Social Security Overpayment Relief Act

# Social Security Overpayment Relief Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Social Security Overpayment Relief Act would prevent the Social Security Administration (SSA) from trying to recover money it mistakenly overpaid to recipients if the error is discovered 10 or more years after it occurred. Currently, the SSA can pursue repayment of overpayments indefinitely, even decades later. If passed, this bill would stop the agency from collecting these old overpayments either by taking money directly from recipients or by reducing their future benefit payments. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who have received overpayments due to administrative errors.

It also affects the Social Security Administration's collection practices. The bill essentially protects vulnerable populations—many of whom are elderly or disabled—from unexpected debt collection for mistakes made by the government years in the past. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.