If it applies to your situation, fill out your Request for Reconsideration form. Be as detailed as possible. Include any supporting documentation. Submit the form through your MySSA account, by mail, or by fax.
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Tip: Social Security should not collect on the overpayment while the request is being processed; if they do, ask for collection to be suspended.
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