Request a lower Social Security overpayment recovery rate

Use this route only to change the monthly collection amount

Form SSA-634 does not dispute whether the overpayment exists and does not ask SSA to forgive it. Do not send a Social Security number, account statements, or a copy of the notice to WhatDoIFile.

1. Confirm that a lower recovery rate is the correct request

Use this procedure when you agree that an overpayment must be repaid but the current monthly withholding or payment prevents you from meeting necessary living expenses. Appeal if the overpayment or amount is wrong. Request a waiver if you were not at fault and believe collection should be excused because it would cause hardship or be unfair.

2. Read the overpayment notice before completing the form

Record the notice date, amount owed, proposed collection amount, benefit type, and any deadline or submission instruction. SSA's current public page says that, when an overpayment is not repaid within 30 days, it automatically withholds 50% of a Social Security benefit or 10% of an SSI payment each month. The notice controls the amount and timing for the individual case.

3. Use the current Form SSA-634

The current English form is SSA-634, Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate, edition 12-2023. SSA's form states that prior editions are discontinued. It asks for the amount owed, the monthly amount you can afford, and a financial statement covering assets, household income, and necessary expenses.

4. Gather recent supporting documents

SSA asks for supporting documents no older than three months from the date of the request. Examples on the form include current rent or mortgage information, recent utility, medical, credit-card, and insurance bills, bank statements, pay stubs, canceled checks, and the most recent income tax return. Provide only records requested through an official SSA channel.

5. Submit through an official SSA channel

Sign in through SSA's repayment page, follow the prompts to complete Form SSA-634, and upload the completed request.
Send or bring the paper form to the local Social Security office, as directed on the form.
If you no longer receive benefits and need a payment plan, call SSA using the number on the official repayment page or the notice.

SSA says it will mail a notice with its decision. Keep a copy of the form, attachments, upload or delivery confirmation, and the decision notice.

6. Review what the decision does and does not decide

An approved lower rate changes the amount collected each month; it does not erase the overpayment. If SSA denies the request or sets an amount you cannot manage, read the decision for the next available action and contact SSA promptly. Seek qualified legal help when collection could substantially affect housing, food, medical care, or other essential needs.