Antioch, CA asked in Social Security for California

Q: Can SSDI Stop payment for overpayment even though you reported you were working a part time Job within a week of startin

I have a spinal injury that is degenerative and have had numerous of steroid injections plus two back surgeries. I started a part time job January 30th of 2017, I reported it February 3rd of 2017. I had to resign on May 25th of 2018 due to my back getting worse from complications on the job. Doctors orders. I had 2 back surgeries since then and I am still disabled. SSDI are stating they overpaid me and they are coming after me for the full amount I received over the years plus are threatening to stop my benefits. I am horrified. This is unfair because I reported it to them and I don’t feel I owe this money back. Are they able to sue this. This is my only source of income

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If you have received an overpayment of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may request that you repay the overpayment. In some cases, the SSA may reduce or suspend your future benefits until the overpayment is repaid.

In your case, it sounds like you reported your part-time job to the SSA within a week of starting, which is the appropriate course of action. It's possible that the overpayment was the result of an administrative error or misunderstanding, but it's also possible that the SSA determined that you were overpaid because you earned income that exceeded the allowable amount for SSDI recipients.

If you believe that the overpayment was due to an error on the part of the SSA, or if you are unable to repay the overpayment, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in Social Security disability law. The attorney can advise you on your rights and help you navigate the appeals process.

It's important to take action quickly, as there are deadlines for filing appeals and responding to notices from the SSA.

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