Social Security Letter

[TS12000]

So here's the story

My father died when I was a kid and I (by proxy through my uncle) received SS survivors benefits until I was 18 (March 2007). I get a letter yesterday from Social Security which I thought was weird as I had no dealings with them for the last 3 1/2 years. Open it up, and what does it say? You owe us $1500 because we overpaid you FIVE years ago, you have 30 days to pay.

I never saw this money in cash, it was used to provide me with everything a kid needs like food, health insurance, and what was left over after I turned 18 went to college costs. I also have to add that the reason they want it back is because I made more than they allow because I held a full time job throughout high school to support my family.

I have no problem paying it back but I just don't have it all ready to send off in an envelope. So does anyone know how they work? If I don't pay in the 30 days will they just start grabbing my check from work like somebody that doesn't pay child support or what?

[StagLefty]

First thing to do is call them and make sure it's not a computer screw up. If you do owe them I'm hoping they allow you to make arrangements for a payment plan. Typical of SS business from what I hear as I'm getting ready to go on it next year.

[TS12000]

Yeah, it's one thing to catch it, but five years later? Talk about bureaucracy at work jeez.

[Irving]

They will likely be able to work out payments with you.

[Hoosier]

Seconding the notion of calling them. I'd explain the sob story see if they can help you out with it. It isn't right to give someone money free and clear and then demand it back five years later. Jacked! Sorry to hear it.

H.

[gnihcraes]

wife had the same issue, don't pay, if it was benefit to you as a minor (under 18) then there is nothing they can do, accept harass you over it. Take any and all documentation you can provide on this benefit to them in a meeting, explain to them who, what where and when it all took place and if needed, they can go after your uncle who was the proxy... it could be just a screw up, but it's up to you to prove as usual with the government.

Social Security tried to get my wife for 10's of thousands in benefit over many years to her and her sister through their adopted father who was on disability. He worked during the same time he was getting disability and 15 years later they want to collect from the kids? wtf. She never saw the money, it was used by her parents for food and shelter. Go back after him.... which they eventually did. (he knows and hides from them to this day) We just keep giving them his new location and name every few years when they ask for the money back. The kids had nothing to do with this...

hope it helps. It's not much to fight over, but it's the principle of it. Shouldn't be much cost in a lawyer to help fight it if you feel it's unjust.

[Tim K]

I'd also confirm it's not a scam on the off chance it is. I heard of something similar recently, though I can't recall where. Maybe you could confirm that the mailing address is correct.

[TS12000]

I have no problem paying it, their rules say if you make X or more then we take back Y (one dollar for every two dollars you make over the limit) that's fine. It just pisses me off it took them five years to figure it out. One, if they would've had their shit together I could've just ripped up the checks or sent the money back. And of course they want to be paid within 30 days. Maybe I'll just send them a check post-dated five years.

[sniper7]

after 5 years...screw them.
I would call them and tell them they made a mistake and you don't have any money to pay, tell them obama promised you some money from his personal stash and to give him a call

[bryjcom]

I would put up a fit and refuse to pay. If they get nasty then I would refer them to my lawyer. they screwed up, not you.