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Got a Social Security overpayment letter? What to do, and by when
Social Security says you were overpaid: the 30 day and 60 day deadlines, the 50% withholding, and the three requests you can send.
The two dates that matter
Social Security waits at least 30 days after the notice before collecting. If you ask for a waiver or appeal within 30 days, it does not collect until it decides.
You have 60 days from the notice to ask for reconsideration if you disagree with the amount.
If you do nothing
After 30 days, Social Security withholds 50% of your monthly retirement, disability or survivor benefit, or 10% of your SSI payment, until the overpayment is repaid.
Your three options
Appeal (Form SSA-561) if the amount is wrong or you were not overpaid. Waiver (Form SSA-632-BK) if it was not your fault and you cannot afford to repay. Lower monthly rate (Form SSA-634) if you agree but can only pay a little each month.
Sources: Resolve an overpayment, SSA. Read on November 3, 2026.