Protecting Elders From Government Error Act

The Protecting Elders From Government Error Act limits how the Social Security Administration can recover overpayments from individuals who received old-age benefits due to government error. If an overpayment occurred more than six months before it was discovered and resulted from a mistake by the agency, the government is prohibited from recovering the funds directly from the person. Additionally, when recovery is permitted for errors made by the agency, the bill caps any reduction in monthly benefits at 5 percent of the payable amount to prevent severe financial hardship. These protections do not apply if the recipient has ever committed fraud or similar fault regarding the program.