Effective Dates: 09/05/2024 - Present Previous | Next

TN 13 (09-24)

SI 00815.460 Return of Erroneous Payments

A. Policy for return of erroneous payments

A payment is not income when the individual is aware that they are not due the money and returns the check uncashed or otherwise refunds all of the erroneously received money.

B. Procedure

1. Timely return

If the individual returns or refunds an erroneous payment in the same or following month of receipt, accept the allegation that the money was returned and do not charge the erroneous payment as income.

2. Delayed return

If there is a delay in the return of an erroneous payment beyond the month following the month of receipt:

  • •

    Verify return of the payment;

  • •

    Document the reason for the delay (e.g., lengthy hospital stay) and any other relevant facts; and

  • •

    Record your determination in the file.

C. Example

In August, Bob Brown reports the receipt of their regular January Veterans Affairs (VA) pension check of $290. However, during the latter part of January, Bob received another $290 VA check along with a letter explaining that their January check had been delayed due to a computer error. Bob explains their knowledge that the second check was a duplicate and says they had not been able to return it sooner due to illness. The claims specialist (CS) verifies the return of the $290 check in July as well as Bob's illness. The CS then makes a determination concerning Bob's income and records it in the file.

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500815460
SI 00815.460 - Return of Erroneous Payments - 09/05/2024
Batch run: 09/05/2024
Rev:09/05/2024