Do we have to repay Social Security if they've made a mistake?

1 answer | Last updated: Jan 09, 2011
Q
Mary E asked...
My mother recently received a letter from Social Security stating that they have overpaid her for the last 2 years since my father died. How can we find someone who can help us figure out: 1) If this is even accurate (after all, SSA made the calculations after my dad's death- so THEY made a mistake- either then or now or both times), and 2) How to appeal this for a reconsideration. SSA puts the burden of proof 100% on the citizen, expecting them to understand Social Security better than the SSA technician!
 

Caring.com User - Steve Weisman
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Steve Weisman hosts the nationally syndicated radio show A Touch of Grey, heard on more than 50 stations, including WABC in New York City...
Steve Weisman said...

An elder law lawyer can assist you in determining whether or not your mother has been overpaid. You can go to the website of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys to find an experienced elder law lawyer in your area. Your lawyer will explain to you the procedure for appealing the determination of the Social Security Administration. It is important to know, however, that if you can show than an overpayment was not caused bgy you and that having to repay the money would pose a hardship, the law permits the Social Security administraiton to waive the repayment.

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