Overpayment Notice From The SSA

BILL'S ANSWER

The Social Security Administration uses various formulas for determining whether or not an individual is eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI); in doing so, they often need the financial information of the applicantÂ’s entire household, not just that of the applicant herself. The SSA has several reasons for needing this information; first, if the applicant is married, some or all of the spouseÂ’s income may be included in the applicantÂ’s income calculation.

Second, even if the applicant is not married, if she is living with someone who is helping to pay her living expenses (which sounds more like your motherÂ’s situation), the money that the third-party pays toward the applicantÂ’s expenses can be considered as income for the applicant. These examples are only a couple of the various instances in which the SSA may use the applicantÂ’s household financial information rather than limiting itself to reviewing the income of the individual applicant.

Because of the rather strict qualification guidelines the SSA uses in determining eligibility for SSI benefits, you may be wise to fully disclose your household income and financial circumstances. Failing to provide household income and asset information could result in a delay in the processing of your motherÂ’s claim and appeal, and it could lead to her request for reconsideration being rejected by the decision appeals board. If you are concerned about disclosing the requested information, or if you simply would like some professional advice on how to proceed with your motherÂ’s appeal, I encourage you to consult with an attorney in your area who has experience working with the Social Security Administration.

You must remember that the SSA uses complex formulas to determine eligibility for SSI benefits; the fact that it is requesting a financial statement for your entire household does not necessarily mean that your familyÂ’s income will necessarily affect her ability to receive SSI benefits or retain those already paid to her. Your motherÂ’s income should remain the primary focus of the SSAÂ’s review; your income will likely only be considered to the extent that you support your mother by providing her with a place to live, food, medicine, etc. Since those items would normally come out of her own income, the SSA may view your providing these items to your mother as a means of indirectly supplementing her income, which could affect her eligibility and what action the SSA takes in regard to the "overpayment."

Again, I encourage you to consult with an attorney with experience in working with the SSA. After reviewing yours and your motherÂ’s financial information with the attorney, he should be able to assist you in formulating a plan to resolve the SSAÂ’s overpayment claim. To read more about SSI, and Social Security in general, you can visit SocialSecurity.gov. I wish you and your mother the best of luck in your efforts to resolve this dispute with the SSA, and hope that the information I have provided helps you Find. Learn. Save.

Best,

Bill

www.bills.com