Yes, you can. In my opinion, You do NOT need a paid representative, whether that is an attorney or a non attorney paid representative. If you get two denials and need to appear for a hearing with a Judge- then you should consult with a paid SSDI representative. All consults should be free, by law, and they do not get paid AT ALL unless you win. If your daughter cannot communicate in writing or on the phone, you can have her sign you as her representative payee, which means her check goes to you to handle her finances — this does Not make you her attorney for the claim, but I believe it allows you to speak to SSA on her behalf, fill out claim application etc. Call SSA and ask them, while she is sitting next to you because they Will ask her permission for you to talk to them. If she mumbles or is hard to understand they will be more willing to work with you- letting you give her social security number, date of birth, etc when you call. Good luck!

Bethe, Is your full retirement age 65? I believe SSDI automatically becomes retirement at your full retirement age. I thought Dr Ed has stated that once your SSDI becomes retirement, you CAN work, without worrying about losing your benefits, so how did you owe back years of SSDI if you did not work again until 65? Any way, as to your question: Log on to your mySSA account and check your earnings for those months. Then call the 800 number or your local field office and request a recalculation. Good luck!

Yes, can relate, and you can appeal, as well as ask for a waiver, or a lower repayment, but they are each very different. And as Michael states above, try to contact SSA to go over the notice so you understand and can respond based on an INFORMED decision. My husband was sent 2 separate overpayment letters, as well as 1 “we recalculated your benefit to a lower amount” letter, even though both his DWB and SSDI benefit amount and retroactive pay were supposedly miscalculated, although I do not believe this is factual. They have made hundreds —no exaggeration— of mistakes on his claim alone that I have no reason to believe that this is not just another error. We have many times have asked for an explanation and rationale for the overpayment decision AND requested the proper response forms so we could answer within the deadline. No response, other than telling us that the field office has been emailed the requests made by the 1800 agent when we called. Their own policy mandates that they send the right forms and envelopes with the letter, so check and keep trying. Our situation is still unresolved, as we refused to fill out the form that would have accepted fault or responsibility for the overpayment. Keep us posted Scott, and please watch Ed’s lesson on overpayments here in Skool, and PLEASE search the discussions here for “overpayment” to see other posts and answers. Good luck! Beth

Can’t wait to see Dr Ed’s response, or anyone else’s. Great question Ken. Been in a similar position. I believe you have a right to review your file according to comments by Ed on a different post. Did anyone reply DM to this? Beth

Ken, I believe the charge for a copy of your entire file, not just medical documents should not apply, or be waived, if the information is needed for a claim. Same thing for copy of itemized earnings record, fee is not charged if the request or need is part of an ongoing claim.

https://www.skool.com/benefits/start-here?p=a229b49d check out Ed’s post here to a similar situation

The program measures households counting you as sharing everything