Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and Maggie Hassan have called on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to take action in reducing overpayments and protecting vulnerable Social Security recipients. In a letter addressed to Acting Commissioner Kijakazi, the senators stressed the importance of developing a plan to mitigate the impact of overpayment collections on beneficiaries and implementing better quality controls to prevent future improper payments.

The senators expressed their concern over the extreme financial hardship faced by beneficiaries who are asked to quickly repay overpayments or have their payments halted, reduced, or reclaimed. They cited stories from their constituents and recent reports highlighting the harm caused by these actions, many of which were a result of agency error.

With over $20 billion in outstanding overpayments, the senators emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue. They acknowledged that improper payments, including both over- and underpayments, stem from various factors that require immediate attention. The Fiscal Year 2022 financial statement audit revealed that the Supplemental Security Insurance program (SSI) requires internal control improvements to minimize the risk of improper payments and enhance the program's financial integrity. Additionally, low staffing levels and high staff turnover contribute to the problem.

While the senators acknowledged that improvements will take time, resources, and committed leadership, they urged the SSA to prioritize efforts to rectify long-standing system deficits and fortify the program for the future.

In their letter, Cassidy and Hassan requested that the SSA limit harm to vulnerable beneficiaries during the recovery of overpayments and work collaboratively with them to develop reasonable repayment plans. They commended the agency's recent announcement of launching a renewed effort to prevent overpayments and the creation of a team to review overpayment policies and procedures. However, they stressed that more work needs to be done to overcome the challenges associated with overpayments.

The senators concluded their letter by requesting timely answers to their inquiries and expressing their commitment to partnering with the SSA to reduce overpayments and mitigate their harmful impact on beneficiaries.

The call from Senators Cassidy and Hassan highlights the need for the Social Security Administration to address the issue of overpayments and protect vulnerable recipients. With billions of dollars in outstanding overpayments, it is crucial that the agency takes immediate action to develop a comprehensive plan and implement better quality controls. The impact of overpayment collections on beneficiaries, many of whom are already facing financial hardship, cannot be underestimated. By prioritizing efforts to rectify system deficits and work collaboratively with beneficiaries, the SSA can ensure a more secure and reliable Social Security program for the future.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-hassan-urge-social-security-administration-to-stop-overpayments-protect-vulnerable-social-security-recipients/