Supplemental Security Overpayment?

Question

I collect SSI and last year my wife worked and made around $2,000.00 working over a six month period. I had no idea that those wages were supposed to be reported to the SSA, and now I am terrified that I am going to loose my SSI. Right now i is the only income me and family have.

What question is that is there anyway I can just pay back the amount owed in installments? I cant have my entire check taken every month or I will loose my home.

I am basicly in a state of panic right now and I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO

Answer 1

You should report the income immediately to the SSA, supplying all pay stubs. They will re-caclulate your benefit amount for each month she had income. If this resulted in an overpayment, they will ask you to pay it off all at once, but if you can't they will deduct 10% from each check until it's paid off.

I wouldn't worry about losing your benefits. I've been through this several times with my kids who receive SSI. The principle of deeming applies in both situations (parental income deemed to children and non-SSI spouse to SSI receiving spouse).

Answer 2

I don't think $2,000 earned by your wife will be enough to disqualify your benefits, although it might be enough to adjust any benefits she may receive based on your disability.  The best thing to do is to call the social security administration and ask them about the situation.  There is a slight chance that her earnings might be considered support to you, although the amount is fairly modest and not likely to put you over the $3,000 asset test limits.  If the SSA did determine you were over income/asset limits and wanted some payments back, it is easy to set up a payment plan with them.  Call 1-800-772-1213 for more info.