Regular monthly installment payments will prevent AWG if it has not started. Installment
payments will not stop AWG if it has begun.
Since AWG is an enforced collection that guarantees the recovery of some or all of
the debt, we want to prevent manipulation of the system by people who do not make
good faith offers to repay. AWG is also a complex process requiring communication
among the debtor, the employer and SSA. Therefore, to prevent repeated efforts to
stop and resume this complex process, we have decided that installment payments after
AWG has begun will not stop that collection method.
IMPORTANT: In any discussion with a person who wants to make installment payments in the hope
of stopping garnishment, advise the person that installment payments will not stop
garnishment if it has begun. SSA will still accept the payments but garnishment will
continue.
If AWG has not begun, stress to the person that regular monthly payments are required
to prevent SSA's use of garnishment. Any lapse in regular payments can result in SSA's
use of garnishment.
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Refer the request to the servicing FO via MDW (non-MSSICS cases) or Development Worksheet
(MSSICS cases).
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Advise the caller that someone from the FO will contact him/her about the request.
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Record the action taken on DMS Remarks.
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Attempt to negotiate a rate of repayment which would permit full recovery within 12
months.
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If that is not possible, try to establish a rate of repayment which will permit full
recovery within 60 months.
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If that is not possible, minimum payments of at least $10 per month are required unless
there are unusual circumstances (e.g., title XVI recipient).
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If you negotiate an agreement (person agrees to pay back $10 per month or more):
(1) Complete the Overpayment Decisions (UOPD) screen (MS 00304.008) to reflect the negotiated agreement.
(2) Tell the caller to send the payment(s) in the envelope that was provided with
the overpayment notice.
(3) If the caller does not have the envelope, give him/her the address for sending
in remittances: MATPC, P.O. Box 3430, Philadelphia, PA 19122. (4) Record the action
taken on DMS Remarks.
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Tell the person that an immediate payment, followed by regular monthly payments, could
result in the prevention of SSA's use of garnishment.
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If the person is present in the FO and makes a payment, process the remittance per
instructions in GN 02403.006.
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Tell the person that an immediate payment, followed by regular monthly payments, could
result in the prevention of SSA's use of garnishment.