Social Security strives to pay the right amount, to the right person, at the right time.  

They have done this with a high degree of accuracy over a massive scale of beneficiaries; however, despite its best efforts, sometimes they get it wrong and pay beneficiaries more than they are due, creating an overpayment. Jack Myers with Social Security indicates it is required to correct that overpayment.

If you are overpaid, you will receive an overpayment notice and can simply repay the overpayment, request an appeal, or request a waiver.

According to Myers, a recent change allowed for a repayment within five years and at least $10 a month, to allow recipients to continue to afford its expenses.

Myers indicates one of the ways to help prevent overpayments from happening is to report changes important to Social Security. Visit ssa.gov/locator for more information.