Social Security is withholding 50% of my check. What can I do?

Why SSA is taking half the check

For years, SSA's default for recovering Social Security overpayments was 10% of the monthly benefit. In March 2025 it announced a return to 100% withholding. A month later it changed course again: SSA's Emergency Message EM-25029 set the default for Title II overpayments at 50%, for overpayment notices sent from April 25, 2025.

"Title II" covers retirement, survivor and SSDI benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a different program, and its default withholding did not change: it stays at 10% of the monthly payment.

"Default" is the key word. 50% is what happens if you do nothing. You have the right to dispute the overpayment, ask SSA to waive it, or ask for a lower rate.

Does this apply to me?

• New Social Security or SSDI overpayment notice dated April 25, 2025 or later: the default is 50%.
• SSI overpayment: the default stays at 10%.
• An older overpayment you were already repaying at a lower rate: SSA's guidance says that if you later get a new overpayment, the default 50% can apply to all your outstanding overpayments once withholding for the new one begins, unless you have agreed a different rate.

Your notice states the rate and when withholding starts. If you are not sure which program the letter is about, our guide on how to read an overpayment letter shows where to look.

When withholding starts

SSA does not take money the day the letter arrives. The notice gives you time to repay, dispute or ask for a waiver first. SSA's overpayment page says that if you do not repay or respond within 30 days, it starts withholding at the default rate. Under EM-25029, the 50% withholding begins after roughly 90 days from the notice. Check your own letter for the exact month.

The 30-day window is the one to watch. SSA treats a notice as received 5 days after the date on it, so "30 days" usually means 35 days from the letter's date. Enter the date into the free deadline calculator to get yours.

Your four options

1. The overpayment is wrong: ask for reconsideration (SSA-561)

If SSA got the amount, the dates or the reason wrong, file Form SSA-561. Filed within 30 days of receiving the notice, it keeps SSA from collecting until it decides. The deadline to file at all is 60 days.

2. It was not your fault: ask for a waiver (SSA-632)

If the overpayment is real but the person did not cause it, and repaying would be a hardship or unfair, file Form SSA-632. Filed within 30 days, it also pauses collection until SSA decides. You can file a waiver later, too. See how to fill out SSA-632 and which form fits.

3. You owe it, but 50% is too much: ask for a lower rate (SSA-634)

Form SSA-634, Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate, asks SSA to withhold less each month. It is for people who cannot meet necessary living expenses at the current rate. You list household income, expenses and assets, and propose a monthly amount you can afford. For smaller requests, SSA can sometimes agree a rate by phone; ask at 1-800-772-1213 or your local office.

Be realistic. SSA prefers a rate that repays the debt in a reasonable time, and it may ask for proof of the expenses you list. A rent receipt, utility bills and pharmacy statements go a long way.

4. Repay it another way

If the household can afford it, you can repay in full, or agree a monthly payment by check or online instead of withholding. That keeps the full benefit coming each month. Make sure any agreement is in writing.

If withholding has already started

It is not too late. You can still ask for a waiver at any time, and you can still ask for a lower rate. If you are within 60 days of receiving the notice, you can still ask for reconsideration. If you missed the 60 days for a reason like a hospital stay or not getting the letter, you can ask SSA to accept a late request for good cause.

If 50% of the check means a parent cannot pay rent or buy medicine, say exactly that when you call or write, and bring the numbers. A clear one-page budget is often what moves a rate request forward.

Calling SSA: how to make it count

• Have the notice in front of you, and the date printed on it.
• Call 1-800-772-1213, or visit the local office. Early in the week and early in the day are usually busiest; mid-week afternoons can be quicker.
• Ask the agent to note on the record that you are disputing the overpayment or asking for a waiver, and ask that withholding be stopped while it is reviewed.
• Write down the date, the time, the agent's name or ID and what they said. Follow up in writing; a phone call alone is hard to prove later.