Q: I need help with SSI, reporting and spending money received from a settlement from a car accident that I was injured in.
I already spent some of it, I bought a car and a bed and some other things to help with my injuries. I will need dental implants because I got implant the day of the accident but they don't fit so I have just 4 screws sticking out of my gums since 11/10/22.
A:
To address your situation, it's important to understand how to report the settlement money to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and how it may impact your SSI benefits. You should notify the SSA about the settlement as soon as possible, detailing how the funds were spent. This is crucial to avoid any potential overpayment issues.
When you receive a settlement, the SSA will look at how you use that money. Since you've spent part of it on a car and a bed, these are considered non-countable resources if they're used for your personal needs. However, any remaining money might affect your SSI eligibility if it exceeds the resource limit.
For your dental implants, keep receipts and records of all expenses related to your medical needs. This documentation can help explain to the SSA how the settlement funds were used for your necessary treatments and personal welfare. If you have more questions, consider seeking assistance from a local legal aid organization or someone knowledgeable in SSI matters to ensure you comply with all requirements.
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