SSI Question - Important

[Akoto]

Hi all,

I'm hoping some folks here are experts on SSI (Supplemental Security Income). That's as opposed to SSDI, what people think of as 'normal' disability. I didn't have enough work credits to get that.

I am an adult recipient of SSI. Every month, I pay a fair share payment to my parents which accounts for living with them and food/utilities. I also purchase food, and clothes if I need them.

At that point, if there is money left over, can I do anything I want with it other than give it away? To be clear, we're talking about my monthly stipend; my back pay funds are long gone.

The reason I ask is that a friend is in a bind. He is behind on paying a traffic ticket and will lose his license if he doesn't catch up, on his birthday of all days. I was considering buying one of his sculptures for $50 to help him out, but I don't want to get myself in hot water, either. This is time sensitive, obviously, since it has to be handled before his birthday.

I suppose this is good knowledge to have, regardless. It'd be nice to buy a book or game without fear, since being trapped in my room is maddening enough. Thanks!

[rug]

1. The money is yours.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

2. Spend it any way you like!

There is nothing that says you can't purchase a gift, make a donation, or do whatever you with with what is 'your money'

[Akoto]

3. That's the biggest problem I've had with SSI ...

Ordinary disability seems to be fairly clear, but with SSI, I've heard it suggested that there are rules on what you can and can't buy. They look for violations at the financial reviews, I was told. The thing is, I can never get a straight answer, much less find out if such rules even exist!

I probably should have noted that we're talking my monthly stipend, not back pay.

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. You can spend whatever you want on what you want.

Far as I know, they don't come to your house to check what you have.
As long as your bank account is below the income limit and you don't drive to the SSI office in a new car,
I don't see what problem there could be about what you are proposing.

To feel better about it, just do it quietly, keep it between you and your friend.

Also, there has to be SSI manuals online somewhere for your state, called Administrative Manuals, which have the rules in them.
Try Google, see what comes up.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

5. How do you receive your monthly stipend?

[Akoto]

8. It is direct deposited into my checking account around the first of the month. n/t

[Sekhmets Daughter]

9. So if you have any doubts,

withdraw cash from your account! Cash is nicely untraceable... But I doubt anyone will ever ask. They are deliberately vague to keep people like yourself guessing.

[Akoto]

12. He's overseas, so Paypal would likely be the method of payment. n/t

[Sekhmets Daughter]

13. How soon does he need the money?

No one is going to look. I think you are worrying needlessly.

[Akoto]

14. April 16, but I imagine it'd be wise to have it taken care of well before.

I'm sure you're right, but the fact that they never make it clear always puts a pit of worry into my stomach. Every time I buy something to keep myself sane in my room, whether it be a book or a video game or something, I worry about the next review. I've only had one in all these years, when I first got SSI and they practically had nothing TO review.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

15. Just do it...$50.00 is not going to cause you any problems whatsoever!

Think of the relief you'll experience when you realize there is nothing to worry about in the future!

[rug]

6. The review is supposed to be limited to your resources and income, not your outgo.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-redets-ussi.htm

The crap you've been hearing is the result of republican, fox and rightwing radio's agenda to stigmatize recipients. God forbid anyone on SSI buys a beer, a pack of cigarettes or gives somebody some money.

They can pry into your income, living arrangements and resources all they want but it's not really part of the statutory scheme to second guess your spending choices once you've qualified.

[elleng]

7. Use cash,

and sounds like you might want to do that for most of your expenditures so you won't feel as if there's a threat hanging over your head.

Best.

[Loryn]

10. I agree, use cash

I am on also on SSDI & for a short time received the SSI benefit. They decided I am no longer eligible, which is fine, for now. I will probably need it again in the future, and you know they have no problem getting into your business.

They don't mind cutting you off while they figure it out either.

[Akoto]

11. My friend is overseas. Not exactly a viable method at the moment.

The thread is confusing me, even. Some are saying I've nothing to worry about, others are saying I'd better use cash because they might cut me off.

[Downwinder]

16. The only restrictions I knew of when I was on SSI

were restrictions on my assets and income. I never heard of and restrictions on what or where I spent.












i

[RobinA]

17. I'm Not Really Sure

Where you get the idea there are restrictions on how you spend the money. You can do whatever you want with it.

[pipi_k]

18. I also have never

heard of restrictions on what you can and cannot purchase.

At one time I worked with the developmentally disabled. The higher functioning people had jobs, but got SSI as well.

The only thing we ever had to deal with as far as SS went was that these people would tend to put their money into the bank and then every so often we would get a notice from SS saying that the clients had to spend down to below the $200 limit.

SS didn't give a shit what these people spent their money on. Just as long as their monetary assets didn't go over $200.

[mrmpa]

19. I agree with you..............

I also have worked with the developmentally disabled, where the higher functioning also held jobs & got SSI. When those letters came, we would take our clients on a shopping trip. Clothes and shoes were bought, DVD's and CD's, posters, and on a few occasions the client asked for some money to go to their church(es).

[mysuzuki2]

20. you can do anything you want with it.