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Message |
    
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 08, 2001 - 4:38 am: | 
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Note by Paul
This section is intended to deal with how the income of the family
affects the amount of your SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, check.
You might also look at the subtopics on the main page that start "Q.
about Working." |
Linda J.
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 05, 2001 - 4:36 pm: |
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I have been on disability in South Carolina for many years. I am having
problems doing things for myself and my son who is in the Air Force in
Illinois has offered to take me in. He says he may be able to make me a
military dependent. If he should pursue this avenue, will I lose my
disablity benefits and SSI? Has anyone ever heard of or had experience
in this area? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 08, 2001 - 3:52 am: |
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If you or your spouse, or your parents if you are under 18, get income
from any source, or if you are living for free in the household of
another, your SSI benefits can be reduced, and sometimes eliminated.
One
thing that helps is for you to try to show that you are paying your way
by contributing to food and shelter expenses. If so, you might not be
classed as living in the household of another, and not have your check
reduced as much.
It is rare that income reduces Social
Security Disability, however. If you receive worker's compensation
benefits, or certain types of government retirement benefits, that can
affect your check.
However, |
Suzanne
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, July 15, 2001 - 5:23 pm: |
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My
husband has been receiving Social Security Disability benefits since
1996. I have been a stay-at-home Mom and have an opportunity to work
outside of the home. My question is: how will my income effect my
husband's SS Disability benefits? I remember once being told by the SS
Administration that a spouse was allowed to make up to $9600 per year
without it reducing the disabled spouse's benefits but I can't find any
information about that at the SS website or any place else. I would
like to know if there is a maximum amount of income that is allowed
from a non-disabled spouse before the disabled spouse's benefits are
reduced, offset or eliminated or can I have my own income without it
affecting my husband's disability benefits? References to SS
publications would be appreciated. Thanks.
Reply by Paul
The amount of Social Security disability that your husband gets, and
the amount that his children get under his check, are not affected by
your income. Make as much as you can. If he were drawing SSI, which is
a check paid to people who have not worked enough to qualify for Social
Security Disability, his check would be reduced if you make more than a
certain amount.
SSI checks come in a blue envelope, often
come on the first day of the month, and have the letters SSI before the
dollar amount. Social Security checks often come on the third, come in
a tan envelope, and have the words Soc Sec for Ins before the dollar
amount. If you have direct deposit, you have to ask the Administration
which it is. Have him call 1 800 772 1213.
Take care.
|
Janice
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 23, 2001 - 10:08 am: |
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I
am looking for the same kind of information regarding California. Would
the rules regarding a spouse's income be the same as in Carolina? We
were once told that my husband made too much income for me to quality
for Social Security Disability.
Reply by Paul That
would be true if you are applying for SSI, but your husband's income
will not affect your ability for Social Security Disability. However,
you have to have worked enough to qualify for that. |
Bill Beers
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2001 - 8:01 pm: |
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I have a friend who is on SSI. This person may receive a large sum
(over $10,000) as part of a settlement of spousal support. She is
concerned because she thinks that Social Security may "take" the money
from her or cut her off SSI until she has spent the money at the rate
of her monthly benefit, $676.
A local SSI attorney told her
that if she spends the money on transportation, I. E. a better car to
travel to her medical appointments or on housing I. E. buying a home,
that Social Security cannot do anything to her benefit or her
settlement money.
What are the rules in this type of case? Is the attorney correct? Any wisdom and advice appreciated. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 01, 2001 - 6:54 am: |
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If she is truly drawing SSI, as opposed to Social Security Disability,
she will certainly be disqualified for the month in which she receives
the check. She can then put the money into various assets that the
administration will ignore. The money should not be wasted, and you
should put the money only in to exactly those assets that your attorney
specifies.
One thing, though; are you sure it is SSI? If it
is DIB, also called Social Security Disability Benefits, the money will
have no effect on her check. To find out, look at a check, just before
the dollar amount. If it says "Soc Sec For Ins," you are ok! Be sure,
though!
Good luck. |
Debra Holland
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 29, 2001 - 10:44 am: |
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I'm receiving $500.00 per month from my SSD and $50.00 a month from my SSI check.
I just read somewhere that persons on SSI cannot have more than $2,000.00 in the bank at the beginning of each month.
For the first time in 11 years, I will have over $2,000.00 in the bank, but only over by about $500.00.
Will
I be cut off from my SSI? While I certainly need this $50.00 a month,
It is imperative that I keep the medical benefits of medicare that are
paid for by the SSI part.
I did earn this money over a period
of six months, but I would not consider this gainful imployment. (it
was quite a few "buy low sell high" transactions on ebay, is how I got
the money)
It will be the first of the month in two days. I
guess until I find out, I'll take the overage out of the bank and bury
it under my mattress or in the back yard.
What is the law when one receives both SSD and SSI?
Reply by Paul:
Excellent
question. Don't bury it, but don't keep it in the bank, either. There
are a lot of "exempt assets" that you can put it in to. The best is
your house if you are buying one. Just make some forward payments on
the principal. Or do the same on any car payments, provided you don't
have an expensive one. There are lots of other things you can put it in
to. Don't waste it and don't hide it. If neither of those things work
talk to a good attorney. Resources is a problem that a good attorney
can almost always solve. Take care. |
fundraiser
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 01, 2001 - 12:17 pm: |
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I
am raising funds for someone who receives SSI in need of a serious
transplant which has not yet occured. Would this interfer, with SSI
income requirements?
If so, are there anyways around this?
Reply by Paul:
Excellent question! Don't give the person any of the money, if they are
receiving Medicaid or SSI. If they are receiving Medicare or Social
Security Disability, it is ok.
There are things you can do
with the money. Contact an estate planning attorney or a Social
Security attorney in your area. This work is a little specialized, so
you will have to hunt around, but with proper planning, the person can
get the benefit of the money without affecting his SSI or Medicaid. |
ALEX RICHARDSON
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2001 - 8:08 am: |
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I AM DISABLED,I RECEIVE SSI AND Social Sercurity,I AM WANTING TO BUY
LAND HOW WILL THIS AFFECT THE AMOUNT THAT I RECEIVE? SHOULD I GET LEGAL
HELP? DO I HAVE TO LIVE ON THE LAND? PLEASE NEED HELP IN TEXAS! |
Paul McChesney
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 30, 2001 - 6:43 am: |
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Owning land might affect the amount of SSI you receive. If you live on
it, and it is considered a part of your residence, it will not count.
Ownership of land will not affect Social Security benefits. |
Mike Beale
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 28, 2001 - 1:48 pm: |
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Hello: A friend of mine is eligible for Social Security but has not yet
applied. She has recently suffered a heart attack that is likely to
qualify her for Supplemental Security Income except that she has
$40,000 in the bank. Is there any legal means of disposing of the
income through: gifts to the family over a period of time, I believe I
read it is OK to arrange funeral expenses but am uncertain if there is
a set amount, perhaps purchasing a primary place of residence (she now
rents), etc.? Just trying to find out what is allowed (if anything), I
cannot find anywhere that answers this specific a question. Thank you |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 01, 2001 - 7:15 am: |
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Mike, this is a complex question; there are a lot of ways to handle
this problem. She should sit down with an attorney before she takes any
further action. |
Jane Jorgensen
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 21, 2001 - 4:13 pm: |
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SSI
possible? I have a grandson who is "developmentally delayed", otherwise
undiagnosed. He has a severe speech problem, minor physical problems
and is receiving speech therapy and occupational therapy through the
school. He is 8 years old and working at the Kindergarten level in a
special self contained class. This is his fourth year in school with
special services. I personally think he has mild Cerebral Palsy, the
latest Doctor suggested testing for Lead poisoning since his mother did
soddering on her job when she was pregnant with him. He lives with me,
his parents and 3 siblings in my home. I am self employed with a very
small income. Their family income hovers at the poverty level. The
children are presently on medicaid and have been on it continuosly for
the past year. Previous to this they were sometimes eligible for
medicaid and othertimes not, they have often had no medical insurance
which is why we are only working towards a diagnosis at this time.
Would my grandson be likely to qualify financially for SSI? Should my
income be included as Household income, or should only his parents
income be considered? My only asset is my home, which has a mortgage.
If he is eligble for SSI could it throw him and his siblings off
medicaid? Thank you for any clarity you can give to this situation.
Reply by Paul
Since
you did not give your state, all I can say is maybe; contact an
attorney in your state or contact legal aid. My guess is that he will
qualify financially, and that it will not affect Medicaid, but you
should not rely on my guess. |
doug
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 18, 2001 - 5:20 pm: |
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I have Apprx. $6000. in the california retirement
system(cal pers)and Im drawing SSI(maybe SSDI ?).
Whould my benifits be hurt if I withdrew my retirement?I would loose about $2200 in penaltes
already,but I need a car.I live in california.
Reply by Paul
SSI is a needs based benefits; if you have money, they won't pay you.
But they ignore the value of certain items, such as an inexpensive car.
You can own an inexpensive car and still qualify. However, withdraw and
spend the money in the same month; for that month and that month only,
you will be disqualified.
SSDI is the Administration's code
for Social Security Disability (Benefits) Insurance, which most people
call Social Security Disability. If you are disabled and have worked
enough, you can draw this no matter how much money you have.
To
find out which you have, call 1 800 772 1213 and ask. If you do not
have direct deposit, you can look at the envelope your check comes in.
If it is blue, you are getting SSI; if tan, Social Security Disability.
I should, but frankly do not know if money in the California retirement system is counted as a resource for SSI purposes.
Take care. |
cesar eyzaguirre
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 14, 2001 - 11:10 am: |
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Hi,
I'm 22 years old living in New Orleans, Louisiana. I've been on SSI for
$530 for a little over three years, have been seeing a psychotherapist
and am not on any medications. I have a serious problem and have no
idea of where to go to look for help with it. I have a diagnosis of OCD
and Social Phobia/Panic attacks. I'm fixing on getting a possibly two
really well paying jobs that would allow me to work in an environment
that would be suitable according to my mentall illness. Would this
affect my receiving SSI? Should I wait until after January to get the
two jobs? Should I go into it gradually as in working in one job
part-time then moving gradually towards both? I also am attending a
community college and plan on transferring to a four year university. I
have held jobs that I've had to quit after a short time because of
panic attacks, the same goes for the school. This is a problem with
alot of factors that complicate it and I have no idea where to start to
get sound advice. If you are unsure of how I should deal with this,
please tell me who I should contact in this matter. Thankyou
Reply by Paul This is a very difficult question to answer. I cannot say what you should do. I can say these things:
1. As your monthly income from any source goes up, your SSI goes down.
2. The formula is a little complicated; but as your income increases, your SSI will eventually decrease to 0.
3.
It is extremely important that you report any earnings, AND BE ABLE TO
PROVE YOU DID SO! Get a receipt, or clocked in copy, or certified mail
your report.
4. As the Administration tries to estimate what your earnings would be, you tend to get into an overpayment situation.
5.
If your SSI goes to zero, in the states I work in your Medicaid is
cancelled; but if you go to Social Services and ask that it be
restarted, you can get Medicaid up to a higher level of income. I don't
know if this works in Louisiana.
6. If your income stops
within a year of when you last got an SSI check, your check is supposed
to automatically start back. After a year, you have to re-apply, which
can take a really long time.
7. Work activity tends to invite
review of disability. Steady work tends to prove you can work. Erratic
work tends to prove you can't. The effect of whatever pattern of work
you produce is very hard to predict.
8. If you can turn
yourself into a highly desirable employee by getting an education in a
field that is high demand, in which not just anyone can get a degree -
my favorite example is Registered Nurse, though that might not be right
for you - employers tend to overlook impairments and hire despite them.
9. In general, if I were in your situation and had a choice
between work and education, I would take education. Work provides an
income right now, but you have that from SSI. Education provides higher
employability in the future. Who knows if you will have SSI then. This
is only a rough rule!
10. If you can get sponsored by
Vocational Rehabilitation in your education effort, there is a chance
that Social Security would have to let you finish before they cut your
check off, if they review you.
Take care and good luck. |
kimloantran
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 13, 2001 - 11:26 am: |
|
I
live in California State. I ask a question about SSI for my younger
brother. My younger brother has been suffered with a cancer desease and
has been treating and paid by Medical. But he was sponsored to the U.S
by my older brother in May 2001.( signed form I.864)
I would like
to ask if my younger brother qualifies for receiving SSI without affect
to the financial situation of my older brother or not?
Thanks a lot for your help and your early reply would be appreciated.
Kim T.
Reply by Paul Let me restate your question and then try to answer it. That way I will be sure I understand it.
Question:
Assuming that my older and younger brother are living together, and
assuming that my older brother is my younger brother's sponsor, and
that my younger brother is disabled, will my older brother's income
keep my younger brother from drawing a check?
If that is the
question, the answer is, probably your older brother's income will not
prevent your younger brother from drawing a check. If your younger
brother is living in his home for free, it might reduce the check, but
that can probably be corrected.
To raise a question you did
not ask about, not all aliens are eligible for SSI, and your younger
brother might not be eligible for that reason. |
Mary Kennedy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 2:03 pm: |
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I have been receiving social security disability and medicaid for about
one year. If I worked a minimum parttime, will my eligibility be
affected? Also will my eligibility be affected if my name was added to
my ex-husband's assets? We are currently living together and I pay $400
monthly for rent. I want to protect myself if anything happened to him.
He is 53 and I am 59. My name would show as part owner on his l998
truck, a trailer worth $5,000 and some other assets. Would it be more
beneficial to establish a joint Will instead? Thank you. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 11, 2002 - 6:11 am: |
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Please click here to go to the page of the forum that should answer your question about trying to work while you are disabled.
You
say you are receiving Social Security Disabilty. If this is so, you
should have no problem with what property you own; the Administration
does not care.
However, if you are getting SSI, the Administration considers both your assets and any spouse with whom you live.
You
imply a seperate question of whether it is better if you get him to
will you property, or whether it is better to have your name on it, as
far I guess as control of the property and right to inherit. That is a
question of your state's law, and I don't know the answer to that. |
John Peterson
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 15, 2002 - 1:15 pm: |
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I have been approved for SS disability and my checks are due to start
in June 2002. If I withdraw money from an IRA or 401K, will that have
any effect on my SS disability check? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 5:02 pm: |
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John, it should have no effect on a Social Security Disability check.
But most people mix up SSI and Social Security Disability, and it can
have an effect on an SSI check. The SSI program considers your income
and resources. |
Sonny Beam
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 03, 2002 - 5:59 pm: |
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I have a friend who receives an annunity that is not taxable, but it is
not enough for him to live on. And he has not been able to work since
his accident that he receives the annunity from. Is this income that
has to be reported for SSI? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 13, 2002 - 5:43 am: |
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An annuity will be considered unearned income for purposes of
calculating SSI benefit amounts, and will serve to reduce the check.
If
the reduction is significant, sometimes you can convert it to an exempt
asset and thereby avoid the offset. Don't try this on your own; get an
attorney, and a fancy one at that.
If his check is Social Security Disability, the annuity will have no effect on the check. |
Marge Daniele
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 24, 2002 - 3:47 pm: |
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If someone recieves a life insurance settlement
from his deceased father, and is on SSI does he
have to claim it? Is it considered a gift? Will
it effect the amount of his SSI check? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 27, 2002 - 7:53 am: |
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Once you have the money, it is certainly counted, and if the sum is large enough it will disqualify you for SSI.
If
you have received it, you might be able to avoid further
disqualification by transferring it to an exempt asset in a very
careful way. You need a lawyer for this! If you transfer it in the
wrong way, you might get the worst of both worlds - you might not have
the asset, but the Administration might count it as being yours and
disqualify you anyway!
Whether you can decline a gift is a
question of state law that you would have to get a local attorney to
answer. But it is something that you should look into. |
Gail
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 29, 2002 - 4:01 pm: |
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I have a similar question then. When my Father passes away I will
inherit some money from his estate. Will my Social Security Disability
also be cut off? I don't have the kind of Social Security that depends
on my income levels. It will be in the form of his house which will be
split three ways between my siblings and whatever money he might have
in CD's and in the bank.
Thanks! |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 04, 2002 - 9:31 am: |
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If you are drawing Social Security Disability, your check will not be
affected. If you are drawing SSI, it might or might not be, and your
should get an attorney to look at his will right now.
I would warn you that about a third of the folks I represent are confused about which one they draw. |
Patty Rosilyn Curtis
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 18, 2002 - 10:53 pm: |
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