Ruth Podmanik, a 65-year-old widow from Sheffield Lake, Ohio, is facing a shocking demand from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The agency claims she owes nearly $70,000 in overpayments made to her late husband, Ed, who passed away from leukemia in 2012. During his illness, Ed briefly received Social Security benefits while he was out of work.
Ruth says he contacted the SSA multiple times to question why he was still receiving payments after returning to work. However, SSA representatives reassured him that he was eligible due to his health condition. Now, more than a decade later, the government wants the money back.
“I feel scared,” Ruth told News 5 Cleveland. “Am I going to have to sell my house?”
The Social Security Administration is under pressure from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to resolve financial inefficiencies, including erroneous benefit payments. From 2015 to 2022, the SSA made approximately $72 billion in overpayments, according to its Office of the Inspector General.
Podmanik’s case highlights a flaw in the system where the responsibility to fix SSA errors falls on the shoulders of grieving or aging individuals. Ruth says there was no prior indication she would be held accountable for any overpayment issues.
Social Security overpayment hardship
“Not once did they say anything to me about, ‘Hey, you know you still got an overpayment here?'” she told News 5. If you are in a similar situation, financial experts suggest several steps you can take:
1. Request an explanation from the SSA for detailed information on the overpayment.
2. Consider an appeal if you believe the decision is incorrect. 3.
Ask for a waiver if paying back the overpayment would cause financial hardship. 4. Set up a manageable repayment plan if a waiver is not granted.
It is recommended to consult with a financial advisor or attorney who specializes in Social Security issues to navigate these complex scenarios. For more information, you can visit the SSA’s official website or contact their offices directly.