I turned 66 feb 3, 2020. I am drawing half of my husbands social security. My question is 1994 I was drawing s.s.disability from back surgery and injury. I later was able to work some part time. I went to get work release each time. I went back to work full time 6 yrs ago. When I went in feb. to start drawing they said they over paid me in disability,ty benefits $21,000.00 so I had to pay back over half of my monthly check and repay. I will only get $300 each month for 3 yrs until -aid. Instead of $1028 a month. Why are they making me pay this much back each month leaving me with a small amount?

Hi,

If you receive Social Security benefits to which you're not entitled, it's referred to as an overpayment of benefits. If overpayments aren't repaid, Social Security can collect the overpayment by withholding any future Social Security benefits to which the overpaid person becomes entitled.

Normally, Social Security would withhold the overpaid person's entire benefit payment until the overpayment is recovered, but they are allowed to accept a lower withholding rate as long as the amount withheld results in full recovery of the overpayment within 3 years. The only way they'd withhold less is if you can show that you'd be unable to pay for your necessary living expenses unless a lower amount is withheld monthly. If you think you'd qualify for a lower withholding rate, you'll need to contact Social Security a submit proof of your income and expenses.

Best, Jerry