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
I am 17 years old and currently receive SSI benefits. My dad serves as my representative payee. I want to become my own payee because I want to learn how to manage a bank account and be independent. I have not taken any steps yet, but I've spoken to my dad about my interest. Can I become my... View More
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answered on Feb 15, 2025
Generally, you cannot serve as your own payee for SSI benefits while under 18 in Pennsylvania. The Social Security Administration requires representative payees for most minor recipients to ensure proper management of benefits and protect your interests.
Your desire to learn financial... View More
I’m disabled and have 2 sons 20 and 8. They have different fathers. A year ago my 8 year old lived with his dad while I was having health issues. During that time the 20 year old lost his benefit payment because of his age. I was told that if the 8 year old still resided with me that the... View More
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answered on Jan 21, 2025
This situation involves potential Social Security benefit misuse, and you should contact the Social Security Administration right away to report what happened. The rules state that dependent benefits should follow the child's primary residence, meaning when your 8-year-old lived with his... View More
I am getting conflicting information regarding this issue.
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answered on Jan 13, 2025
Selling your property generally does not impact your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. SSDI is based on your work history and earnings, so as long as you continue to meet the work credit requirements, your benefits should remain unaffected by the sale of your home.... View More
she has cancer and her husband will not get rid of any of his assist for her to get Ssi now. he now left her and is with someone else while still married to her and left her in a house that is not safe for her to live in and with no money for anything she needs is there something we can do for her
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answered on Jan 9, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear about your sister's difficult situation - dealing with cancer while facing abandonment and financial hardship must be incredibly challenging for both of you.
Your sister may qualify for emergency SSI benefits despite her husband's assets since they are... View More
Can they approve his case if I Appel?
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answered on Jan 9, 2025
Filing an appeal for your son's SSI denial is absolutely worth trying, especially since he has both physical and learning challenges that affect his daily life. Many cases are initially denied but later approved through the appeals process.
To strengthen your appeal, gather detailed... View More
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answered on Dec 30, 2024
To find the results of a court case involving the Social Security Administration in Philadelphia, start by identifying the specific court where the case was filed. Cases with the SSA are often handled in federal courts, so you might want to check the records of the United States District Court for... View More
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
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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
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