After you receive a Social Security payment you may think the hard part it over, and many times that is the case, but sometimes Social Security makes mistakes and issues the wrong payment to a beneficiary. If you receive a payment and it does not seem like the correct amount, you should check award letters Social Security has previously sent you, which indicates what you are owed. If the amount you receive is less than what you are owed you should contact Social Security immediately, either in-person, or by phone. You should bring any documentation Social Security previously sent you indicating the correct amount to get the issued resolved.
When Social Security Pays You Too Much
If you cash a check to which you are not entitled, a refund is ordinarily required. Often the program service center withholds later checks to make up for the overpayment. However, if this is not done you must refund the money. Contact any convenient Social Security office to find out if a refund is necessary. If so, make the refund to the Social Security office, or program service center that handled the claim. Refunds may be made by check, money order, or other draft payable to the Social Security Administration. Be sure to show your Social Security claim number so that it can be associated with the proper claims folder.
If you received a check from us and you are not entitled to the payment, you must return the check. Returning checks helps permit prompt payment when you become entitled and may save you from the possible penalties.
Return the check to the Regional Financial Center (RFC), U.S. Treasury Department, using the address on the check envelope. If you prefer, you may return the check to the Social Security office. That office will give you a receipt for the check and will return the check to the U.S. Treasury Department. When returning a check, give the reason why it is being returned.
