Category Archives: Benefits

Available benefits, overpayment and cessation issues

Social Security Auxiliary benefits for children in a separate household

A reader asked if a child can still receive Social Security auxiliary benefits if she is living apart from the disabled parent: If I have legal guardianship of my nephew and my sister is receiving SSDI. Can I apply to … Continue reading

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Paternity and children’s Social Security benefits

Children can often receive Social Security benefits if a parent is disabled or deceased. I have previously written about these kind of Social Security auxiliary and survivors benefits. However, there are times when proving paternity becomes an issue. Here are a … Continue reading

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My SSI benefits stopped because I was in a hospital! Why?

Here is the short answer: if you are hospitalized in a medical treatment facility for 30 days, your SSI benefits may be cut to $30 per month. Now, here is the long answer: You are not eligible for SSI benefits for … Continue reading

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How to avoid an overpayment of Social Security benefits

If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits, the last thing you want is to get a letter in the mail telling you that you owe Social Security money. I have seem many individuals with overpayment notices for tens of … Continue reading

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Are Social Security disability benefits forever?

Many people wonder what will happen after they are approved for Social Security disability benefits? Will my benefits be stopped? Will I continue to get Social Security disability benefits for the rest of my life? Except for closed period cases, … Continue reading

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Can a 18 year old full time student still get Social Security child’s benefits?

I was recently asked if Social Security child’s benefits continue for a full time student who is 18 or over. At first blush, the regulations seem to suggest it might be possible. 20 CFR 404.350 “Who is entitled to child’s … Continue reading

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What are Social Security auxiliary benefits

When a disabled individual receives Social Security disability insurance benefits (also known as DIB, SSDI or Title 2 benefits), their spouse or minor children may also be eligible to receive Social Security benefits. These benefits paid to the spouse or … Continue reading

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How does borrowing money affect Social Security Supplemental Security Income SSI disability benefits

It can be very difficult to get by on the small amount of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays. Many individuals are forced to borrow money from friends or family just to make ends meet. But, how can this negatively affect … Continue reading

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When does Social Security review cases for premature babies?

Social Security may approve Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to children with a low birth weight (regardless or whether the child is premature). According to the Social Security regulations, these cases are often reviewed by the child’s first birthday. When … Continue reading

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How parent’s income effects children’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits

If you have a child or grandchild with a disability, you may be thinking about applying for Social Security disability benefits for the child. The most common type of children’s disability benefits is Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, proving disability … Continue reading

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Will it hurt my child if I apply for children’s SSI Social Security disability benefits

I was asked to address some of the issues parents should consider when deciding whether to start an application for Social Security disability benefits (typically children’s Supplemental Security Income – SSI – benefits) for their disabled child. Many parents worry … Continue reading

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How much can I earn and keep my SSI?

This is a particularly tough question. I previously wrote about how earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity amount may cause your benefits to be stopped in Social Security Disability Insurance cases.  In SSI cases, I just learned that you can earn more than … Continue reading

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Can you garnish Social Security disability benefits for child support

A quickie article answering a common question: can you garnish Social Security disability benefits for child support? Title 2 Disability Insurance (aka SSDI or DIB) benefits can be garnished for child support. However, Title 16 Supplemental Security Income (aka SSI) benefits cannot … Continue reading

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The advantages of getting both Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI benefits

I recently wrote about receiving both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or DIB) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.  Let’s look at the advantages of being on both benefits programs.

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Can you get both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

I recently wrote about the difference between Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). But, can you get both: SSI and SSDI? Depending on your circumstances, yes.  The maximum you can receive on SSI is based on the annual Federal … Continue reading

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