Q: I GET SSI AND THERE HOLDING MY GIRLFRIENDS INCOME TOWARDS MY INCOME WE ARE GIRLFRIEND AND BOYFRIEND.THAT'S ALL
WHAT CAN I DO TO GET MY MONEY FROM SSI. THANK YOU.
A:
Based on your question, I think you are trying to say that your girlfriend's income is being counted by Social Security to reduce your SSI benefit in some way.
There are certain situations when SSI benefits are reduced. For example, if your girlfriend is paying for part or all of your food and/or shelter, then SSI can be reduced under the in-kind support and maintenance rules. The way to avoid such a reduction is to make sure you pay your full share of your own food and shelter and document it for Social Security.
Another way SSI is reduced is if your girlfriend was regularly giving you cash. Such gifts can reduce SSI. To avoid the reduction, your girlfriend has to stop giving you cash.
Even though you are not married, there are rules that require your girlfriend's finances to count as if you were married if Social Security believes you are holding yourself out to the community as if you were married.
I recommend that you have a local attorney review the letter from Social Security which explains why they are reducing your SSI. Since you are on SSI, there may be a legal aid organization in your county that provides free or low-cost legal advice to low income and/or disabled individuals. You can also usually find a local attorney through the local county bar association.
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