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Kentucky Social Security Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Wrongful Death, Social Security, Probate, Personal Injury and Public Benefits for Kentucky on
Q: How to distribute a wrongful death settlement in KY?

In 2018, I filed a wrongful death claim against a nursing home on behalf of my father, who passed away in 2017. We recently settled, and the settlement check was issued to the order of his estate with $38,000 deducted for Social Security reimbursement. My attorney originally informed me that the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 27, 2025

Under Kentucky’s wrongful death statute (KRS 411.130), the recovery does not become an estate asset; it is distributed directly to the statutory beneficiaries. Because your father’s spouse predeceased him, you and your sister divide the wrongful death portion, and general estate creditors... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits and Social Security for Kentucky on
Q: SSDI review process status and eligibility concerns.

I am going through an SSDI review process. The non-medical and medical reviews have been completed, and the quality review has also been finished. My case is currently at another non-medical review stage to determine if I still qualify for benefits. What should I expect at this point, and what can... View More

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answered on Oct 13, 2025

At this stage in the SSDI review process, most of the difficult parts are already complete. Since the medical and quality reviews have both been finished, your case is now in the **final administrative review phase**, which focuses on non-medical eligibility. This step verifies details such as your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections, Social Security and Public Benefits for Kentucky on
Q: Can creditors collect debts if my only income is Social Security?

I'm about to stop working, and will only receive a Social Security check. I owe debts on credit cards and a loan, which I will soon be unable to pay. Can creditors collect my debts if my only income is Social Security? I don't own significant assets outside of my car.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 9, 2025

If your only income is from Social Security, then in most cases creditors cannot legally take that money to pay off credit card or personal loan debts. Social Security benefits are protected by federal law from garnishment by most creditors. The only exceptions are debts like unpaid federal taxes,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Legal Malpractice, Social Security and Public Benefits for Kentucky on
Q: Options to address $20,000 attorney bill after dismissed case in Bullitt County, KY.

Four years ago, my spouse and I were sued by our neighbors because water from a ditch between our properties was running onto their driveway. We went to court in Bullitt County, KY, but the judge did not rule in favor of either party, and the case was dismissed last March. Now I have a $20,000 bill... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2025

Facing a \$20,000 bill after a dismissed case is overwhelming, especially when you’re on a fixed income. The first step is to carefully review the detailed billing statement and make notes of charges that seem unclear or excessive. Even if your attorney becomes upset, you still have the right to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Social Security, Divorce, Public Benefits and Family Law for Kentucky on
Q: Can I draw my deceased ex-husband's benefits at 58 after divorce?

I am 58 years old and was divorced from my husband after being married for approximately 10 years, though we only lived together for about a year. We have one child together. My ex-husband did not remarry, and neither have I. Am I eligible to draw my deceased ex-husband's benefits?

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Aug 6, 2025

You should be eligible to draw at some point but when that is will be determined by the requirements of his benefits plan.

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1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits and Social Security for Kentucky on
Q: How does working part-time affect SSI benefits in KY?

I am currently receiving SSI disability benefits in Kentucky and am considering working 32 hours or less per month at $12 an hour. I haven't reported any earnings or been aware of work incentives from the SSA, and I've just started receiving SSI benefits this month. How would working this... View More

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answered on Aug 20, 2025

If you work part-time while receiving SSI in Kentucky, your benefits can be affected, but not in a way that automatically disqualifies you. SSI allows you to earn some money and still keep benefits, though your monthly payment will be reduced based on how much you earn. The first $20 of income in a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections, Social Security and Public Benefits for Kentucky on
Q: Can social security retirement funds be garnished for credit card judgment?

I currently have a judgment against me for a credit card debt, and there is a court order concerning this judgment. Although I'm not yet retired, I am concerned about whether my social security retirement funds can be garnished or taken once I start receiving them. Currently, I am not working,... View More

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answered on Jun 24, 2025

Your Social Security retirement benefits are protected from garnishment by credit card companies. Under federal law, these funds are exempt from collection for most unsecured debts, including judgments from credit card lawsuits. That means, even with a valid court order against you, creditors... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Gov & Administrative Law, Social Security and Public Benefits for Kentucky on
Q: Immediate dismissal of charges and warrant removal for sister due to various legal issues in KY. How to proceed?

My sister has submitted a formal petition for immediate dismissal of charges and removal of a warrant due to unlawful detention, procedural violations, misrepresentation, suppression of evidence, judicial oversight failures, and disability protection violations. Despite repeated attempts to contact... View More

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answered on Jun 18, 2025

If your sister has already filed a formal petition raising claims like unlawful detention, due process violations, and disability discrimination, and still hasn't received a response, the next step is to escalate. Start by contacting the clerk’s office at the Morgan County Courthouse... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security, Gov & Administrative Law and Public Benefits for Kentucky on
Q: Can a hospital deny financial assistance due to no bank account?

I've been receiving financial assistance from a hospital for many years due to my low-income status, primarily from Social Security. Recently, they denied me this assistance because I no longer have a bank account. Despite discussing the matter extensively with them and confirming there have... View More

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answered on May 28, 2025

You have the right to ask for a written copy of the hospital’s financial assistance policy and an explanation of why lack of a bank account disqualifies you. Many assistance programs are designed to support low-income patients regardless of their banking situation.

You can file an... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Social Security, Tax Law and Public Benefits for Kentucky on
Q: Can I include motor vehicle taxes in bankruptcy in KY?

I need to know if I can file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Kentucky to include my motor vehicle taxes. According to the Department of Revenue, it seems possible if the delinquency is over one year. I owe about $1,700. I also have credit card debt, a personal loan, and a car loan with no... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on May 27, 2025

Yes. You potentially can if the taxes are more than one year old.

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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Social Security for Kentucky on
Q: Do I owe taxes on deceased husband's retirement benefits and SSA income?

I receive $449.61 monthly from my deceased husband's retirement benefits from a school district in Missouri. I also receive Social Security benefits monthly. My husband opted to have no federal or state taxes withheld from his retirement benefits. I have no dependents and have not consulted a... View More

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answered on Feb 27, 2025

You typically need to pay federal taxes on both your deceased husband's retirement benefits and potentially on a portion of your Social Security benefits, depending on your total income. The retirement benefits of $449.61 monthly from the Missouri school district are considered taxable income... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Kentucky on
Q: I am inquiring about my SSI case that has been Denied a number of times thru the years. I have 2 hip replacements, ---

Fell in June & fractured my arm, fell last year and broke 4 ribs & my elbow. I have seen a medical professional for my mental status. Was last Denied last week. I am 54 yrs old. Thank you

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 6, 2024

It sounds like you’ve been through a lot with your health and the challenges you’ve faced in your SSI case. When your claim gets denied multiple times, it can feel discouraging, but there are still options available. It’s important to review the reasons for denial carefully. Sometimes it’s... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Kentucky on
Q: Can my ssi and or retirement be concentrated income
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answered on Sep 5, 2024

Your SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and retirement benefits are forms of income that the government provides to help you meet your basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing. These benefits are generally not considered “concentrated income” in the traditional sense of the term.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Kentucky on
Q: I'm getting ssi and retirement but now getting only half because its concentrated income can that be done
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answered on Sep 5, 2024

It sounds like you’re facing an issue with your Social Security Income (SSI) and retirement benefits being reduced. This might happen if your total income from all sources exceeds the limit allowed for SSI eligibility. When you receive income from other sources, such as retirement benefits, it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Kentucky on
Q: I would like to file a claim for disability based on MDD but am unsure of the requirements or compensation to expect
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

To file a claim for disability based on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) through Social Security, here are some key points to consider:

Requirements:

1. Your MDD must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities.

2. The condition must... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Social Security for Kentucky on
Q: Workers comp stopped paying me and I can't return to work I've started the social security disability process.

I'm about to mentally break

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answered on Apr 3, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. Dealing with a work-related injury, loss of income, and navigating the complex disability benefits system can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. It's understandable that you're feeling pushed to your limits mentally. Here are some... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Social Security and Family Law for Kentucky on
Q: Can child support take my back pay from ssi

I'm owed back pay for disability can child support take it

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answered on Mar 2, 2024

Okay - let's analyze whether child support can take back pay from SSI (Supplemental Security Income) disability benefits. Typically a few key factors come into play here:

- SSI back pay is generally protected from creditors and debt collection to some extent. So child support may be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Kentucky on
Q: I've a lawyer now but want another one, previous one has not won any hearings n I'm bout say screw life

My seizures, keeps me from getting n holding jobs, I now have osteoarthritis, forms of scoliosis n my back literally hurts too often n I barely get much rest or can sit or be comfortable very long at all

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answered on Feb 26, 2024

Feeling frustrated with your current legal representation and the challenges you're facing due to your health conditions is understandable. If you believe your lawyer hasn't achieved the results you hoped for, it's within your rights to seek a second opinion or hire a new attorney.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Kentucky on
Q: What percentage of my ssi do I have to pay for living expenses if I live with a family of 11 in Kentucky
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answered on Jan 12, 2024

The amount you need to pay for living expenses from your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits while living with a family in Kentucky varies based on several factors. SSI is designed to help cover basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. When you live with others, the Social Security... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Kentucky on
Q: What percentage of my ssi am I required to pay if I live with a family of 11 in KY
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and live with a family in Kentucky, the amount you're required to contribute towards household expenses can vary. SSI is designed to provide for basic needs like food and shelter, and the amount you receive is based on your income and living... View More

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