Benefit Calculation
Understanding Social Security Underpayment Procedures and Rules
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 24, 2026
The short answer
Social Security underpayments are amounts due to a recipient that have not been paid. An underpayment occurs due to nonpayment or payment of less than the amount due when certified by SSA but not received by the payee. 20 CFR 416.536
What is an Underpayment?
An underpayment is any monthly benefit amount (or part of that amount) due to a person that has not been paid. Underpayments may occur due to accrued benefits not paid, checks not negotiated, or payments returned/undelivered. GN 02301.001
GN 02301.001 View source ›Causes of Underpayments
Underpayments can arise when the SSA does not make a payment that was due or makes a payment less than the amount due. A payment is marked as made once certified by the SSA to the Treasury, except if not received by the payee or returned. 20 CFR 416.536
20 CFR 416.536 View source ›Resolving Underpayments for Living Beneficiaries
SSA’s systems will automatically detect most underpayments due to a living beneficiary. If the system cannot automatically resolve the underpayment, the office identifying the underpayment is responsible for payment and notification. GN 02301.020
GN 02301.020 View source ›Resolving Underpayments for Deceased Beneficiaries
If the underpaid beneficiary is deceased, SSA must follow a specific order of priority to distribute underpayments. This involves determining the proper recipient(s) and processing through the appropriate internal channels. GN 02301.070
GN 02301.070 View source ›Frequently asked
How is a Social Security underpayment defined?
An underpayment occurs when a recipient does not receive a certified benefit or receives less than due. More details can be found in GN 02301.001.
What should I do if I notice an underpayment?
Typically, SSA systems will detect underpayments for beneficiaries. You can contact the Social Security office if you suspect an underpayment has not been addressed.
Can underpayments occur after someone has passed away?
Yes, underpayments for deceased beneficiaries follow specific rules for distribution and may be given to eligible family members or estate representatives. See GN 02301.070 for details.
Is an underpayment automatically resolved?
SSA systems typically detect and resolve underpayments automatically. However, if systemic resolution is not possible, manual intervention is required, as outlined in GN 02301.020.
What causes a Social Security underpayment?
Underpayments may occur due to nonpayment or receiving less than the certified amount, as explained in 20 CFR 416.536.