Social Security is under a spotlight because the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is checking its finances very carefully. They want to recover any money that was paid out by mistake. This has caused problems for many older people, like Ruth Podmanik from Sheffield Lake, Ohio.
Ruth, who is 65, lost her husband Ed to leukemia in 2012. Recently, she was approved to start receiving her late husband’s Social Security benefits. But now, Social Security says it paid Ed nearly $70,000 too much and wants Ruth to pay it back. This has left her scared and worried about her future.
How Social Security Mistakes Affect Seniors
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Social Security payments are over 99% accurate, and only a tiny part—about 0.3%—are incorrect. But even that small percentage means a lot of money. Between 2015 and 2022, Social Security made about $72 billion in overpayments, as reported by their Office of the Inspector General.
In Ruth’s case, her husband Ed received Social Security payments while he was sick and out of work for five months. But even after he went back to work, the payments kept coming. Ed called Social Security many times asking why, and they said it was because of his leukemia. Now, they want the money back from Ruth, which adds up to more than $69,000.
Ruth says she was never warned about this overpayment before. She’s tried to get answers but hasn’t had any luck. Unfortunately, many seniors feel the same way. Natasha Pietrocola, director of Senior and Adult Services in Cuyahoga County, says calls for help are increasing every year because people are confused and scared about these overpayments.
New Social Security Rules Make Things Harder
Social Security has a way to get its money back by reducing monthly payments to seniors. But this can be very hard on people who rely on those payments to live. Recently, the agency changed its rule and now can take back 100% of someone’s monthly benefits to recover overpayments. Before, it could only take back 10%.
This new rule could help Social Security recover $7 billion over 10 years, but it also means seniors might lose all of their monthly income until the money is paid back. After some pushback, Social Security changed this rule again to limit the clawback to 50% of benefits.
What To Do If Your Social Security Benefits Are Reduced
If you get a notice that your Social Security payments will be reduced because of an overpayment, it can be very stressful. Your first step should be to contact Social Security and ask questions if you don’t understand or disagree with the notice.
If you can’t get clear answers by phone, try visiting your local Social Security office to speak with someone in person. You can also appeal the decision if you think it is wrong. If needed, look for low-cost legal help to guide you.
Creating a “my Social Security” account online can help you keep track of your benefits and spot any problems early. If your payments suddenly get smaller or stop, contact the Social Security Administration right away.
Ruth’s Story Shows the Real Impact of Social Security Errors
Ruth Podmanik is still waiting for answers from Social Security about the $69,000 they say she owes. She feels this mistake was not hers or her late husband’s fault but the agency’s.
“There are days when I just sit and cry,” Ruth said. “It wasn’t my mistake. It wasn’t my husband’s mistake. It was their mistake.”
For those in Cuyahoga County facing similar problems, resources are available through the Division of Senior and Adult Services to help seniors deal with these tough situations.
