Social Security Overpayment Relief Act

# Social Security Overpayment Relief Act – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would prevent the Social Security Administration (SSA) from collecting money back from people who received overpayments more than 10 years ago. Currently, if the SSA discovers it paid someone too much money—whether due to an administrative error—the agency can demand repayment or reduce future benefits to recover the funds. This bill would eliminate that requirement for any overpayments discovered 10 or more years after they occurred. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill primarily affects Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who may have unknowingly received overpayments years in the past.

It prevents the SSA from collecting these old debts through direct repayment demands or by withholding from future benefits. The 10-year threshold means only older overpayment cases would be protected under this rule. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It has not advanced further in the legislative process.