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Pennsylvania Social Security Questions & Answers
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
James L. Arrasmith
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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.?

James L. Arrasmith
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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.

James L. Arrasmith
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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?

James L. Arrasmith
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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

Elizabeth Fowler Lunn
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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.

2 Answers | Asked in Agricultural Law, Small Claims and Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hello. What is USC 15 B 1611 and can I speak to and underwriter please.

Please Help!

James L. Arrasmith
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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

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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security, Divorce and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Been married 40 years need to leave and my husband has disability and pension for income I said I need half to move out

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

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: I won SSI case from 3/21 to 6/22 I won after reconsideration but won’t get any back pay. Found disabled 6/22. Why don’t

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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: Should I seek you as an attorney first? Or wait to see if I get denied?

I'm in the medical field for 37 years. Diagnosed with Major depressive disorder. I've had a psychiatrist and psychologist. Health care is killing me mentally. What are my chances of getting disability? I have to use my intermittent leave on some occasions. I'm 58.

Susan Michele Schaefer
Susan Michele Schaefer
answered on Feb 9, 2022

Talk to an experienced disability attorney first. Most offer a free initial consultation and will be able to discuss the particular issues about your claim. You can then decide if you want to hire an attorney to represent you. A common arrangement is contingency fee where the attorney will get paid... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: The Appeals Council started reviewing the decision issued by the ALj. Why are they reviewing the ALJ decision ?

I never asked for an appeal . Is it protocol for the Appeals council to review the Judge decision . Does this mean it was denied for them to review out of the blue? Thank you

Thomas Carter O'Brien
Thomas Carter O'Brien
answered on Dec 27, 2021

The Appeals Council can either review an ALJ decision because you requested the review, or they can review decisions of their own volition. In their review, the most common outcomes are to either agree with the ALJ decision, or they can remand the decision back to the ALJ for them to fix any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: I'm 30 y.o. I'm receiving disabled adult child. If I go back to school am I always stuck at the amount of SSDI I makenow

I'm on disabled adult child with survivor benefits. If I choose to go back to school to make an actual living and I apply for SSD retirement benefits in 30 something years will my benefits match the ones I currently get because I "dipped" into social security already?

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answered on Jul 7, 2021

Right now the amount you are paid is based off your parent’s earnings record. If you go to school and then work until you reach retirement age you will draw a retirement amount based on your own earnings record. Your current benefits will stop once you are deemed able to work by Social Security -... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: I retired from US Post Office i get my Civil Pension Plan . Social Security tells me, i can not get my Social Security

benifits, is this correct?. And if so, is their away to at least get my money that i put in over all the years that i worked?

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jun 11, 2021

Depending on when you were hired, when you worked, what was taken out for what and paid where you may or may not get Social Security Retirement benefits of you may get them at a reduces level. Start by getting an explanation in writing from Social Security. Make sure you have your payroll records,... View More

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