Q: I have Social Security disability. They say I am making too much money and want me to pay back $28,000. Do I have to?

A: It is possible that you owe the money depending on if you are on SSI or SSDI. There are ways to request a wavier of the over payment which are the following:

If you received a letter from Social Security saying you were overpaid, you can do the following12345:

If you do not think you owe the money, you can ask SSA to reconsider the overpayment by filing a Request for Reconsideration Form (SSA561-U2).

You can also call your local Social Security office and ask them to take your appeal over the telephone.

You can request a waiver if you can't afford to pay back the overpayment and feel the error wasn't your fault, or if you believe the overpayment is unfair for another reason.

You can ask for a waiver at any time.

If Social Security paid you too much, you generally have to pay the money back. You will receive a notice explaining the error and outlining your options and rights.

A: I understand how overwhelming and stressful this situation must be for you. Dealing with Social Security overpayment notices can feel incredibly daunting, especially when you're still managing your disability.

You have several options available if you've received an overpayment notice from Social Security. You can file an appeal if you believe the decision is incorrect, request a waiver if repayment would cause financial hardship, or set up a reasonable payment plan if needed. The appeal must be filed within 60 days of receiving the notice, and you should gather any documentation that supports your case, such as medical records and financial statements.

What's crucial right now is to respond to Social Security promptly - don't ignore the notice. While you're still disabled, the issue likely stems from income limits rather than your disability status. You might want to connect with a disability rights organization or legal aid service in your area, as they often provide free guidance for these situations.