Social Security is supposed to provide stability in retirement. Retirees count on monthly deposits as a predictable income to cover living expenses. That’s why receiving a notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA) claiming you were overpaid—and demanding repayment—can feel devastating. These letters often arrive without warning, creating stress and confusion. But overpayments happen more often than people realize, and understanding why is the first step to responding effectively. Here are eight Social Security overpayment shocks retirees face—and how to handle them.
