North Columbus News

Washington, D.C. - Members of the Ohio congressional delegation, led by Reps. Mike Carey (R-OH) and Emilia Sykes (D-OH), are demanding answers from the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding improper payments made to beneficiaries.

Congressman Carey expressed concern over the long-standing issue of overpayments, stating, "Overpayments have been a problem for at least a decade — if not longer — according to our caseworkers." He also highlighted the troubling fact that the SSA is uncertain about the true extent of the problem, saying, "SSA is now saying they might not be able to vouch for the legitimacy of how many people have been subject to overpayments." Carey emphasized the need to prioritize the well-being of the American people and minimize errors and harm to Social Security beneficiaries.

Rep. Sykes echoed Carey's concerns, particularly emphasizing the impact on older and disabled Americans who have followed all the correct procedures when filing for Social Security benefits. She stated, "Our seniors rely on these payments to pay their bills and put food on the table — they can't afford for the SSA to be making life-altering errors." Sykes stressed the importance of holding the SSA accountable and ensuring that all seniors receive the correct payments they deserve.

The issue of overpayments by the SSA affects a significant number of beneficiaries, with over one million Americans contacted annually to recoup funds disbursed in error. These overpayments often go unnoticed for months or even years, resulting in immediate adverse consequences for Social Security beneficiaries. Elderly and disabled Americans who rely on fixed incomes have had their benefits frozen or reduced due to overpayment mistakes.

Adding to the concern is the SSA's failure to provide accurate figures to Congress regarding the total number of individuals impacted by this issue. In response, Reps. Sykes and Carey, along with several other Ohio representatives, sent a letter to Dr. Kilolo Kijakazi, the acting commissioner of the SSA. The letter seeks answers as to why the problem of overpayments continues to persist and demands accountability for the errors made.

The letter was also signed by Reps. Bob Latta (R-OH-05), Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), Troy Balderson (R-OH-12), Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), and Rep. Max Miller (R-OH-07). The Ohio delegation is determined to address the issue and ensure that beneficiaries receive the correct payments they are entitled to.

The full text of the letter can be found [here](link to the letter).

To find out more, go to this link: https://carey.house.gov/media/press-releases/carey-sykes-lead-ohio-delegation-demanding-answers-ssa-over-improper