HOUSTON — An 89-year-old Houston woman called KHOU 11 after she got a surprise bill from the Social Security Administration. The letter asked her to repay $65,000 they had already paid her.
Winnie Marshall thought she had a handle on her bills. She retired just five years ago and lives on a fixed income.
“I was ready to scream. This first thing I couldn't figure out what they wanted $65,000 from me for?" Marshall said. "I just like there's no way I can pay $65,000."
According to the government, that’s what she owed. In the letter, they admit it’s their mistake for overpayments.
“In reality, it doesn’t seem like it matters whose fault it is. We want your money back, even though it was our fault, the fact that you got it," Marshall's son said.
Marshal retired with the Teacher’s Retirement System in Texas. After she stopped working, she went into the local Social Security office to ask if she could still receive her late husband’s checks. Her daughter went too.
“We made a comment, we didn’t think she would get anything and he says 'Well, we can keep it if you want me to,' and of course, she says, 'Oh no!'” Linda Stone, Marshall's daughter, said.
After that meeting, her social security payments were reduced from $1,200 to $900 – and they kept coming. Until she was notified last year about the overpayment.
Since then, she’s filed an appeal and said the process has been confusing.
“Every letter seems to be different, different information we don't know really. We didn't know which one to go by," said Marshall. “I'd say get your act together. You're affecting people's lives and it’s just it's not right.”
When KHOU 11 reached out to the Social Security Administration they would only tell us they were working with Marshal to find a solution. Since then, she’s received a letter saying they are expediting her case.
Received Social Security overpayment?
In October, the acting commissioner for the Social Security Administration announced a review of their overpayment procedures and policies. If you or a loved one have received an overpayment, you can learn more about the appeal process by clicking here.
If you have a problem and need help, email GraceCanHelp@khou.com, call (713) 521-HELP or fill out the form below.