The Social Security Administration announced reforms in its overpayment recovery processes after reports surfaced of policies causing financial distress and homelessness among some Americans. An independent watchdog's investigation found the agency's internal watchdog office, led by Inspector General Gail Ennis, failed to properly notify poor and disabled Americans before imposing large fines. The two-year probe into an anti-fraud program, starting in 2018, revealed due process violations, including a lack of written notice to those penalized, sometimes with fines exceeding $100,000. Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz highlighted "significant legal questions" regarding the penalties' validity on low-income individuals, potentially affecting their future Social Security and disability benefits.