Social Security overpayment deduction suddenly increased from $145 to $245 monthly - can I change it back?

SSA is NOTORIOUS for making these kinds of unilateral changes!! I had something similar happen with my disability back payments. You need to call them ASAP and request a waiver form SSA-632. They can't just change the terms you agreed to without your consent. But good luck getting through on the phone - I spent 3 weeks trying to reach someone before I gave up and went to the office in person.

The increase might be related to the transfer between offices. When a case moves to a new office, they sometimes recalculate the repayment amount based on their standard procedures. Here's what you should do: 1. Call your new SSA office and specifically ask to speak with the Claims Specialist handling your case 2. Explain that you had an agreement for $145/month with the previous office 3. Request a formal overpayment recovery determination letter if they won't honor the original agreement 4. If needed, file a Request for Reconsideration (Form SSA-561) within 60 days Also important: Since you're applying for survivor benefits while also having retirement benefits restart, make sure they're correctly calculating your benefit amount. At your age, you may be eligible for either your retirement benefit or a percentage of your ex-spouse's benefit, whichever is higher.

my mom had this exact same problem last yr!!! they kept changing her payment amounts and the local office was NO help. she ended up getting thru to someone at the regional office who fixed it all. try calling the main number early in morning like 7am, thats when phone lines arent as busy

There's a couple things happening here that I want to clarify as someone who used to work with benefits counseling: 1. The monthly withholding amount for an overpayment can be negotiated if it causes financial hardship. The $245 might be their standard 10% of your benefit amount, which is their default. 2. When you're between 62 and FRA and entitled to both retirement and survivor benefits, SSA applies a complex calculation. They pay your retirement first, then add any additional amount if the survivor benefit would be higher. 3. The increase might actually be connected to your survivor benefit application being approved. When multiple benefits are involved, the recovery calculations can change. I suggest writing out your complete financial situation showing why $245 is a hardship, and requesting a lower withholding amount using Form SSA-634 (Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate). Be specific about your essential expenses.

just curious - how did u end up with a $10k overpayment? did they not stop your benefits when you reported going back to work? im retiring next year and worried about making mistakes

Anyone who has dealt with SSA knows you CANT TRUST ANYTHING they tell you over the phone!!!! Get EVERYTHING in writing. I bet there's nothing in writing about that $145 agreement is there? They pulled the same thing on my brother, agreed to one amount then suddenly it was double. The system is DESIGNED to confuse us seniors!!!!!

One additional point I should have mentioned: Since you'll reach your FRA on 1/1/2026, which is less than a year away, you might consider requesting a temporary lower repayment amount until then. Once you reach FRA, the earnings test no longer applies, and you might have more income flexibility to handle a higher repayment amount. This could be a compromise position if they resist returning to the $145 amount.

wait i just realized something - if ur ex passed away recently shouldn't you be getting more money not less? my aunt got survivor benefits and it was way more than her own SS check