Appeal a Social Security overpayment decision

Use this route only to dispute the decision

Request reconsideration when you believe you were not overpaid or the amount is incorrect. A waiver asks SSA not to collect a valid overpayment, while a lower-rate request changes the monthly collection amount. Do not send a Social Security number, notice, or personal records to WhatDoIFile.

1. Confirm that reconsideration is the next step

Read the complete overpayment notice. It should identify the decision, the reason and period for the overpayment, the amount, the review right, and the filing instructions. This procedure concerns a non-medical overpayment determination. A medical disability denial, disability cessation, hearing decision, or other later-level notice may use a different appeal route.

2. File within the period shown on the notice

SSA's current reconsideration page says to submit a disability or non-medical reconsideration request within 60 days after receiving the decision. Overpayment instructions also describe a 60-day appeal period. Do not delay while gathering every possible record. Submit the request promptly and follow the exact date and delivery rule printed on the notice.

If the request may be late, submit it as soon as possible and explain the reason for the delay in writing. SSA policy allows a good-cause determination, but an extension is not automatic.

3. Use the current request route

Start SSA's online non-medical reconsideration when the service accepts the issue.
Sign in to upload a completed Form SSA-561, Request for Reconsideration.
Send the completed form or a written request to the local Social Security office identified through SSA's official locator or the notice.

The current public English form is SSA-561, edition 08-2025, and states that prior editions are discontinued. SSA's public forms directory currently lists the PDF in English. Spanish-language help is available through SSA by telephone and office channels.

4. State the disagreement specifically

Identify whether you dispute that an overpayment occurred, the amount, the months involved, or the facts SSA used. SSA's operating instructions tell staff to document a specific reason, such as a disputed work period or pension, rather than only a general statement that the decision is wrong.

5. Attach records that directly support the issue

Use the notice to identify what produced the overpayment. Relevant records may include pay information, benefit or pension records, proof of a reported change, receipts or correspondence from SSA, bank records showing payments received, or other documents tied to the disputed months. Submit personal records only through an official SSA channel and keep a complete copy.

6. Keep proof and review the written determination

Save the online confirmation, upload receipt, fax confirmation, certified-mail record, or office receipt. A different SSA employee reviews the reconsideration. SSA then issues a written determination. If the decision is not fully favorable, read the new notice for hearing rights, the next deadline, and whether collection will begin or resume.