Wisconsin Man With Autism Told to Repay $35K in Social Security—Is the System Failing?

Race Day Live  Many Americans with disabilities depend on Social Security Income (SSI) to support their daily lives. One such person is 32-year-old Max Silber from Wisconsin, who has been receiving SSI benefits due to his autism. However, things suddenly turned when he received an unexpected notice from Social Security. Max was informed that his benefits would be stopped. Worse, he was asked to repay $35,000 due to an overpayment “error” dated back to May 2022. His father, Jeff, has fought against this decision by filing five appeals—but none have been successful so far.

A Father’s Frustration

Max’s father, Jeff, is frustrated and confused by this sudden demand. He insists that Max always followed the rules and never received any warning about being overpaid. “He’s always followed the rules and was never told that he was being overpaid,” Jeff told The Sun. “Their basis was that he was gainfully employed and made more than the amount allowed to earn and still get benefits. They also concluded that he would have to prove he still had autism. This put us over the top.” Max was diagnosed with autism when he was very young, and nothing about his condition has changed. Yet, Social Security is now questioning his disability. Jeff believes that Social Security should have professionals who truly understand conditions like autism before making such decisions.

Who Made The Mistake?

Jeff strongly believes that the overpayment was Social Security’s mistake, not Max’s. Yet, Max is now being punished for it. Jeff explained that Max has always lived with him and will probably never live alone, which is something that worries him as he gets older. He feels that Social Security’s system is flawed and that many disabled individuals face similar problems. “Social Security needs to be held accountable and responsible,” Jeff said. “They should not make random decisions affecting so many lives. People then have to wait for months to get a resolution.”

How Social Security Works?

SSI provides financial help to millions of Americans. Different groups qualify for these benefits, including:

• • People with disabilities

• • Spouses or children of benefit recipients

• • Divorced spouses of eligible beneficiaries

• • Family members of deceased workers

However, SSI has strict limits. In 2023, the monthly income limit for recipients was $1,971, and the asset limit was $2,000. If a recipient earns too much money, even by accident, they can be disqualified. This is what happened to Max. Many people do not realize that working even slightly above the income limit can lead to losing benefits or being asked to repay large sums of money. Unfortunately, this situation is common, as SSI rules can be confusing and unclear. Read More:

• New $1000 Social Security Advance Available in February: How to Receive It on the Same Day
• SSDI & Social Security Payments: Your Must-Have Cheat Sheet!

Experts Say The System Needs Change

Financial expert Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, believes Social Security needs major improvements. “The system in itself needs to be modernized, and a substantial effort needs to be undertaken to improve it,” he told Newsweek. One of the biggest challenges facing Social Security is funding. With an aging population and fewer workers paying into the system, experts predict financial trouble in the future. According to reports from the Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees, by 2033, Social Security’s trust fund for retirement benefits may run out. If this happens, taxes will only cover about 79% of scheduled benefits.

What Happens Next?

People like Max, who rely on these benefits, may continue to face unexpected problems due to a system that many say is outdated. If Social Security does not improve its rules, more individuals could fall into similar financial difficulties. For now, Jeff continues to fight for his son, hoping that Social Security will acknowledge their mistake and cancel the repayment demand. Many others in similar situations are watching closely, hoping for a change in a system that so many depend on. Reference Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.