Q: Mom died. Didn't know I was supposed to report her death to the SSA. Kept receiving her monthly moneys from debit card.
How much trouble am I in? It's been 17 months so I would have to return about $17,000. . Can I remedy this by returning the money ? I don't know what to do.
A:
It’s important to address this situation promptly to avoid further complications. The first step is to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to report your mother's death and explain the situation. Be honest about the oversight and your willingness to return the funds.
The SSA will guide you on how to return the money received after your mother's passing. They may also arrange a repayment plan if returning the full amount immediately is not feasible. Cooperation with the SSA can help mitigate potential penalties and resolve the issue more smoothly.
Taking swift action shows your intent to correct the mistake and comply with regulations. Keep records of all communications and transactions related to this matter for your reference.
Terrence H Thorgaard agrees with this answer
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