Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) questions...??

[SeaSpray]

My ex-DH is going blind at a rapid rate, and has been declared "permanently disabled" by the doctors. The company he works for is helping him to process the paperwork needed for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

He has told me that our DS(15) will qualify for "child benefits" payments. He said that these payments will most likely be a lot more $$ per month than what he's paying in child support right now.

Since his household income will be decreasing by a substantial amount, he's asked me to put away the excess amount of money that the SSDI checks will be for each month, to save it for after our DS turns 18. (SSDI will end when DS15 turns 18). Presumably, this "overage" amount will cover the child support amounts for the time period that our DS is 18 until he's 21 (DS will be going to college and therefore I'd still be getting child support until that age).

I have some questions, if anyone is familiar with this. First question is, who's name will the SSDI checks come in every month? I'm assuming they'd come in DS15's name...?? And regardless of who's name the checks are in, do *I* have a right to cash these checks and use them as I see fit?? With childsupport checks, they come in MY name, and I do not have to account to anyone what I do with the money.

Incidently, ex-DH and I get along extremely well, I consider him to be one of my best friends, although we don't talk or interact very often (but at least a couple of times a month, he lives several states away). Just wanted to throw this out there as background info. We're comfortable enough to speak freely with each other about just about anything.

The thing is, I know that theoretically, these SSDI checks that my DS15 will be entitled to are not *supposed* to replace child support checks, but in reality, they probably will. If my ex-DH is going to lose his job and instead receive SSDI, there's no way he can really afford to pay child support anymore. I mean, I *could* take him to court and force him to, but that is so NOT what our lives are about, and I'd never do that.

We really just want to know if we (*I*) have the right to use this money as we do with child support, or if it needs to put away for DS for future use.

Neither my ex-DH nor I nor my DH want to do anything "wrong" in this situation. Ex-DH has a company-appointed lawyer that he can ask these questions of, but I figured I'd come here because hopefully somebody out there has experience with this and we can get our questions answered faster.

 

[JennyMominRI]

My ex-DH is going blind at a rapid rate, and has been declared "permanently disabled" by the doctors. The company he works for is helping him to process the paperwork needed for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

He has told me that our DS(15) will qualify for "child benefits" payments. He said that these payments will most likely be a lot more $$ per month than what he's paying in child support right now.

Since his household income will be decreasing by a substantial amount, he's asked me to put away the excess amount of money that the SSDI checks will be for each month, to save it for after our DS turns 18. (SSDI will end when DS15 turns 18). Presumably, this "overage" amount will cover the child support amounts for the time period that our DS is 18 until he's 21 (DS will be going to college and therefore would I'd still be getting child support until that age).

I have some questions, if anyone is familiar with this. First question is, who's name will the SSDI checks come in every month? I'm assuming they'd come in DS15's name...?? And regardless of who's name the checks are in, do *I* have a right to cash these checks and use them as I see fit?? With childsupport checks, they come in MY name, and I do not have to account to anyone what I do with the money.

Incidently, ex-DH and I get along extremely well, I consider him to be one of my best friends, although we don't talk or interact very often (but at least a couple of times a month, he lives several states away). Just wanted to throw this out there as background info. We're comfortable enough to speak freely with each other about just about anything.

The thing is, I know that theoretically, these SSDI checks that my DS15 will be entitled to are not *supposed* to replace child support checks, but in reality, they probably will. If my ex-DH is going to lose his job and instead receive SSDI, there's no way he can really afford to pay child support anymore. I mean, I *could* take him to court and force him to, but that is so NOT what our lives are about, and I'd never do that.

We really just want to know if we (*I*) have the right to use this money as we do with child support, or if it needs to put away for DS for future use.

Neither my ex-DH nor I nor my DH want to do anything "wrong" in this situation. Ex-DH has a company-appointed lawyer that he can ask these questions of, but I figured I'd come here because hopefully somebody out there has experience with this and we can get our questions answered faster.

OK..Let me see if I can explain this well..IF your child qualifies for SSDI,the person who he qualifies through(your ex) can make anyone the payee... The check would be for the child but can have either your name on it or his fathers name on it... You can spend it pretty much any way you like as long as it's for the good of the child. Once a year you will have to fill out a form stating whether or not the money was used for the upkeep of the child..It's a simple yes or no form.
My DD and I have recieved SSDI for 13 years now. I'd be glad to help with any questions

 

[SeaSpray]

OK..Let me see if I can explain this well..IF your child qualifies for SSDI,the person who he qualifies through(your ex) can make anyone the payee... The check would be for the child but can have either your name on it or his fathers name on it... You can spend it pretty much any way you like as long as it's for the good of the child. Once a year you will have to fill out a form stating whether or not the money was used for the upkeep of the child..It's a simple yes or no form.
My DD and I have recieved SSDI for 13 years now. I'd be glad to help with any questions

Thank you so much for the quick reply. I believe you've answered my questions

I am so upset at the thought of what my ex-DH is going through, knowing the day will come when he can't see anything anymore (he's already sold his car because he can't see well enough to drive), let alone not being able to see his son. Our DS doesn't know about this yet. He'll be spending the summer with his dad, starting in a couple of weeks when he gets out of school (he spends every summer with his dad ), up until the time we'll be going on our next Disney cruise in August. But I think I'll mention something to him in advance, and then let ex-DH explain the rest to him. Our DS15 is a very bright and very sensitive person... I know he'll ultimately handle this news well, but I know he'll feel bad for his dad...

I think I'm rambling now...

Anyway, thank you again for the info.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

My DH has been on SSDI for years. While we had custody of my DSD's the checks came to our home with my DH's name FOB child's name. You can open a bank account up with the same format and the checks can go in direct deposit. When custody transferred back to their mother, DH went down to SS, showed them the change in custody and they automatically changed the checks to ship to their mother. This isn't a choice as its goes to the parent with physical custody. Jenny's spot on about how you can use it. I was rather surprised about how simple the form is. The first year we saved every receipt. I had a spreadsheet, etc. It was rather humorous when I got the form.

There is a set dollar amount that is given for dependent children of the individual on SSD. The amount is pretty static and is based on the earnings of your ex while he was working. There will be cost of living adjustments. The amount is not dependent on the number of children. For example, my DH's SSD pays over $900 to his 3 children. When the one turns 18 (on Sunday), her DM will receive last check in July (paid for June), the August money will then be split 2 ways - the dollar amounts will be adjusted up for the other two kids remaining under 18. I was surprised at the benefit for the children.

Now about the child support, you can go after his SSD for additional support if you feel you need it.

Oh also, should your ex have other children those other kids will be entitled to their "share" of the SSD support. It will just be re-divided.
We've been around the block and back on this. Let me know if you have any questions.
Good Luck with everything.

 

[Nite0wl71]

I don't know anything about SSDI, but in Illinois child support stops when the child turns 18. It doesn't matter if they are going to college or not.

 

[slimplaw]

I don't have info on the SSDI, but is your ex-DH set up with his state's services for the blind? Many rehab opportunities can be offered. There is a lot of technology available for the blind and visually impaired. He should still be able to access computers easily. Many blind individuals do own a car and pay a driver. In Texas, we have Chris Cole Center in Austin where many people go for technology and other training. There is also a facility called Lion's World which provides training for blind and visually impaired individuals. I believe it is in Arkansas. One training option is working for the IRS at call centers. Your ex-DH should also start looking into orientation and mobility training now. It should be offered through his state's blind services.
I work in education for blind and visually impaired children, but many of the things we do would also be appropriate for adults.
A home study course for learning braille is available through Hadley School for the Blind.
A low vision examination may also give him some options for still using what vision he has. They would look at magnifier strengths, monocular telescopes, CCTV's and other items.
PM me if you have other questions.

 

[SeaSpray]

Thanks again for the info, everyone, and for the offer of additional help with questions.

slimplaw: I'll suggest that to my ex-DH... I'm not sure if he's thought that far into the future yet, to consider making arrangements now to prepare himself for the inevitable. It makes sense for him to prepare and learn about being blind as much as he can now, before he's totally blind.