April 10, 2024 by Natalie Cochran
New Social Security Policies in Effect as of March 25, 2024 – What You Need to Know
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides beneficiaries to customers that are retired workers, disabled workers, as well as survivors of a passed loved one. Sometimes the SSA experiences overpayment issues which can cause distress on its customers. Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley announced he is taking four vital steps to immediately address overpayment issues.
Customers whose benefits are withdrawn can result in losing their homes or face severe financial issues when they see their benefits cut off. These overpayments can go back decades.
Below are the four steps the SSA is taking to approach their mistakes of overpayment:
- As of March 25, 2024, they will be ceasing 100 percent of an overpaid beneficiary if the customer fails to respond to their demand for repayment. Also, they will now use a withholding rate of 10 percent of monthly benefits;
- They will determine if the claimant was at fault in causing the overpayment and act accordingly;
- For those who request a repayment plan, those plans will be approved up to 60 months. To qualify, SS beneficiaries will need to provide a verbal summary of their income, resources, and expenses; and
- They will be making the process easier for overpaid beneficiaries by creating a waiver of repayment if the customer believes they have been without fault and/or the ability to repay.
The SSA is working hard to address why overpayments have become a common issue.
If you or someone you know is experiencing overpayment issues or know someone who needs assistance, please apply online at lonestarlegal.org or by calling our toll free number at (800) 733-8394.
If you or a loved one are in need of an attorney or would like to explore other resources, you can visit the Texas Crime Victim Legal Assistance Network.
Lone Star Legal Aid is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy on behalf of low-income and underserved populations. Lone Star Legal Aid serves the millions of people at 125% of federal poverty guidelines that reside in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas, and 4 counties of southwest Arkansas. Lone Star Legal Aid focuses its resources on maintaining, enhancing, and protecting income and economic stability; preserving housing; improving outcomes for children; establishing and sustaining family safety and stability, health and well‐being; and assisting populations with special vulnerabilities, like those who have disabilities, or who are elderly, homeless, or have limited English language skills. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit our website at www.lonestarlegal.org.
Media contact: Clarissa Ayala, cayala@lonestarlegal.org
