Social Security erroneously overpaid some retirees. It is now withholding 50% of retiree monthly benefits to correct errors they made. Yes, you read that right. They originally wanted to withhold 100% of the benefits, However, public outrage forced them to rescind that to the still horrendous 50%.
Terrified seniors worried about how they will pay bills are encouraged to fill out SSA-632-BK Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery. It’s just a mere ten pages asking for detailed financial info. Might want to do this before becoming exhausted picking those strawberries.
But wait, there’s more! Form SSA-561 Request for Reconsideration, if you think you weren’t overpaid, or weren’t overpaid as much as Social says. Yes, this is another intuitively obvious form!
Finally, there is SSA-634 Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate to try to get the monthly amount you owe reduced. Whee.
This is just repulsive. Seniors will suffer because Social Security made mistakes. Sure, they owe the money. They were having 10% withheld, which is doable. 50% though will create hardships, especially for seniors whose sole income is Social Security.
I’m a tax pro at H&R Block. We can tell you what SSA forms you might want to fill out. However, we cannot help you fill them out or give you specific advice. I hope agencies and NGOs who help seniors will be able to assist here.