The Social Security Administration spent three times more money than it collected while trying to recover accidental overpayments. Between 2008 and 2013, a report by the inspector general found, the SSA spent $323 million in an effort to recoup $128 million in overpayments, actually recovering only $109 million — a net loss of $214 million. "For some overpayments," the report noted, "collection was not always cost beneficial."
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