Social Security clawbacks: 100% benefit withholding imposed, cut to 50% after backlash
Enacted5/10
Federal · SSA policy change · Apr 25, 2025
Impact 5/10
In March 2025 SSA announced it would withhold 100 percent of monthly benefits to recover overpayments, many caused by SSA's own errors, reversing the 10 percent cap adopted in 2024. After public backlash, SSA set the default withholding rate at 50 percent for retirement and disability overpayments assessed on or after April 25, 2025 (Emergency Message EM-25029). The 50 percent default rate remains in effect as of 2026; SSI overpayments remain subject to a 10 percent default rate.
Safety net & benefitsEnvironment & energySeniors (65+)Low-incomeDisabledImmigrants
Sources
✓ Verified against primary sources 2026-08-16