Can Social Security prove my late father reported income changes? Need access to call/visit logs for overpayment appeal

Yes, SSA does maintain records of contacts through their Contact History tool in their computer system. Every time someone contacts SSA, the representative is supposed to document the contact, including the reason for the contact, what was discussed, and any actions taken. This applies to both phone calls and in-person visits.At your meeting, specifically ask them to check the Contact History for your father's record during the timeframe when he would have reported those income changes. They can search for notes from those specific dates if you know them. If the rep documented properly, there should be a record of him reporting income changes.Also bring any other evidence you might have - bank statements showing withdrawals on days he might have traveled to an SSA office, calendar entries, emails mentioning his visits, etc. The more supporting documentation, the better your case.

Thank you SO MUCH for this information! I didn't know about the Contact History tool. This gives me hope. I'll definitely ask about this specifically during our meeting. Do you know if they're required to show us these records if we request them? Or can they refuse? I'm worried they'll just say \

my mom had almost the same thing!!! she got hit with a $6k overpayment when my dad died last yr. totally unfair. good luck with your meeting hope they dont give u the runaround like they did us.

Thanks - sorry you went through this too. Did you end up having to pay back the full amount? We really can't afford this and Mom is beside herself with worry.

They DO track everything, but getting them to admit it or show you is another story. I worked at SSA for 14 years (retired in 2021). When someone calls or visits, the rep is SUPPOSED to document it in what we called MCS/MSSICS Remarks. They also have a tracking system called PCACS that logs contacts, but not all reps use it consistently.Here's what to do: When you go in, ask specifically for a COMPLETE PRINTOUT OF THE CLAIMS FOLDER AND ALL REMARKS. You are entitled to this under the Privacy Act. Also ask for any

This is INCREDIBLY helpful - thank you! I've written down exactly what to ask for using the terms you provided. It's reassuring to hear from someone who worked in the system. I feel much more prepared for Monday now.

I tried to fight an overpayment myself and SSA was IMPOSSIBLE to reach!!! I called for WEEKS and couldn't get through. When I finally did, they put me on hold for HOURS then disconnected!!! How are we supposed to resolve these issues when we can't even talk to a human?!?! THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!! They probably \

Not necessarily lost on purpose... they're just understaffed and overworked. But yeah, getting through to them is IMPOSSIBLE these days.

One thing that might help: request a copy of your father's earnings record and any income-based notices that were sent to him during those years. Sometimes these records can show discrepancies that support your case. You can request these through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).Also, if your father had any correspondence with SSA through the Message Center in his my Social Security account, those messages are preserved and can be accessed. I'd ask them to check that as well during your meeting.One other important point: Even if they can't find records of him reporting the changes, you can still request a waiver of the overpayment based on \

Thank you! I didn't know about Form SSA-632. I'll download it today and start filling it out. Unfortunately, I don't think my dad used the online Message Center (he wasn't very computer savvy), but we'll definitely request the earnings record and notices.

I've been dealing with the SSA for years trying to get survivor benefits sorted out after my husband passed. I was calling 3-4 times a week and never getting through until someone told me about Claimyr.com. It's a service that gets you through to a real Social Security agent usually in under 30 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours or getting disconnected. Used it twice now and it worked perfectly both times. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puUFor your specific issue, I'd recommend trying to speak with someone BEFORE your Monday meeting to get more info about what records they have. That way you're prepared with exactly what to ask for when you go in.

I've never heard of this service! I'll check it out - you're right that it would be really helpful to talk to someone before our meeting to be better prepared. Thank you for the suggestion!

Also worth noting: When you go in for your meeting, try to be calm and organized. I've seen so many of these appeals go badly because people get emotional (understandably). Bring everything in a folder, labeled and sorted by date. Have specific questions written down. And make sure to ask them to check ALL systems - not just the main one. There's the Modernized Claims System (MCS), the Interactive Computation Facility (ICF), the Online Retrieval System (ORS), and several others that might contain records of contact. If they still claim there's no record, ask them directly: \

wow u really know ur stuff!! wish u coulda helped my mom with her case

Just want to share something that might help - my aunt had a similar situation. Even though she couldn't prove she had reported changes (the SSA said they had no record), she was able to get the overpayment waived by showing she was not at fault and that paying it back would cause severe hardship. She had to fill out a financial form showing all her expenses and income. They ended up forgiving the whole thing.So even if the worst happens and you can't find proof your dad reported properly, don't give up! There are still options.

That's really encouraging, thank you. My mom is on a very fixed income now, and paying back $9,500 would be devastating for her. I'll definitely pursue the hardship angle if needed.

they always blame the dead person becuz they cant defend themself. its so wrong

EXACTLY!!! It's a DISGRACE how they treat elderly widows!!! CRIMINAL!!!