Social Security Can Withhold 50% of a Check for an Overpayment — Here’s How to Ask for Less

Social Security can withhold up to 50% of certain benefits to recover an overpayment, but beneficiaries can request a lower recovery rate when the proposed deduction creates financial hardship. – Shutterstock

Social Security can take up to 50% of a monthly retirement, survivor, or disability benefit to recover an overpayment. That can turn a $2,000 monthly benefit into a $1,000 payment until the debt gets repaid.

The 50% figure sounds final. It is not necessarily the only repayment arrangement available. If that withholding would make it difficult to cover ordinary expenses, Social Security allows beneficiaries to request a smaller amount each month. The request requires more than simply saying the deduction feels too high, though.