Retirement tax questions

I did call SSA and they said that I would just have to wait until next year and that they would not issue a revised SSA-1099 showing the repayment amounts; and have to report the income as shown on their form.  Then in 2019 I could claim the repayment.  Doesn't do much good for taxes this year.  I'm wondering if I can treat it as a credit or deduction?