SSI Benefit Question

[freddog]

Okay, my son turned 18 in October. We just got him okayed to start recieving SSI benefits. My question is: How exactly are we allowed to use the money? I mean, we have supported him for 18 years and will continue to do so. He lives with us, so other than his clothes, I am not sure how we are supposed to separate his housing, food, recreation, etc costs from our own?

I mean, do I take our housing costs and divide it by our familiy members and pay for his portion with it? I am not sure how to do this since "his" costs are "our" costs, too?

 

[mdvlprof]

Just went thru that last year.

Consider him a boarder, renting a room. Local news papers should have ads that give an idea of fair market value. Dorm frig for drinks, snacks, etc. We use Excel to keep track of expenses (different because son has locked-in syndrome). As long as you can show expenses are on his behalf.

Okay, my son turned 18 in October. We just got him okayed to start recieving SSI benefits. My question is: How exactly are we allowed to use the money? I mean, we have supported him for 18 years and will continue to do so. He lives with us, so other than his clothes, I am not sure how we are supposed to separate his housing, food, recreation, etc costs from our own?

I mean, do I take our housing costs and divide it by our familiy members and pay for his portion with it? I am not sure how to do this since "his" costs are "our" costs, too?

 

[SueM in MN]

As the other writer said, one way to do it is to treat his expenses as you would for a renter. If you buy lunches or pack a lunch for him, those would be some of the expenses. Also, any clothing you buy for him.

One way to track is to have a checking account that the SSI check is directly deposited into. Use that account to pay for his things. That way, you will have all his expense payments in one place.
As was mentioned, whatever you use the money for has to be for his benefit.

I am going to move this to the disABILITIES Board, where is will be more on topic.

 

[cm8]

hi!! I think that you should check the following links for more info!! Hope they help!!


1.http://www.mfy.org/facts_adulthome_benefits/PublicBenefits-RepresentativePayee.pdf


2.http://www.ssa.gov/payee/faqbene.htm

 

[deerhart]

and make sure you DO do this because if you don't SSA will consider what you pay towards his things as income to him.

So you need to make a set amount for his room and board (food utilities etc), a set amount for his groceries, insurance etc.. each and every month and have him pay you that amount.

You might consider talking to an attorney/estate planner about then taking that money and putting it into a special needs trust for your son that would not mess with his SSI eligibility but also give him a back up in case something should happen to you and his other parent

 

[freddog]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I'm still so confused. The letter we got today states that they value the food and shelter we are providing him at $227, so does that mean that is what we would charge him for room and board, then. What would be an average/appropriate room and board? I know someone mentioned looking in college newspaper and sites, but my search skills stink!

The brochure they sent talks about using it for a car payment or house that HE owns/purchases, but he will not be doing so, as we already have a house and he cannot drive. (I don't think he could legally purchase either anyway, since he was declared as needing a guardian, could he??)

It also talked about using it to improve his home, but, again, he doesn't own it.

Also, for us to charge him room and board, would he nned to sign a contract? Or would I since I'm his guardian? Sign my own contract that I wrote?