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Pennsylvania Social Security Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am trying to become my own payee in a one off scenario for SSA

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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security and Tax Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: How does earned income get reported in 2023 and not have a W2 or other documents from any source proving of the income?

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

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can my insurance company make me sign up for social security disability. I am not of age to retire. I'm on short-

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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith and Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can my insurance company make me 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, 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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: I’m looking for to apply for social security and I need to know what is the best way to get started so I can begin the p
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I receive my partner’s social security? We lived together for 22 years, shared expense owned a trailer but paid our

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

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: I lived with my partner for 22 years, I also worked. We shared all the bills. I applied for his social security and was

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

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: When can I apply for widower benefits and will I get full benefits my husband died at the age of 34 on June 25 98
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: My husband passed away in 1998 he was only 34 years old I'm now 55 when can I apply for widower benefits
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Social Security and Public Benefits for Pennsylvania on
Q: I'm on disability and recieve SSDI. If I get a part-time job, I must report my income.

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

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: I’m on ssdi now since I was 50 yo. I heard once my wife turned 62 which she is now that she is eligible to collect half.

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

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am 18 and I get SSDI checks and my grandma is refusing to give me my check because I am refusing to give her money

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

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: How do we fight dad getting moms ss benefits, when she passes away?

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

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Social Security, Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Parent withholding 18-year-old child’s social security card and photo ID

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

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: Need a letter to the SSA regarding incorrectly being denied SS survivor's benefits. Now approved, but owed back benefits

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

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: What is one's legal right when a local Social Security Office refuses to adhere to the SSA Act Guidelines

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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: Will social security withhold $6,000 or the updated amount of $7,2000?

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.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Family Law, Civil Rights and Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: My parents are withholding my birth certificate and Social security card, can I get the police to return these to me?

I reached out to my parents to ask for my birth certificate and social security card, the original copies, I am 21, and they are refusing to give them to me. So I am considering having the police remove the documents from their house and return them to me, is this legal? I live in Lancaster PA, but... View More

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answered on Sep 14, 2024

If your parents are withholding your birth certificate and Social Security card, you have the right to request these documents, especially since you are an adult at 21. These are personal documents that belong to you, and you should have access to them. In this situation, it’s important to try to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hello. Two of my children under 18 receive SSI. What is the income limit monthly 4 a family of 4 to still get full SSI ?
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answered on Aug 19, 2024

The income limit for a family of four when children receive SSI can vary based on several factors. These include earned and unearned income, any benefits received, and the number of people in the household. The Social Security Administration uses a formula to determine how much income affects SSI... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law and Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I change my name in the US while residing abroad?

I am a US citizen (born in PA and have lived in OH, NY, MD, and MI) but have been living in Germany for the past 3 years. At the beginning of this year, I got married and I wanted to change my last name to take my husband’s last name, but I also want to change my middle name to my maiden name. In... View More

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answered on Aug 5, 2024

Changing your name in the US while residing abroad can be a bit complex, but it is possible. To change your name, you generally need to file a petition with the court in the state where you last resided or where you have some form of residency connection. Since you have a birth certificate from... View More

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