Duval Times

Washington, D.C. - Senator Rick Scott has called for greater accountability from the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding overpayments made to nearly one million Americans, including thousands of Floridians. In a letter to Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of the SSA, Senator Scott expressed concern over the notices received by seniors demanding repayment for past overpayments. He emphasized that immediate recoupment of these funds would place a significant financial burden on elderly Floridians.

The SSA has sent notices to approximately one million Americans in both fiscal year 2022 and 2023, indicating that they had received excessive amounts in their Social Security checks. These notices come after five years of improper payments by the SSA, totaling $16 billion. Senator Scott deems this level of improper payments as unacceptable and calls for greater accountability to prevent such occurrences from causing uncertainty and financial distress to seniors, many of whom rely on fixed incomes.

Senator Scott's personal experience growing up in public housing and witnessing his single mother struggle financially has highlighted the importance of programs like Social Security for Americans on fixed incomes. He has introduced the Protect Our Seniors Act to ensure the preservation and protection of Social Security. Additionally, he has been advocating for Congress to scrutinize federal government spending and make necessary changes to promote efficiency and accountability.

While Senator Scott acknowledges the need to hold accountable those who intentionally defraud the system or receive payments through deceit, he strongly opposes the government pursuing well-intentioned Americans who trusted that their government was acting in their best interests.

The SSA's actions have disproportionately affected seniors and disabled Americans on fixed incomes, leaving them in difficult situations due to overpayments caused by federal government mistakes. Senator Scott asks who will be held accountable for these errors and what steps the SSA is taking to rectify overpayment issues. He also questions whether the SSA distinguishes between overpayments resulting from agency errors and those resulting from intentional deceit.

In October, Acting Commissioner Kijakazi announced a review of Overpayment Procedures and Policies at the SSA. Senator Scott inquires about the completion date of this report and whether it will be made available to the public. He also seeks information on the measures taken by the SSA to identify and address the root causes of these overpayments.

In conclusion, Senator Rick Scott urges the SSA to use its existing tools to rectify the situation and implement outstanding recommendations from the Government Accountability Office and the SSA's Office of Inspector. He emphasizes that the SSA should prioritize the best interests of beneficiaries and hardworking Americans. Senator Scott looks forward to collaborating with the SSA to ensure the protection and efficient functioning of the Social Security system.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2023/11/sen-rick-scott-hold-social-security-admin-not-innocent-florida-seniors-accountable-for-overpayments