TN 19 (12-08)

GN 02408.950 Master Beneficiary Record (MBR) Reflects an Entitled Survivor on the Deceased International Direct Deposit (IDD) Beneficiary's Record

When the MBR reflects an entitled survivor on the deceased IDD beneficiary's account, the Office of Earnings and International Operations (OEIO) prepares a letter requesting a refund of the incorrect payment. The language is patterned after the following. Always include the claim number.

"We're writing to give you new information about the Social Security benefits on the record.

“We paid ($ amount) too much in benefits. This overpayment happened because we deposited (name of deceased, possessive) benefits for (date) through (date) into a bank account in (country). These payments were incorrect because we can not pay benefits to (name of deceased) for the month of death, (month and year of death), or later.

“You should refund this overpayment within 30 days. Please make your check or money order payable to Social Security Administration, and send it to us in the enclosed envelope. On the check or money order, always include the claim number.

“If we do not receive your refund within 30 days, we plan to recover the overpayment by withholding your full benefit each month, beginning with the payment you would normally receive on or about (date). We will continue to withhold your benefits until the overpayment has been fully recovered.”

(Follow the above information with standard appeal language.)