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You can request a waiver using Form SSA-632-BK. To get an overpayment waived, you must show you were without fault in causing it, and that repaying would either defeat the purpose of the benefit or be against equity and good conscience. Use Form SSA-634 instead if you just want a lower monthly repayment amount.
What happened
A notice says SSA paid too much. It wants the money back. Paying it all right now does not seem possible. SSA has a process for exactly this situation. This is separate from disputing whether the overpayment happened at all.
What usually applies
SSA will not collect if two things are true. You were not at fault. And paying it back would be unfair or would hurt you badly. Use Form SSA-632-BK to ask for a waiver. Use a different form, Form SSA-634, to ask for a lower monthly payment instead. You can also appeal if you think the amount itself is wrong. You can ask for a waiver and an appeal at the same time.
“there shall be no adjustment or recovery in any case where an overpayment under title II has been made to an individual who is without fault if adjustment or recovery would either defeat the purpose of title II of the Act, or be against equity and good conscience.”
“Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery”
“The purpose of the SSA-634 is to gather information to assist technicians with determining if they can approve a change in an individual’s repayment rate if the individual cannot pay their entire debt within 60 months.”
“An individual may request a reconsideration of the overpayment and a waiver at the same time.”
What to do
- 1
Decide whether you dispute the overpayment amount, need a waiver, or both
If you are not sure, you can appeal and ask for a waiver at the same time, so you do not have to choose incorrectly.
- 2
Complete Form SSA-632-BK to request a waiver
This form asks two things. Were you at fault for the overpayment? Can you afford to repay it?
- 3
Complete Form SSA-634 for a lower monthly payment
This is a different form than the waiver form. Use it to ask for a smaller monthly amount, based on what you can really afford, even without a full waiver.
- 4
Gather documents showing your income and expenses
Both a waiver and a lower payment plan depend on your real finances. Current proof matters here.
SSA overpayment cases are common. Many legal aid groups have staff just for this. Ask about your state's legal aid office. Or ask your local 211 line. This helps if the forms or process feel too much.
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Sources
- Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute, verbatim 20 CFR 404.506 textRetrieved 2026-07-08
- Social Security Administration, POMS GN 02250.002 (secure.ssa.gov)Retrieved 2026-07-10
- Social Security Administration, POMS GN 02210.030 (secure.ssa.gov)Retrieved 2026-07-10
Last reviewed 2026-07-10