United States · Social Security and SSI

Got a Social Security overpayment notice?

About 2 million people a year are told they were overpaid. For a new overpayment, Social Security normally keeps 50% of your monthly retirement or disability benefit, or 10% of your total monthly income if you get SSI, until it's repaid. You can appeal, ask for a waiver, or ask to pay less each month.

The forms are free. You can get SSA-561, SSA-632 and SSA-634 at ssa.gov/forms, call Social Security on 1-800-772-1213, or ask your local legal aid office for free help. This page helps you work out your dates and write your explanation. It is not legal representation.

Step 1 · The notice

Date on the notice

Overpayment amount ($)

Benefit

Your monthly benefit ($)

What the notice says caused it

Step 2 · What happened

Do you agree you were overpaid?

Why you think it's wrong

Did you tell Social Security about the change?

In your own words

Step 3 · Your monthly budget

Total monthly income, all sources ($)

Rent or mortgage ($)

Food ($)

Utilities ($)

Medical costs ($)

Other essentials ($)

Savings you could use

Step 4 · Your statement

Which text

Amount you can repay each month ($)

Your name

Your address or phone

Your dates and options

Your statement

Copy the text into the form's explanation box, or attach it on a separate page with your name and Social Security number. Keep a copy and get a receipt if you hand it in.

Your three options

Form	When to use it	Deadline
SSA-561 Reconsideration	You weren't overpaid, or the amount is wrong	60 days from getting the notice
SSA-632 Waiver	It wasn't your fault, and repaying would leave you unable to meet ordinary living expenses, or would be unfair	Any time
SSA-634 Lower rate	You owe it but can't afford the standard withholding	Any time

You can file a reconsideration and a waiver at the same time. Social Security assumes you got the notice 5 days after the date printed on it. If you ask for reconsideration or a waiver within 30 days of getting it, Social Security generally won't start withholding until it decides.

Does "not my fault" mean Social Security made the mistake?

Not only that. It means you didn't cause the overpayment by giving wrong information or leaving out something you knew you had to report. If you reported the change and they didn't act on it, say so, with dates.

What counts as hardship?

Needing your income to pay for food, housing, utilities, medical care and other ordinary needs. Be ready to show bills and bank statements. The budget above helps you set it out clearly.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. You can file these forms yourself, and Social Security staff and legal aid offices help for free. If you've been told the overpayment involved fraud, get free legal help.

Is this legal advice?

No. It's legal information to help you organise your dates, budget and explanation. We don't represent you or contact Social Security for you.

Checked 14 October 2026. Sources: Boston 25 News (2.2 million notices in fiscal year 2023), Yahoo Finance on the 50% withholding rate, SSA on SSI overpayments, SSA forms.