An overpayment notice from Social Security usually lists three ways to respond. SSA's own form page sums them up: if you believe you weren't overpaid, or the amount is wrong, file SSA-561. If you agree you were overpaid but you didn't cause it and can't afford to repay, file SSA-632. If you agree and are willing to repay, but not at the rate in the letter, file SSA-634.
Side by side
| SSA-561-U2 (appeal) | SSA-632-BK (waiver) | SSA-634 (lower rate) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| You say | “I wasn't overpaid” or “the amount is wrong” | “It wasn't my fault, and repaying is unaffordable or unfair” | “I'll repay, but I need to pay less each month” |
| Deadline | 60 days after you receive the notice (SSA assumes 5 days after its date) | None, but ask within 30 days so collection waits | None |
| Stops collection? | Yes, while SSA reconsiders | Yes, while SSA decides | No; it changes the monthly amount |
| If $2,000 or less | SSA treats it as a waiver request too | Don't use the form: call SSA | Not affected |
| Online? | Yes: SSA's Non-Medical Appeal, or upload the form | Upload through my Social Security | Upload through my Social Security |
| If SSA says no | Request a hearing within 60 days | Personal conference first; then a hearing (Social Security) or reconsideration (SSI) | Ask again with new facts |
SSA-561: when the overpayment itself is wrong
An appeal, called a reconsideration, asks SSA to look at the facts again: the amount, the months, or the reason (POMS SI 02220.017; GN 02201.025). The request must be in writing and say why you disagree, such as “I did not work in March” rather than just “I disagree”. You have 60 days after you receive the notice, and SSA assumes you received it 5 days after the date printed on it (20 CFR 404.909, 404.901). After that, SSA accepts a late appeal only if you show good cause.
You can file online through SSA's Non-Medical Appeal, upload the SSA-561-U2 through my Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213, or send the form to your local office. For SSI, the form also asks you to choose a case review or an informal conference.
SSA-632-BK: when you agree but it wasn't your fault
A waiver means SSA stops trying to collect the money, and it may refund what it already took (POMS GN 02250.001F). Two things must both be true: you were without fault, and collecting would either defeat the purpose of your benefits (you need your income for ordinary living expenses) or be against equity and good conscience, for example because you relied on the payments and are now worse off (20 CFR 404.506, 416.550). See how to fill out SSA-632-BK.
$2,000 or less? Just call
When the original overpayment is $2,000 or less and there was no fraud, SSA presumes you weren't at fault and waives it on request, by phone, without the form and without looking at your finances (POMS GN 02250.350).
Got an SSA overpayment letter? Check which form fits.Start the free overpayment check
SSA-634: when you just need a smaller monthly amount
If you agree you owe the money and don't qualify for a waiver, but the withholding in your letter leaves you short, ask for a lower rate. Since April 25, 2025, the default for Social Security is 50% of your monthly benefit; for SSI it is 10% of your total monthly income. SSA tries to agree a rate that repays the debt within 12 months, then within 60, and the minimum is $10 a month. Within 60 months it usually agrees by phone without the form (POMS GN 02210.030). See how to lower overpayment withholding.
Filing two at once
- Appeal and waiver together. Common when you think the amount is wrong and you weren't at fault. SSA decides the appeal first, then the waiver for anything left (POMS GN 02250.002B.1).
- Waiver now, SSA-634 as a backup. If SSA denies the waiver, collection starts again at the rate in your notice. Having the SSA-634 ready lets you ask for a smaller amount right away.
Not sure which applies? You can ask SSA to explain how it figured the overpayment. And free help is available from legal aid (LawHelp.org) and from Social Security itself at 1-800-772-1213. This guide is general information, not legal advice.