Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries occasionally learn they own a countable asset they weren’t aware of. For example, a beneficiary may discover that a relative had purchased stock for them and it has a cash value. Determining If an Unknown Asset is a Countable Asset In this type of situation, Social Security first determines if the SSI beneficiary has: ownership …
Ask Ben: How Do I Use SSA’s Online Service?
Yodel-ay-he-hoo! I’m here in the Swiss Alps, learning to yodel and enjoying the beautiful mountains. Did you know herders use yodeling to call their stock, and that the sound of a yodel can travel between Alpine villages? I’ll give my voice a rest and answer a question from Dua about how to get in touch with Social Security. And I …
Social Security, Benefits and Taxes
Benefits Specialists normally do not assist clients with their taxes unless they are qualified tax preparers. However, they should have a general knowledge of how Social Security benefits may affect a person’s taxes and what credits may be available to their consumers. Title XVI and Title II Benefits are Treated Differently All Title XVI (Supplemental Security Insurance or SSI) payments …
Ask Ben: My Spouse and I Want to Enroll in Medicare Part B. What Are Our Options?
Good morning young Hobbits! I am at a Hobbiton where they filmed parts of the Lord of the Rings movies here in Matamata, New Zealand. Even though I still feel hungry even after my second breakfast, I’ll answer a question from Jane and Keisha. Hey Ben – My spouse and I want to enroll in Medicare Part B. Neither of …
Ask Ben: Help! Repaying My Student Loans is Tough!
Last month I was enjoying the beautiful fall colors in Wisconsin when suddenly. . . the air turned icy! Now I’m at the beautiful Grand Canyon where the temperatures are in the high 50s and wildlife abounds. Just this morning I saw a Golden Eagle, Canyon Wren, and several Bighorn Sheep. There are 447 known species of birds in the …
Ask Ben: I’m Enrolled in Medicare. Is There Something I Need to Do this Fall?
Fall in Wisconsin! It may not be as exotic as Paris or Africa, but who can beat these gorgeous fall colors? As I sit here admiring the beautiful fall leaves and enjoying the crisp air, I’ll answer a question about Medicare that comes along each fall…. Dear Ben, I enrolled in Medicare when I first became eligible last May. I’ve …
Ask Ben: Can I Increase My Assets AND Keep My SSI Eligibility?
The cold winds of March are no fun! I had to escape the tail end of the Wisconsin winter and the talk of another snowstorm heading our way. Being an adventurous guy, I found myself in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, among the nine breathtaking islands of the Azores. If you like waterfalls and swimming with dolphins, this is …
Ask Ben: Knowledge is Power!
After an evening of fine dining in beautiful Paris, I’m ready to answer Juanita’s question about benefits. I always have time to empower people with questions about disability benefits. Knowledge is power! Dear Ben, I am going to start looking for a job. This will be my first job since my disability benefits started 5 years ago. Can you tell …
Ask Ben: Will Marriage Affect SSI and SSDI Benefits?
I’ve heard it’s been unusually cold in parts of the United States! Brrrr! Not for me….I’m staying warm in Timanfaya National Park, on the Island of Lanzarote, Spain. The parkland here is made up entirely of volcanic soil. It’s beautiful, and warm! I just checked my email and see I have a question about marriage and SSA Benefits. Hi Ben, …
Ask Ben: Will I Lose My SSDI if I Keep Working?
Hello from Prague! I’m enjoying a visit to the beautiful capitol of the Czech Republic (the museums are incredible). After the heat of Zambia, the snow and ice here is refreshing…but I am enjoying the warmth of the coffee shops and theaters. It’s so cozy to be inside sipping my coffee, watching the snow fall on the sidewalks, and writing …