Privacy reminder
Do not enter a Social Security number, payment history, bank information, or a copy of the notice on WhatDoIFile. Submit records only through an official SSA channel.
Notice and deadline
- Complete overpayment notice saved.
- Notice date and actual receipt date recorded.
- Overpayment period, amount, reason, and proposed collection identified.
- Reconsideration confirmed as the review level stated in the notice.
- General 60-day period checked against the exact notice instructions.
- Request prepared for immediate filing if the deadline is close.
Reason for disagreement
- Dispute identified: no overpayment, wrong amount, wrong months, or incorrect facts.
- Specific explanation drafted instead of only “I disagree.”
- Each disputed month matched to the supporting fact or record.
- Waiver or lower-payment request separated from the appeal issue.
Supporting records
- SSA letters, receipts, or prior reports related to the disputed change collected.
- Relevant pay, pension, benefit, bank, residence, or other records gathered only when they support the stated reason.
- Documents labeled or ordered so SSA can connect them to the disputed months.
- Originals retained unless SSA specifically requires otherwise.
Form and filing channel
- Current SSA-561 edition confirmed: 08-2025.
- Online non-medical reconsideration checked first when appropriate.
- Signed-in upload or local-office route selected if the direct online request is unavailable.
- Late-filing explanation added in writing when needed.
Proof and follow-up
- Complete copy of the request and attachments saved.
- Online confirmation, upload receipt, fax record, mailing proof, or office receipt saved.
- Status checked through the official SSA account or agency contact channel.
- Written reconsideration determination read for the result, hearing rights, next deadline, and collection information.
Official sources
- SSA — request reconsideration
- SSA — Form SSA-561, edition 08-2025 (PDF)
- SSA — overpayment response options
- SSA POMS — overpayment reconsideration policy