Martin O’Malley, the newly appointed commissioner for the Social Security Administration (SSA), assured Congressional members that the agency is planning to change its approach to excess benefits payments. As reported by CBS show 60 Minutes in November 2023, the SSA has traditionally recouped overpayments by intercepting 100% of the recipients’ benefits checks. O’Malley, who assumed leadership in December, promised that the agency itself will now shoulder the task of proving recipient fault, overturning the previous practice of placing this burden on the recipient. In addition, the agency will restrict benefits interception to just 10% of the full benefits amount, and the maximum benefits repayment period will be extended to 60 months from the current 36 months. These changes will take effect on this coming Monday. O Malley highlighted that the extreme cases of overpayments presented in the 60 Minutes made the agency move swiftly to rectify the situation.

O’Malley recognized Congress’s role in supporting the SSA by providing more funding to combat the myriad of service issues. A lack of funding, outdated technology, and high attrition rates amongst its workforce are some reasons mentioned for poor service levels. O’Malley pointed out that their service and notices had to be improved. The agency also needs to increase staffing levels and modernize its technology.

When queried on the Social Security benefits trust funds’ solvency issues, O’Malley referred to the 2007-2009 Great Recession’s impact and decisions made during the program’s overhaul in 1982 as the main culprits. The effects of these factors were exacerbated by Congressional measures that capped the amount of earnings subjected to Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes.

The Social Security and Medicare trust funds’ trustees report, which is eagerly anticipated every spring, will be delayed this year due to census data delays.

For those dealing with disability issues, knowing how to contact the Social Security Disability Insurance (SDI) is essential. Fortunately, there are online resources available like eddcaller.com that can guide on how to contact SDI directly. Being able to communicate with the right department can make all the difference in dealing with such matters.