What is the Treasury Offset Program (TOP)?

 · En español

The TOP is the collection of delinquent non-tax debts owed to federal agencies and states.

To be referred to TOP, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) debtors must:

  • Be primarily, not contingently, liable for the debt.
  • Have been age 18 or older when debt was established.
  • Not currently be receiving benefits.
  • Not be deceased.
  • Owe a debt of $25 or more.

Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients with a delinquent debt date of May 19, 2002, or earlier are NOT referred to TOP.