§ 435.73. Collection of amounts due.

(a) Methods of collection. Any funds paid to a recipient in excess of the amount to which the recipient is finally determined to be entitled under the terms and conditions of the award constitute a debt to the Federal Government. If not paid within a reasonable period after the demand for payment, SSA may reduce the debt by:

(1) Making an administrative offset against other requests for reimbursements;

(2) Withholding advance payments otherwise due to the recipient; or

(3) Taking other action permitted by statute.

(b) Charging of interest. Except as otherwise provided by law, SSA will charge interest on an overdue debt in accordance with 4 CFR Chapter II, “Federal Claims Collection Standards.”