I realize the situation presented is for 2016/2017. I have a similar situation for 2022.
In 2022 I applied / received/ paid back social security benefits in full. The SECOND 1099 they sent shows the correct amount in box 3. DOUBLE the amount (repaid) in box 4. Then a negative amount (overpayment?) in box 5. The SSA looked up my account and verified the numbers were correct. So I can post these numbers in the return? Then wait for the IRS to question the error? Not my error. The document provider (SSA) verified document is correct. I do see that the negative amount seems to have no bearing on any other data entered on the return.
