SSA Head Orders Review of Benefit Overpayment Notices After Millions Sent in Error

Social Security Administration head Kilolo Kijakazi has ordered a review of the agency's handling of benefit overpayments after it was revealed they have been sending about 1 million overpayment notices per year.

Many overpayments are due to agency errors, with beneficiaries often not notified for years. This leaves them owing large sums they cannot repay.

Lawmakers criticized the confusing notices and complicated waiver forms, saying they punish beneficiaries for government failures.

Kijakazi said the agency is appointing a team to examine causes of overpayments, improve notices, and streamline the process.

Republicans argued the SSA has been slow to automate and needs more funding, while Democrats accused them of trying to underfund the agency.