SSI overpayment frozen my benefits but SSA rejected my 10% payback request - catch-22 situation?

This actually happened to me last year. The key is to file a formal appeal for 'reconsideration' ASAP - specifically against both the overpayment amount AND the withholding of full benefits. Make sure you check the box requesting 'continued benefits' while under appeal. When you file this appeal, SSA is legally required to restore your payments at a reduced amount (typically with the 10% reduction for recovery) while they review your case. Don't just try to handle this over the phone - you need to submit the official SSA-561 form. You only have 60 days from when you received the overpayment notice to file this appeal, so don't wait. Also gather any documentation that might help explain why the overpayment wasn't your fault or why repaying would cause financial hardship.

The same thing happened to my cousin and they didn't give him his money back for like 6 months!! They system is totally broken, they just want to keep our money. Did they even tell you why they think you got overpaid??? sometimes they make mistakes to

This is a common misunderstanding that happens with SSI overpayments. Here's what's likely happening: When you first report an overpayment, SSA's automated system often places a temporary hold on benefits while they assess the situation. However, their policy (POMS SI 02220.010) clearly states that recipients have the right to request a reduced withholding rate if full withholding would cause financial hardship. You need to specifically request two things: 1. A waiver of the overpayment (Form SSA-632) if you believe it wasn't your fault and you can't afford to pay it back 2. A reduction in the withholding rate to 10% of your monthly benefit The key is speaking with a Claims Representative who has the authority to adjust the withholding rate, not just a service representative. Also request that they review POMS SI 02220.017 which covers adjustment of recovery rates for SSI overpayments.

I went through this EXACT same thing in January! It was a total nightmare and I couldn't get anyone on the phone at SSA for weeks. After getting disconnected about 20 times, I finally discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually get through to a real person at Social Security. They have this system that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is about to pick up. I was skeptical but desperate, and it worked perfectly - got through in under an hour instead of trying for days. The rep I finally spoke with was able to lift the hold and set up my 10% repayment plan immediately. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Once I got to speak with the right person (a Claims Specialist), they confirmed I absolutely COULD request a reduced payment plan even with the hold on my account. The first rep you spoke with was just wrong or didn't know the proper procedure.

THE SSA DOES THIS ON PURPOSE!!! They KNOW most people cant afford to pay back all at once but they still freeze accounts to FORCE us into homelessness!!! I had an overpayment of $6,000 and they did the SAME THING to me and I ended up evicted because I couldnt pay rent for 3 months!!!

I had a similar situation last year with an SSI overpayment. What worked for me was filing form SSA-632 (Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery) AND form SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) at the same time. On the 561 form, I specifically wrote that I was contesting the decision to withhold my full benefit instead of allowing a partial withholding. The important thing to know is that when you file these forms, SSA is supposed to continue your benefits (minus the standard 10% deduction) while they review your case. This is called "continuation of benefits" during appeal. It took about a week after filing for my benefits to be reinstated at 90% of the normal amount. Eventually, they denied my waiver request, but at least I was able to get on the 10% repayment plan instead of having all my benefits stopped. Also, make sure to keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit and get a receipt when you turn in forms at your local office.

Has anyone tried requesting a supervisor when calling? Sometimes the first person you talk to at SSA doesn't know all the rules. When I had an overpayment issue, the first rep I talked to said something similar, but when I asked to speak to a supervisor, they knew exactly what to do and fixed it right away.

One thing nobody has mentioned yet - you should immediately request an itemized explanation of how they calculated the overpayment amount. In about 30% of the cases I've seen, the SSA calculations contain errors that inflate the overpayment amount. Also, check if you qualify for a "without fault" waiver. If you reported all changes in income/resources on time and the overpayment was due to SSA error, you may qualify to have the entire overpayment waived. Finally, if you're facing immediate financial hardship (risk of eviction, utilities shut off, inability to buy food or medicine), make sure to clearly state this in your communication with SSA. Document any hardship with letters from landlords, past due bills, etc. This can help expedite your case.

did u try calling ur congressperson? my aunt had a problem with SS and she called her congressmans office and they fixed it in like 2 days

I'm really sorry you're going through this - it's such a stressful situation to be in. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like you have several good options to pursue simultaneously: 1. File the formal appeals (SSA-561 and SSA-632 forms) as soon as possible - these seem to be the most direct path to getting your benefits restored while you're dealing with the overpayment issue. 2. Try that Claimyr service that Ethan mentioned to actually get through to a Claims Specialist who has the authority to adjust your withholding rate. The regular phone reps clearly don't have the same level of knowledge about these policies. 3. Request the detailed breakdown of how they calculated your overpayment amount - if there are any errors, that could significantly reduce what you owe. 4. Consider reaching out to your congressional representative's office for help - it's free and they have direct contacts at SSA who can often resolve these issues quickly. The key thing seems to be that you absolutely DO have the right to a reduced payment plan, but you need to get to the right person who knows the proper procedures. Don't let them tell you otherwise - the policy is clearly written that you can request reduced withholding for financial hardship. Stay strong and keep advocating for yourself. This sounds like a bureaucratic mistake that can be fixed once you get to someone who knows what they're doing.