For millions of Americans, Social Security isn’t just a benefit — it’s the money they rely on to survive. It helps seniors pay for food, housing, and medical needs. In 2023, Social Security helped lift around 22 million people out of poverty, including more than 16 million seniors aged 65 or older.
But starting July 24, 2025, a major change is coming. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will begin garnishing Social Security payments from over 1 million people. This means monthly checks will be reduced in order to recover overpayments — money that was mistakenly paid in the past.
What’s Changing in Social Security?
The SSA is now working to collect about $23 billion in overpayments. These overpayments may have been caused by:
- Mistakes made by SSA during processing
- Beneficiaries not reporting changes to their income, living arrangements, or employment
- System delays or miscommunication inside SSA
To recover this money, the SSA will begin garnishing Social Security checks starting July 24, 2025. This could take a big portion out of monthly payments for many.
Who Will Be Affected?
According to SSA data, nearly 2 million people owe overpayments, and over 1 million are at risk of garnishment. This includes:
- Retired Social Security recipients
- People getting disability benefits (SSDI or SSI)
- Surviving spouses or family members who receive Social Security benefits
If you’re part of this group and haven’t paid back what the SSA says you owe, you could lose up to 50% of your monthly check.
What Can You Do to Avoid or Reduce Garnishment?
If you act before July 24, 2025, you may be able to stop or lower the garnishment. Here are your main options:
1. Request a Waiver
If paying back the money would cause serious financial hardship, or if the overpayment wasn’t your fault, you can ask the SSA to cancel the repayment through a waiver.
2. Appeal the Overpayment
If you believe the SSA made a mistake and you don’t actually owe the money, you can appeal the decision and ask for a full review.
3. Set Up a Repayment Plan
If the default deduction would leave you struggling, you can ask the SSA to create a repayment plan with smaller monthly payments based on your income and living expenses.
Key Dates and Steps to Take
It’s important to prepare as soon as possible. Here’s what you need to know:
- Now: Review any letters or notices you’ve received from SSA about overpayments
- By July 24, 2025: Take action if you’ve received an overpayment notice — either appeal, request a waiver, or set up a payment plan
- Ongoing: Be ready to submit proof of income, expenses, and any documents supporting your claim or waiver request
Documents You May Need:
- Proof of income (like pay stubs or Social Security award letters)
- Proof of rent, medical bills, or other essential expenses
- SSA letters or notices that mention the overpayment
- Any records that support your waiver or appeal request
Why This Matters
This garnishment policy was first introduced under the Trump administration and is now being put back in place in 2025. The SSA says it’s necessary to protect taxpayer money and reduce the program’s deficit.
However, many experts and advocates argue it could harm the people who rely on Social Security the most — especially seniors, people with disabilities, and those living on fixed incomes. For many of these individuals, losing even a small portion of their monthly check could mean not being able to afford rent, food, or medications.
For low-income seniors, losing up to half of their Social Security check could lead to severe financial trouble.
FAQs
Q1: What is changing with Social Security in 2025?
Starting July 24, the SSA will begin taking money from Social Security checks to recover $23 billion in overpayments.
Q2: Who will be affected?
Retirees, people with disabilities, and surviving family members who received too much in benefits may have their checks reduced.
Q3: How much money could be taken from my check?
Up to 50% of your monthly benefit could be garnished if you haven’t made arrangements with SSA.
Q4: What are my options to stop garnishment?
You can request a waiver, appeal the overpayment, or set up a repayment plan to reduce the amount taken from your check.
Q5: How can I prepare?
Check any past letters from SSA, gather financial documents, and contact the agency before July 24, 2025, to take action.
