Washington, D.C. | May 3, 2025 – The Social Security Administration (SSA) has quietly resumed overpayment recoveries in 2025, leaving many retirees surprised to find their monthly benefits suddenly reduced sometimes by as much as 50%.
This move follows a brief pause in 2024 after widespread backlash and a government audit of SSA practices. Now, with pressure mounting to “balance the books,” the agency is moving forward with a more aggressive clawback strategy.
What’s Happening?
If the SSA believes you were overpaid perhaps due to misreported income, dual benefits, or administrative miscalculations they can deduct up to 50% of your monthly check until the debt is recovered.
“I woke up to half my check gone,” said Margaret T., a 72-year-old widow in Ohio. “There was no warning just a letter after the fact.”
How Do You Know If You’re Affected?
SSA is sending notices to affected recipients. You can also log into your mySocialSecurity account to check your payment history and messages.
Can You Appeal or Pause the Clawback?
Yes. Beneficiaries can request a waiver or appeal if repaying the overpayment would cause financial hardship.
- Use Form SSA-632 (Request for Waiver)
- Call 1-800-772-1213 to request a hearing or more info
Tip: The faster you respond to a notice, the better your chances of pausing or adjusting the repayment plan.
Why Is SSA Doing This Now?
According to recent reports, the agency is under political pressure to clean up $20 billion in outstanding overpayments. With staffing cuts and fewer resources, critics argue the burden is falling unfairly on seniors.
“Punishing people for SSA’s own mistakes is not justice,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown, who’s calling for clawback reform in Congress.
