Individuals who suffer from severe disabilities often face serious financial hardship. While going through the Social Security Disability application process, the bills can begin to pile up, and once the approval of benefits is in hand, these individuals finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. At that point, the question that most Social Security Disability beneficiaries find themselves asking is exactly what bills they can pay with their benefits and how they are allowed to spend their money. If you have been approved for Social Security Disability benefits and you are wondering what you can use your benefit payments for, the following information can help you understand how your Social Security Disability benefits should be spent.
The Thrill of a Social Security Disability Back Payment
Many of the individuals who are approved for Social Security Disability benefits are entitled to back payments. These Social Security back payments are paid in a lump sum and can sometimes amount to $20,000 or more. It is important to remember that a back payment is not a license to go on an extravagant shopping spree. You should be frugal with this payment and spend it wisely.
When you receive your Social Security Disability back payment, focus on paying off bills that were incurred during the Social Security Disability application process. If there is money left over after outstanding debts have been paid, put some money in an interest-bearing savings account to provide for future unexpected expenses.
Spending Your Social Security Disability Benefits
Once your monthly Social Security Disability payments begin, you will be in charge of handling your own Social Security Disability benefits if you do not have a Social Security Representative Payee. Technically, there are no restrictions as to what you can do with your Social Security Disability payments. It is, however, your responsibility to make sure that your living expenses are paid for before you spend any of your Social Security Disability benefits on entertainment or luxury purchases.
If your Social Security Disability payments are the only household income you have to live on, the bulk of your payments should be put towards your housing, utilities, food and other living expenses. If you have a spouse who earns a substantial income or you live with a family member and you do not have to pay for your living expenses, then your Social Security Disability benefits can be spent any way you see fit.
The Responsibilities of a Social Security Disability Representative Payee
If, for some reason, the Social Security Administration has decided that you are unable to handle your own Social Security Disability benefits, they will assign you a Social Security Disability Representative Payee to handle your benefits for you. This representative payee must handle your Social Security Disability benefits in a way that is much different than you would handle benefits for yourself.
If your Representative Payee is handling your disability benefits on your behalf, he or she must use those benefits to cover the costs of your basic living expenses before doing anything else with the money you receive from Social Security. Approved expenses include housing, food, clothing and other necessary bills. If there is any money left over after these bills have been paid, the Representative Payee may provide you with money for entertainment purposes. Any remaining funds from your Social Security Disability payments must be put into a savings account for your future use.
Each year your Social Security Disability Representative Payee will be responsible for providing the Social Security Administration with a detailed report explaining how your benefits were spent. Each dollar will need to be accounted for and the Social Security Administration will ensure that your funds are being spent properly.
If a Social Security Disability Representative Payee does not use your disability payments for their intended purpose, you should report this fact to the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration will review any potential misuse of your Social Security Disability payments and, if necessary, will reclaim any misused funds for you.
Spending Social Security Disability Benefits Wisely
In most cases, Social Security Disability payments are not substantial enough to afford for an affluent lifestyle. Because of this, you should always spend your benefits wisely. Be frugal and do not make lavish purchases that you cannot afford. There is no guarantee that your Social Security Disability benefits will last forever. Because of this, you should try to save money whenever possible. If you have money left over at the end of the month after your living expenses have been paid, consider putting a portion of your Social Security Disability payments into an interest-bearing savings account. By putting away money now you can protect yourself from unforeseen financial emergencies in the future.
Blog comments
Only make 700 can't
Only make 700 can't afford my rent food and bills haven't been able to buy clothes for ten year's have long term disability can only buy toilet paper for two weeks out a the month mentally and physically disabled can't make it to my appointments no money for transportation gonna get evicted and gut no heat can't afford shampoo or soap a lot public don't wanna deal with me can't hardly go out any way physical and mental disabilities have a cat might have to give it up but it's therapeutic need the stuff my friend gets she gets a house keeper a nurse rides to groceries and 1100 a month?? She never worked. I wash clothes when my family feels like helping me once or twice a year they pay it I'm a grand mom I'm ashamed to see my grandkids. I'm starving dirty got no power can live fine by myself if I get all those things my friend gets can't barely get out to get help no tv to even watch news no money for power couldn't buy Christmas presents or cards my oldest grandson is 9 lucky I can text my daughter paid this phone for me and I learned don't kno how to email or nothing this was hard enough tell me where to get help please
In reply to Only make 700 can't by tina (not verified)
Hi Tina,
Hi Tina,
You may want to contact your state's housing authority, they may be able to help you out with utilities.
In reply to Only make 700 can't by tina (not verified)
Jesus loves you
Jesus loves you
We were told we cant spend
We were told we cant spend any social security money on anything other then rent, food or utilities but the person receiving the benefits is not the main source of income just a family member. And we were also told we could not withdraw any money from the account or cash before depositing everything has to be with the debit card is all of this true?
In reply to We were told we cant spend by Nancy (not verified)
Hi Nancy,
Hi Nancy,
I haven't heard that before! You will need to save your receipts, but many SSD recipients can spend money on any needs, such as personal products, transportation, etc.
I am the rep payee for my
I am the rep payee for my severely disabled brother. All of his needs are met, food/housing/clothes/recreation, but there is still money left over in his bank account. It has become difficult to keep his funds under $2000 because there is nothing more he needs that he does not already get. I attempt to be creative but wonder if I cross over the line sometimes(?). My brother lives in a group home with other severely disabled individuals and I am aware that one of these individuals is in need of some dental care and does not have the funds and likely will never have the funds to get this dental work completed. Can I make the decision to help with this situation and pay for the dental care from my brother's SSDI bank account. The dental care would cost around $1,000 and my brother can well afford. Unfortunately he is unable to make this decision due to his severe mental retardation so it is up to me to find out if this is legal or not. Thanks.
In reply to I am the rep payee for my by Dennis Robison (not verified)
HI Dennis,
HI Dennis,
It may be considered fraud if you use the funds for his friend's medical care. You may want to look into a special needs trust, it would be exempt from the savings limit. You can find this information here:
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-trusts.htm
If there are any additional
If there are any additional funds left can those be used to purchase burial insurance or pay towards burial expenses at at Funeral Home?
In reply to If there are any additional by Donna (not verified)
Hi Donna,
Hi Donna,
It may depend on what type of benefits the deceased received, you may want to contact the SSA and inquire about those benefits and if they would be available for burial expenses.
My question is I am a
My question is I am a representative payer for my son and I was trying to see if I was able to pay light bill or water bill with his disability or not it said housing good clothing ect. So can you please help me get a better understanding of this?
In reply to My question is I am a by Lowe (not verified)
Hi Lowe,
Hi Lowe,
According to the SSA, "You should use benefits for current needs (such as food, clothing, shelter, utilities, dental and medical care, and personal comfort items), or for reasonably foreseeable needs." And "You must use benefits in the best interests of the beneficiary, according to your best judgment."
Best Wishes,
Eric
Hello,
Hello,
I am rep payee for my now severely brain damaged son. He received a SSD lump payment and also receives monthly payments. All of his needs are met at this time as he is at a facility currently being paid for by workman's comp. Can I use the lump sum money and/or some of the monthly money towards his student loan debt?
Thank you.
In reply to Hello, by Debbie (not verified)
Hi Debbie,
Hi Debbie,
You might be able to, but if you are unsure about a payment I would contact the SSA to double check.
Best Wishes,
Eric
In reply to Hi Debbie, by Eric
Hi I am representative payee
Hi I am representative payee my son with disability but I am confused regarding his back pay that approved by Feb 2017 .can I set aside amount of his back pay for myself. that I paid for home rent since Feb 2017? if I can how much per months.
Thanks
In reply to Hi I am representative payee by Sherzai (not verified)
Hi Sherzai,
Hi Sherzai,
If you're in doubt about using back pay, you may want to contact your local SSA office, you can find a listing of them here:
http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/content/social-security-disabil…
In reply to Hello, by Debbie (not verified)
Student loan debt would be
Student loan debt would be discharged if he is permanently disabled. You should not have to pay it.
In reply to Student loan debt would be by Kimberly S. (not verified)
Hi Kimberly,
Hi Kimberly,
Thank you for sharing! It's true, you can have your student loan debt discharged if you become disabled.
In reply to Hi Kimberly, by Bryan
This is true however, even if
This is true however, even if student loans are forgiven due to disability, you still might have to claim the total amount that was forgiven as income on your taxes (1099 c). Be prepared to pay a hefty tax bill just in case!
In reply to This is true however, even if by Kelly (not verified)
Hi Kelly, Great tip Kelly!
Hi Kelly,
Great tip Kelly!
In reply to Hello, by Debbie (not verified)
Check with having those debts
Check with having those debts written off, some can be due to being disabled now. I can't think what it's called but if you tell the collection department they maybe able to refer you where to apply for the benefit. Check with department of education. It's out there there is a application to do and a Dr. to also sign then you send it back.
In reply to Check with having those debts by April (not verified)
Hi April,
Hi April,
Thank you so much for sharing!
If u paying a family car note
If u paying a family car note out your ssi is that a problem and not taken care of yourself would that person get cut off
In reply to If u paying a family car note by Sharell (not verified)
Hi Sharell,
Hi Sharell,
I would recommend speaking with a SSA representative regarding that:1-800-772-121
Best Wishes,
Eric
I am a representative for my
I am a representative for my son,received back ssi payments,when we received them,most of all his medical bills,were paid by me (mom)and dad,can we be reimbursed
In reply to I am a representative for my by Barbara davis (not verified)
Hi Barbara,
Hi Barbara,
I would recommend speaking with a representative with the SSA regarding that matter: 1-800-772-1213.
Best Of Luck,
Eric
In reply to I am a representative for my by Barbara davis (not verified)
According to the rules no you
According to the rules no you may not. Back payment funds are different then your monthly payments they must be put in a dedicated account and technically you are supposed to contact SSA before spending any of this money for approval, but the reality of this is there is very little in the way of enforcement of any of this. If you are a little financially creative you can you can justify most things you do with the money, but won't have to because no one is ever likely to ask you. There is a lot of false information on this site. If you are concerned call and ask the case worker if it would be an approved expense.
My son is on SSI and a first
My son is on SSI and a first Party Trust can he have a car and a motor cycle.
In reply to My son is on SSI and a first by Dolores (not verified)
Hi there,
Hi there,
while the SSA does not consider a primary vehicle to be a financial asset, any other vehicles that he owns would be considered a financial asset and would be counted against the financial resources limit for SSI.
I work for a non-profit that
I work for a non-profit that provides 24 hour HCBS services. We have an individual that continually damages or destroys property in the home of his roommates and things supplied by the organization. We have been told that we cannot use his SSI funds to replace these items. Is that correct?
In reply to I work for a non-profit that by amyj1293@gmail.com (not verified)
Hi Amy,
Hi Amy,
Replacing some of those items may not be considered an authorized use of funds. You may want to contact your local SSA office for more information, you can find a listing of them here:
http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/content/social-security-disabil…
I am wondering if income from
I am wondering if income from SSI can be used to pay attorney's fees that are related to obtaining a guardianship. I have not been able to find a clear answer as to whether SSI can be used for these payments.
I thought that it could only be used for needs of the claimant. Should I call SSA to double check?
Thanks
In reply to I am wondering if income from by Jake (not verified)
Hi Jake,
Hi Jake,
It's always best to double check with the SSA with any questions you are uncertain of. But generally though, Social Security attorneys are paid on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case and their fee comes out of backpay you are earned.
-Eric
Ok here is my question, and
Ok here is my question, and as with everyone, each situation is different. I became disabled in 2/16. It took a long process but finally was fully approved after appeal hearing and received benefits letter on 7/10. I am I am getting a lump sum payment of over 25k us 7k in SSI back pay but not SSI. I am using a payment representative ( my mother ). The agreement between us was that once I got my lump sum payment I would repay my housing/utilities expenses I accumulated over the past year as they took me in and are in dire financial circumstances themselves and want to give them about $8k. Then I can move out and live independently. How would this happen
In reply to Ok here is my question, and by Jorge (not verified)
Hi Jorge,
Hi Jorge,
You may be able to do so by paying them out of your SSDI benefits award. However how you choose to do that is at your discretion.
Hi, I became disabled after a
Hi, I became disabled after a tramatic domestic violence relationship.My son is now 10 .I am a single mom ,my income from SSI and SSD is aproxomitly $789.00 a month. I am not getting child support as it would endanger myself and my son...I don't understand how I am supose to pay for a place to live... Long list lines and unsafe public housing shouldn't be the only options I have..We have had to move a lot. I just would like a safe,clean and decent place for me and my son...Freinds Hv been great letting us live w them ... Then iî feel like a burden,depressed longing for my health before this . thank you for any suggestions ,resources I may not no about. Mia
In reply to Hi, I became disabled after a by Mia Penz (not verified)
Hi Mia,
Hi Mia,
I am so sorry to hear that. In certain cases, ones can be approved for an increased monthly income.
-Eric
My mother just passed away.
My mother just passed away. She was on SSDI and I was wondering if the insurance would cover any of her funeral expenses.
In reply to My mother just passed away. by Savanna (not verified)
Hi Savanna,
Hi Savanna,
I'm sorry to hear about that! Please accept my condolences.
You may be eligible for survivor's benefits, however the SSA may not provide funds for funerals.
My daughter receives an SSDI
My daughter receives an SSDI check of $1178.00 that puts her into a spend down category for Medicaid for $333 every month. I've been advised to set up a Special Needs Pool Trust and deposit her 'excess' income into every month and then use this money to pay her rent. But from information I've been reading, people receiving SSI cannot use this trust money to pay for rent. Are there different guidelines for SSDI and SSI?
In reply to My daughter receives an SSDI by AnneMarie Ansel (not verified)
Hi AnneMarie,
Hi AnneMarie,
Yes, the rules are a little different for each program, and SSDI has a bit more leeway regarding how to spend benefits. If your child receives those benefits based on income, she would be on SSI benefits.
As of last year of August my
As of last year of August my daughter was approved for her back pay which I had to open her up a dedicated account,but my question is will I be able to ask for permission to buy a car,cause our only transportation clock out ,which is her ride to school and doctors appt
In reply to As of last year of August my by Wanda (not verified)
Hi Wanda,
Hi Wanda,
You may want to contact your local SSA office about buying a car for transporting your daughter, and if your daughter is eligible for Medicaid, you may be able to arrange transportation to the doctor's office with your state's Medicaid office.
In reply to Hi Wanda, by Bryan
wanted to asked if you get
wanted to asked if you get SSDI can you own two property will that effect your benefit
In reply to wanted to asked if you get by joseph silva (not verified)
Hi Joseph,
Hi Joseph,
Owning property won't affect your SSDI.
I am my son's
I am my son's representative payee and he with his money the ss office said he can pay a portion of the rent, utilites, and food. Do I write a receipt out each month for proof for social security??
In reply to I am my son's by Babygirl (not verified)
Hello,
Hello,
You should always keep the receipts for any purchases you make as a representative payee.
I was the payee for my
I was the payee for my daughters SSDI checks so my name was on her account with her to help her manage HER money to use for college. Now DSS is using this account against me which puts me over the 2K allowable resources to be eligible for medicaid. Legal Aid says I don't have a case but SSA has strict rules that say I cant use the money on myself. Legal aid won't help. What do I do?
In reply to I was the payee for my by Karen (not verified)
Hi Karen,
Hi Karen,
I'm sorry to hear about that! It may be regarded as an asset as you had control of it, you may want to look into a trust as that may make that money exempt from Medicaid's resource limit.
I just received my disability
I just received my disability & SSI I have no transportation & a small child We both have appointments Can I ask to receive sum of my back pay to purchase a reliable car insurance tickets & licenses to get us around Is there a certain amount or do I have to put a down pay or get a old car
In reply to I just received my disability by Shayla (not verified)
HI Shayla, You may be able to
HI Shayla, You may be able to do so, it may be a good idea to contact the SSA regarding this.
Add new comment