SSI Question

[Akoto]

Hi all,

I have a question for those of you who are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Due to an incurable disability which took form in my late teens, I received a fully favorable disability ruling, but did not have enough work credits for "full" disability. Hadn't had enough time to earn them! So, they gave me SSI instead.

What I'm wondering is how I'm allowed to spend these funds. After all these years receiving them, I am still unclear as to whether it's okay to spend them on recreational goods such as books and games. That's my primary concern, and I would appreciate an answer if any of you folks in the same boat know.

For those who may be concerned, please keep in mind that I do first pay fair share (sort of like rent) to my parents, groceries, doctors and dentistry as needed, clothes, and other necessities. However, I am also largely trapped in house, and primarily in my bed. Recreational goods serve their own purpose in keeping me sane under these circumstances, but I fear buying them for that day when a financial review comes around.

Naturally, you fear that the administration will point at your recreational spending and say you're wasting the money, no more benefits for you. At least, you do when you're in the dark like me!

Thank you!

(NOTE: I suppose I should clarify that SSI and SSDI are two separate programs, thus the confusion about what I am dealing with ruleswise. SSI is not "full" disability in the sense most people think of it, even though you can get it if ruled disabled. It's a needs-based program, so it has extra rules.)

[Lil Missy]

1. You can spend the money however you wish. n/t

[Akoto]

2. Thank you.

You'd be surprised at how hard it is to get an answer that direct from official sources.

[oftheforest]

3. It's true you can spend it on whatever you like,

but you may not put it into savings that goes over a certain amount. Here in Oregon it used to be $2000 max. Don't know if it's still the same or if it's different in other states.

[Akoto]

4. It's the same cap here in Florida.

Just in necessities, I spend enough to never hit that cap. However, being trapped in your house (or your room), you do save a bit of money - enough to buy a book or a PC game. I suppose it's just my anxiety striking the fear of loss into my heart.

[oftheforest]

5. My son was also housebound, bedridden actually,

I bought him the best tv and other electronics that he could use and enjoy. It was tough coming up with ideas to spend the money. It helped me make his life more comfortable.

[Akoto]

6. I am sorry to hear about your son's situation.

It does suck to be a young person who is confined to home most of the time. It's no fun at all, and that's setting aside the difficulties of dealing with the disability itself.

Distractions such as those have been very important in my life. If I didn't have them, my focus would instead turn to my pain, or my boredom, or loneliness. It's much more than the frivolous spending some people think.

If I may clarify, does your son have SSI or SSDI? The later is basically "full" disability, which is not what I have.

[RobinA]

7. If You Want To

and can save money, consider putting it in a special needs trust (see a lawyer). That way you can accumulate more than $2000. The trust money must be spent on care for you, but it will not count against you when benefits are figured.

If one of your parents is deceased (or becomes deceased) and you were diagnosed before 22 yrs, you may be able to get survivor benefits based on his or her SS income. The pitfall in that is that if you worked for a brief time you don't qualify. SS seems never to have heard of progressive illnesses.