Mom urges parents to check after Social Security child payments dropped $500 – it was second change in 8 days
A mother, Lindsey Rubly, recently shared her frustrations on Facebook, revealing that she was charged an overpayment on her child support and consequently lost $500 in benefits. She posted in a support group for parents of children with autism, seeking advice from others who might have faced similar challenges.
Fluctuating Social Security Payments
Rubly mentioned that she typically received monthly payments of $463 for her Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, at the start of 2024, she noticed her check increased to $497, but this boost came with complications. “Then they said I got overpaid with child support, and I didn’t, and I showed them that I didn’t get overpaid,” she wrote, expressing her confusion over the situation.
Significant Cash Reductions
Rubly further explained that her daughter’s Social Security payments were raised to $732, but shortly after, she was informed that her monthly child support check would drop to $260. She was bewildered by the rapid changes, noting that her current income was less than what she had previously earned. “They make both of these changes within eight days apart,” she wrote, highlighting that her child support payments had remained unchanged for four years.
Community Reactions
In response to Rubly’s post, other users shared their experiences. One commented, “Same thing happens to us. It’s a joke.” Another woman recounted her own struggle, revealing she received a Social Security letter stating she was overpaid by $30,000.
Seeking Solutions
Several users offered advice on how Rubly could address her situation. One suggested scheduling an appointment with her local Social Security office and bringing bank statements for income verification. This user noted that her son had received an overpayment notice on his SSI but clarified, “They are not allowed to take a full payment out; it has to be divided into monthly payments.”
Important Steps to Take
The commenter urged Rubly to make the appointment as soon as possible and to bring copies of important documents to leave with the SSA for their records. Another user speculated that the issue might stem from the SSA counting Rubly’s income, aside from child support payments.
Additionally, they recommended submitting a form to request a waiver of the overpayment, which could prompt the SSA to reconsider the situation. This process could potentially lead to an appeal of the decision, allowing Social Security to avoid collecting the disputed payment. However, in some instances, individuals may still be required to repay overages at varying rates.
Other Overpayment Stories
Rubly’s experience resonated with others who shared similar struggles. One woman mentioned receiving a letter from Social Security stating she was overpaid by $3,000, prompting her to seek legal advice. This overpayment dated back to May 2020, leading another user to suggest it might be linked to a stimulus check received during the pandemic.
A daughter also recounted her father’s ordeal, where he was charged $10,000 in overpayments due to Medicaid purchases. Meanwhile, one widow shared that she had received an overpayment notice for a staggering $80,000, asserting the mistake was on Social Security’s part.
