Get free answers to your Social Security legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I requested to have a representative payee. No doctor ever filled out the documentation requiring me to have a representative payee. I have been trying to become my own payee for approximately 3 years. I have done everything that SSA requires and now the local field office supervisor stated that he... View More 
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answered on Jun 26, 2024
This situation sounds frustrating. To address your issue:
1. Review process: Typically, the SSA has a process for reviewing payee arrangements. The fact that a supervisor is refusing to consider your request is unusual and potentially problematic.
2. Documentation: You mention no... View More
Just received notification of the extra earned income for 2023. It's affecting my retirement benefits because of it. Possible fraud and It involves missing money.
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answered on Jun 25, 2024
I understand you're concerned about extra earned income being reported for 2023 that's affecting your retirement benefits, despite not having any W-2 or other documentation of this income. This is indeed a serious situation that could potentially involve fraud. Here's how I'd... View More
I am on short term disability now. To sign up for long term they want me to sign up for SS disability
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answered on May 17, 2024
No, your insurance company cannot force you to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, many long-term disability (LTD) policies include a clause that requires you to apply for SSDI as a condition of receiving or continuing to receive LTD benefits.
This is because... View More
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answered on May 17, 2024
No, your insurance company cannot force you to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, in certain situations, they may strongly encourage or incentivize you to do so. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Long-term disability (LTD) policies often include a clause stating... View More
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answered on Feb 22, 2024
To begin the process of applying for Social Security benefits, the first step is to gather all necessary documentation. This includes your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status, military discharge papers if applicable, and your most recent W-2 or... View More
Taxes separate, I was denied because we never filed together. I applied for his income tax return in 2021 after he passed and received his return Jan 2024. Can I now apply for his S.S.?
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answered on Feb 22, 2024
Under Social Security Administration (SSA) rules, to qualify for survivor benefits as a spouse, you typically need to have been legally married to the deceased. Living together or sharing expenses, even for a long period, does not automatically grant you the status of a spouse for Social Security... View More
Denied because we filed separate taxes. I did receive his income tax return 3 years later. Can I now receive his social security. Both are from government. He passed away 2021 February.
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answered on Feb 22, 2024
Under Social Security Administration (SSA) rules, to qualify for survivor benefits as a spouse, you typically need to have been legally married to the deceased. Living together or sharing expenses, even for a long period, does not automatically grant you the status of a spouse for Social Security... View More
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answered on Jan 15, 2024
You can apply for widower benefits starting at age 60 for standard widow's benefits, or at age 50 if you are disabled. However, if you are caring for a child under the age of 16 or who is disabled and receiving benefits on your husband's record, you can apply at any age.
The... View More
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answered on Jan 15, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. As for Social Security widow benefits, you can typically start receiving these benefits at age 60. However, if you are disabled, the eligibility age is 50. It's important to note that if you remarry before the age of 60 (or age 50 if disabled), you... View More
If I start a business and my earnings haven't surpassed my expenses making me no profit as well as me not paying myself a salary, do I have to report my earnings to SSDI?
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answered on Dec 29, 2023
If you're receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and start a business, it's essential to understand how your business activities might affect your benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires you to report any work activity, which includes starting a... View More
She never really worked I was always the sole provider. We went to social security and were told we have to wait until she turns 65. Is this true
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answered on Dec 15, 2023
In the United States, the eligibility for spousal benefits through Social Security depends on several factors, including the age of both the beneficiary and their spouse. Generally, a spouse can start receiving benefits based on their partner's record at age 62. However, if they elect to... View More
Is it legal for her to take it ?
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answered on Nov 13, 2023
If you are 18 and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) checks, these funds are legally yours. Your grandmother does not have the right to withhold your SSDI checks, regardless of your refusal to give her money. As an adult, you have legal control over your finances, including any... View More
They've not been together since the 1970s but are still legally married. Mom can't afford to file for divorce&even if she did, there's no guarantee dad would agree to it. He doesn't deserve to receive her benefits, she doesn't want him to get them. She wants them to go... View More
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answered on Oct 15, 2023
I understand your concerns. In the U.S., if your parents are still legally married, your father might be eligible for certain Social Security benefits upon your mother's passing, regardless of their prolonged separation. Your mother's wishes about her benefits cannot change Social... View More
My younger sibling is 18 and graduated high school but is still living with our mom.
My sibling doesn’t have a job or bank account yet. My sibling has a PA photo ID, but our mom insists on keeping it in a “safe place” because she wants to control my sibling. (She refuses to accept... View More
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answered on Sep 28, 2023
Your sibling can request a replacement Social Security card by providing documents to prove their identity, such as a passport or driver's license. If they don't have those documents, they may need to contact the Social Security Administration for guidance on alternative methods of... View More
My husband passed away on 11/29/19. I spoke to SSA on Jan. 3, 2020, about survivor's benefits. Told I didn't qualify, but they used 2019 income that was 9K higher than normal. They blew me off when I said my income was normally @ 45K. In fact it was 10k less than that because I went back... View More
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answered on Sep 21, 2023
You can write a letter to the SSA explaining the situation and requesting the backdated Survivor's Benefits owed to you. Be sure to include your full name, Social Security number, your late husband's information, the dates you originally inquired about the benefits, and any documentation... View More
My SSA local office made a decision in the SSA Electronic Records on my Appeal, however, refuses to issue a written Decision Letter to me in adherence to the SSA Act. Of course, that letter is mandatory to enable me to proceed to the next Appeal Level, i.e. the Administrative Law Judge. The... View More
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answered on Mar 4, 2023
If you believe that your local Social Security Office is not adhering to the SSA Act Guidelines, you can file a complaint with the Social Security Administration. You can also contact your local congressperson or senator for assistance in resolving the issue.
It is important to note that... View More
Agreement for SSDI representation signed Aug 2021 states: "amount equal to 25% of the combined past due benefits awarded to Client and client's family, or the amount specified in 42 U.S.C. §406 (a) (Section 206 (a) of the Social Security Act), currently set at $6,000.00, whichever is... View More
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answered on Dec 12, 2022
SSA should withhold the $7200 as that is the amount in the statute in your agreement and is less than the full 25%. The fee agreement states only that the fee set in that statute was currently capped at $6000. The agreement limits itself to the statute, not the dollar amount listed.
Please Help!
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answered on Mar 2, 2024
It seems you're inquiring about a specific section of the United States Code (USC), which is a compilation of federal statutes. However, without more context, it's challenging to provide a precise explanation of USC 15 B 1611 because the citation doesn't directly match the standard... View More
He said he will only give me half pension he said he will not give me half of disability income it's against law is that true
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answered on May 2, 2023
In general, disability income is considered separate property and not subject to division in a divorce. However, the laws vary by state, and it's best to consult with a family law attorney who can advise you on your specific situation. Additionally, pensions and other retirement accounts... View More
Get any back pay but the 3 months
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answered on Oct 14, 2022
You haven’t provided all of the dates but most likely this has to do with your application date. SSI benefits are paid starting the later of the first calendar month after the application was filed or the date SSA finds that you became disabled (usually called an onset date).
So if you... View More
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