Social Security Insider - Latest Comments in Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Yvonne Bergeron — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 10:29:32 -0000

I have a friend ,single lives alone .They are on SSI,medicaid,food stamps. Their family member passed away,and left them as pod savings account. Their biggest concern,is if they lose SSi ect .They were told they can't reapply for SSi,until they just have no more than $2000 left. They have noone to support them finacially until they get back on SSi ,which they heard can take up to 2 years .$2000 would pay for just one money rent,and ultilities,and food. What should they do? They dont want to end up in the streets. They have no family left who they can live with for free. Any advice on how they could get money,but not lose their income?.Or have it taken out by SSI.Is their a way to get back on SSI sooner? What is a special trust,and what does it allow to withdraw money from it for? Would they be able to pay for medications their medical dont cover with the money from the trust? This person owes money to a few people for borrowing to pay for their medications each month for a couple of years. Also this person needs clothing,and household stuff they havent been able to afford while on SSi. Can a special trust allow them clothing money,and household needs like curtains,bed sheets ect.

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Cinderella — Tue, 30 May 2017 11:10:15 -0000

my dad died seven years ago and left two Trusts..one for my stepmother to live on and the other to go to myself and my two stepsisters after her death. my stepmother set up her Trust as a five way checking account (two stepsisters and their two children). she recently passed..she passed the Estate on to her two daughters ($200,000 plus home with assets/antiques). So stepsister #1 has already been living off of Trust #1 and now inherits 1/3 of Trust #2..and half of the Estate and the business (Antique Store is co-owned by both stepsisters). Stepsister #1 has been receiving SSDI and SSI for several years. Not reporting the inheritance the first time around ..and doubt will this time around. How do i report this?
Sincerely,

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Gloria Vazquez Miller — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 15:09:31 -0000

I am going to inherit some money soon from my mother's estate. I am 69 years old and on SSI-Medicare Medicaid, I have chronic physical problems, I know I will lose my SSI, after I spend the money, can I get back my SSI and Medicaid? I live in California.

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Kathleen Sisco — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 12:04:05 -0000

Before I became cynical, I signed a paper for the social worker in Duluth MN about repaying my 'market rate' subsidized apartment when I got SS lump sum. I was living somewhere else when I was notified of payment and called the MN office and she said I did not have to repay. I planned to do so much. I was sold a car I put thousands of dollars in repairs in to cure it dying while moving and ended up sending it to the junk yard with almost new everything. I now believe the repairmen all knew and left the catalytic converter problem in place.
That was the beginning of my target life. It has never stopped. No matter how much I have paid it never seems to be enough. I kept myself out of debt and got a house here in the UP 3 years ago. There are many deficiency not noted in the inspection report which make the house unlivable year round due to a CO2 problem. For 4 months I live in one room closed off from the heat system with a sliding door for fresh air and a space heater. I have worked in the yard to remove much clutter and brush. At 70 I want to escape these winters. You don't have to believe me but I am convinced the social worker used hypnosis and suggestion to make as I remember it: YOU DONT GET EVERYTHING YOU WANT to happen.

I got none of what I wanted, to be part of seeing my grandchildren into college, being by my children.
I now understand why people live under bridges to keep what they hope is their SS lump sum. If we were going to be charged for housing against a future SS lump sum payment, why don't we have the choice of home buying?

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Kathleen Sisco — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 11:47:23 -0000

When I was a tot, I fell out of my parent's moving car. I have always felt that there was something wrong with me. My husband was an important support. When we built our second home in WI Oneida Co, with hind sight it now appears that we were run out of town to enable the bank to reclaim their $50,000 loan on property that is now valued at a quarter of a million dollars. That ended our normal life. My husband died in a junk highway removal we were living and practicing body work in. I started on a 20 year homeless shelter/senior tower living. I got a BS in college by avoiding math; I am a speed reader.
I can now say that we were stalked by the cops for our property. In the body shop there was a push to make me responsible for the books thereby invalidating my claim of brain trauma. Supposedly your property cannot be manipulated from you if you are deficient. Well, they have ways around that. You only get to keep your property if they manage to make you carry the financial load for many others. Underneath all is the intent to keep you from managing your own life and assets, if any.
After I was run down by a truck in the crosswalk under green and woke up in the ER, I spent 6 weeks in recovery. Broken collar bone, contused lung, 5 fractured ribs. I take what was told to me by an elderly man on a walker at McD across from my injury site as my mantra: YOU DONT KNOW THE HALF OF IT.

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

tngirl — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 20:09:49 -0000

I got a inheritance in TN and getting kicked out of a house I rented. Can I buy anew house with the money and not hurt my ssid and qmb medication supplement?

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Pam Spence — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 10:20:54 -0000

My husband has ssdi and adult medicade he is getting an inheritance is there anything we can do so Madi cade is not affected and what about Madi cade state recovery can they take the inheritance

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

John Saw — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 04:44:12 -0000

These matters said. The PASS plan and "Ticket to Work" are, in fact, optional. If you are simply interested, or cannot work, you do not have to participate. On a further note, Google: "trick us to work"; and "three programs that don't work for the mentally disabled". It is sad, but don't necessarily believe the "expedited reinstatement of benefits". Although you can appeal the decision and keep the benefits for 6 months while the SSA reviews your appeal, you can still get denied (which often happens), since usually, you are found "no longer disabled" (since they will feel, what happened between the time since? Does it make sense that s/he was able to all that type of work and effort? And if s/he did all that, couldn't this beneficiary actually be capable of performing less strenuous work, at the SGA level (e.g. even unskilled and sedentary), (and whether the beneficiary is employable; or such jobs would be obtainable; do not matter under SSA regulations).

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

John Saw — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 04:38:09 -0000

However, there are horror stories of "overpayments". Be sure that you are, in fact, getting, "Impairment-Related Work Expenses"; and starting out "part-time" with medical restrictions; and have these documented in your medical records; and/or a note from your treating physician what accommodations you would need (extra breaks; reasons you cannot start working a full-time, or 30 to 40 hour, 6 to 8 hour, 4-5 days per weeks; with specific medical reasons; or even that you would need retraining to perform sedentary work; or side effects of treatment/medications; special transportation assistance; and such; that are SPECIFIC to your DISABLING medical conditions. You should also have your doctor(s) note in your record the SPECIFIC TYPE of financial assistance for the specific type of medical expensive (e.g. medication costs, referrals to medical specialists ordinarily not covered by Medicaid/ special procedures/treatments ordinarily not covered/ and it should be documented in your medical records; as well as in letter from doctor, that these are not covered by your doctor. Furthermore, your relative should write a letter, specifically stating the extent and detail, including the expenses being paid, for YOU (your full name, and DOB), in some detail, and that is not covered by insurance, dates and amounts paid; with updated letters when further assistance provided; and sign, date, and even have you sign and date; and even fully and legibly print full names; and have your doctor(s) keep a copy for your chart; as well as the vocational rehab agency/employment network/ PASS plan approval/documentation for making "active and timely progress" toward your "career goal".

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

John Saw — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 03:46:44 -0000

True; an adult can live in a mansion and still qualify for SSI; and long as that adult lives in that one mansion. This "resource" does NOT COUNT toward the "resource limits" (but must be reported to the SSA), However, any rental income received for RENTING OUT ROOMS, or any portion of the household/dwelling (to live at the residence) would be considered "unearned income" and must be reported to the SSA).

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Sherrie Ann Petkus — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 20:00:22 -0000

Thank you. You may have just saved me from a heart attack. Any chance you might contact me personally and let me know how things turned out for you? I am just starting to work it through.

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Mary rivera — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 20:20:00 -0000

My friend is retired and has a supplemental social security and section 8. She got 15k on life insurance and 8k of her son 401 k , is she supposed to report that and can she lost benefits, even tho this money won't last her long if she had to pay rent

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Dj — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 11:49:39 -0000

I am on ssi it is my only income. Can i inherit the condo i live in without losing my benefits?

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Katie Kurtz — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 10:24:06 -0000

I am on disability because I have COPD. I live in the city, it is crowded,I live next to a main street and the cars are lined up every day and night, this does affect my breathing. I lust want to sell my house which is paid for and buy another house in the country and pay it off completely. I could not make a house payment because this is my only income. Will they cut off my disability because I get money for the house, even though I will be putting it right back into another house ?

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Toni Travis — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 13:05:54 -0000

I am on ssi and medicaid in the state of Texas. I own my home. My home is falling apart and I cannot afford to fix it. Can I sell my home and use the money to buy another?

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Lorraine — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 17:13:52 -0000

I draw public assistance in Iowa .food stamps and medical.my grandmother died and left my inheritance. will I get anything or will the state of Iowa tale it all

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Bunny — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 15:36:22 -0000

►They want to oppress the poorest people and punish us for not having enough work credits.◄

Absolutely agree!

►$2000 or $3000 for a married couple is an extremely low asset limit these days. One car repair can cost that.◄

Again...agreed!

► If I thought it was hard to live on SSI, living on $81 MSA for several months is impossible.◄

$81 isn't even enough for a week worth of groceries!

►Thanks Bunny for your comments.◄

You're welcome.

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Debbie Miller — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 10:18:44 -0000

SSI allows you to own one primary residence that does not count against you until sold. If you plan to sell the home later on, consult with a trust attorney to put the proceeds into a Special Needs Trust and then it won't affect his SSI checks.

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Debbie Miller — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 10:16:26 -0000

Yes. When spending down any lump sum you will want to keep receipts. Show the receipts to prove the money was spent. Your landlord can give you a receipt and electric and other utilities can give you statements. A car title can prove you bought a vehicle but might be hard to prove what was paid.

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Debbie Miller — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 10:11:55 -0000

SSI recipients are allowed one vehicle and one primary residence. He should not lose his benefits.

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Debbie Miller — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 10:10:25 -0000

The person is right. I'm not sure how much trouble you would be in if you do this.

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Debbie Miller — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 10:08:49 -0000

No. Their best bet is to pay a lawyer who specializes in Special Needs Trusts for SSI clients. The inheritance can be put in a Trust and allow them to continue to get their SSI checks. It typically costs $1000-$2000 to set up a trust and the other two documents to support it.

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Debbie Miller — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 09:52:52 -0000

You must report it and he may be suspended from medicaid until the money has been spent down. Keep receipts for what you purchased to prove the assets were spent. You can reapply for his benefits as soon as the money is gone.

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Debbie Miller — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 09:50:45 -0000

Legally that is not allowed. It is called In Kind Support and counts against her, reducing her SSI checks.

Re: Do I Have to Report an Inheritance to Social Security?

Debbie Miller — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 09:48:59 -0000

The Special Needs Trust document is always written up with a medicaid payback clause. Usually the Trust can not be dissolved without an order from the judge. Once dissolved and Medicaid paid back the remainder would be an asset and suspend SSI payments. If he is able to dissolve the Trust at age 18, he would be subject to payback of SSI for the past two years prior to dissolving the trust along with medicaid.