It happens to thousands of people every year. You receive your SSDI payment in the mail as usual, you open it, and it’s for the wrong amount. This can be extremely disheartening, as most people on SSDI rely on their payments to afford basic necessities. If your payment is too low, you worry about affording the things you need. Too high, and you’re scared to spend it in case the Social Security Administration wants it back. The best thing to do is to not panic. These errors occur all of the time and it is very simple to get them taken care of.
The Different SSDI Payment Errors
There are 4 main payment errors that you may experience when it comes to SSDI. These are:
- Underpayment: This is when the payment amount is less than the expected amount.
- Overpayment: This is when the payment amount is more than the expected amount. This may not seem like a problem for you, but it will be when the SSA discovers the error and wants the extra money back.
- Missed Payment: This is when the expected payment never arrives at all.
- Delayed Payment: This is when the payment is later than expected. This can make it difficult for the beneficiary to pay their bills and afford necessities while they wait for payment, especially if delays are happening consistently.
No matter which payment error you experience, it should not be ignored. You are entitled to the exact amount you were promised and in a timely manner.
Why Do SSDI Errors Happen?
There are two main reasons that errors occur. The first is a mistake being made in the calculation process of your SSDI benefits. If there is an error when your work history or earnings record is entered, then it will affect the amount of your SSDI payment. This could be due to incorrect info entered on the SSA side, or it could be due to you providing inaccurate information.
The second reason is simple: clerical errors. The Social Security Administration is a large organization and services hundreds of thousands of people every single month of the year. That’s a lot of moving parts. It’s not surprising that clerical errors happen with some regularity.
Confirming Your SSDI Payment Is Wrong
Before you contact the SSA to demand they fix your payment, it’s best to confirm that there has in fact been an error. You should start with reviewing your benefit award letter. This document will say exactly what amount your initial approval was for. If this amount is different than what you received, it is possible that an error has occurred. Next, you will need to check for SSA notices announcing any recent adjustments. You will also need to check for any normal adjustments, such as cost-of-living adjustments or medicare deductions. If you find that none of these things apply to your payment, then there has been an error.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Wrong
 Once you’re sure that there has been an error, you need to contact the Social Security Administration immediately. You can do this by phone, in person at your local SSA office, or through your SSA online account. Once you’ve made them aware of the issue, begin collecting documentation that supports your claim. Such documentation includes award letters, earnings records, bank statements, and prior correspondence with the SSA. As the error is addressed, make sure to keep a record of all communication you have with the SSA regarding the error in question.
How an Attorney Can Help
It is in your best interest to obtain the services of an SSDI attorney if the SSA refutes the existence of an error, if they are repeatedly issuing the wrong amount, or if your payments are repeatedly late. Your lawyer will be able to communicate with the SSA on your behalf, threaten (or take) legal action, and get you the exact amount you’re entitled to.