Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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JennS 07/25/2009

Here's the problem. I'm in a bad depression cycle now. I get SSI and my husband is my representative payee. He is generally responsible but for some reason I looked on the handbook that Social Security gave. I saw the part about reporting changes. I read the list of things and everything seemed fine until I got to the last. The one I am freaked out about is reporting change in beneficiaries or the spouses' income. My husband's income has been basically the same for a long time. I vaguely remember them saying they weren't including his info. because he makes too much. I don't know what to do. If I go to the SS office and ask about this, my husband and/or I could get in trouble.

I don't what to do. Does anyone know what to do about something like this?

JennS 07/25/2009

I for got to say that my husband didn't report any change (he unemployed for awhile) because he didn't think it counted.

deleted_user 07/25/2009

If they didn't take any of his info into account then I don't see a problem.

I'm far far far from an expert on SS matters, so maybe someone else can give a better answer.

deleted_user 07/25/2009

maybe a SSI lawyer

deleted_user 07/25/2009

ssi is a government program similar to welfare. It is for persons with little or no income....If you are using these benefits just to gain more money that you don't need then they would consider it fraud...And you will be asked to pay all the money you have obtained illegally back, and probably will be barred from ever getting it again. If THEY purposely omitted your husbands income on the grounds that it would disqualify you then the person who did that is also breaking the law. Sorry to be so blunt, but I have absolutely NO income right now, and it's because of the persons who abuse the system that it is taking me so long to get my ssi in order for my family to survive....I have a spouse but because of my illness I have to have her at home much of the time.....SO long story short I would have to say that you have every reason to be worried.....unless your loaded and can return all the money you have gotten while on ssi....not trying to be mean, but I can only comment on the information you have supplied....good luck getting it sorted out

deleted_user 07/25/2009

Are you on SSI or SSDI ? Slightly different programs too.

JennS 07/25/2009

It was the lady at the Social Security office that didn't take my husband's info. into account.

deleted_user 07/25/2009

I read that part....and I said that if it's a rule that you report your spouses income and they "overlooked" then they broke the law also..But as you know, not knowing the law is not a defense if someone else finds out...They WILL hold you accountable even if it was someone from their department that allowed it to be approved in the first place....again...not trying to judge you in any way but the law IS the law....just want you to be mindful of what will happen to you if they find out that you are getting the payments unjustly...that's all I;m saying....That other person may or may not lose their job, but it will be you who has to pay the money back...not them

deleted_user 07/25/2009

I get SSDI if I were to remarry, it would not affect my SSDI payments if I were to remarry no matter what my spouses income. SSDI is different from SSI. In the case of SSI it does matter what the other spouse makes.

JennS 07/25/2009

I'm pretty sure I get SSDI even though I couldn't find a letter specifically saying that. I know I got one and didn't qualify for the other. I get them confused. It must be SSDI I get because I did work for many years. My husband misunderstands directions sometimes, too.

deleted_user 07/25/2009

ssdi is based on YOUR past work history and "points" accrued for working and paying into the system..SSI is not. It is based on disability and you NOT having income....

deleted_user 07/25/2009

If you don't get the answer you're seeking, or if unsure, try asking here.

http://www.dailystrength.org/groups/social-security

There's even a SSD/SSI attorney that posts there.

Good luck!

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