Do i have to open a Savings account for me and my son for SSI?

Margarita - posted on 09/08/2012

@ Laura thank you so much. Well yea i have saved a few receipts but not all of them either. I just got reviewed but they never asked for any of my receipts.. I just opened the account as they told me to do so i don't want to get into any problems.. It wasn't hard at all to open one and i just need it so they can deposit my sons check there.. SSI is a great help we barely make it with the bills so this money helps so much for my sons needs.

Laura - posted on 09/07/2012

Our daughter gets SSI and they never required us to get a separate account. We even had to go down to the SS Administration for a yearly interview after the first year and it was a breeze. They didn't ask for half of what I thought they would. In the beginning I saved every receipt that showed anything I bought for our daughter clothes, special food etc and I didn't need any of it so I stopped doing it.

Margarita - posted on 09/07/2012

Thank you for all of your advice of my situation !! Yes, I went to the bank and i had another account open to be titled under my name and my little boys name. There hasn't been no problem at all. @ Denise I am not saving any of his money i do use it for his care in for ever he needs. The savings account i have made for my little boy and me is so they can direct deposit to that account instead of them mailing out his check where it can be stolen or get lost. Yes, I am in the need for that money i am married my husband doesn't make that much money where he works at and we have also paid back some money to SSI... My little boy is autistic and everybody has their own situations..He is not severe but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a right for some help for SSI. If SSI gave my son the help was because we need the help apparenty they do check your income. Thanks for your advice :)

Jennifer - posted on 09/06/2012

Denise,

I'm with you. No offense to anyone else but, there is never any mone to save and why would you? Im surprised if i have $5 left. My friend and I both are both divorced single moms, special needs children, absent fathers and still barely make it with the help of SSI. It is a blessing but you have to follow their guidelines to a T.

Denise - posted on 09/04/2012

You are not supposed to be saving this money. It is for his care and you should be spending it for that. SSI is for low income disabled children whose parents can not afford to care for them financially usually because a parent cannot work and has to stay home to take care of them. Most people do not understand this and think any disabled child is entitled. You are only allowed to save a small amount for them. I have a severly disabled 28 year and have struggled with SSI for years. Every time my husband made a little more money we had to pay them some back. And we have never been able to save any money. We couldn't even afford a phone for years. We are not spenders or shoppers. Our clothes come from yard sales and used clothing stores. The point I'm trying to make is " does your family really need this form of support ?" If so put it in a checking account to purchase the special equipment, supplies or therapy your child needs and you won't have to worry about it. Sorry for the abruptness of this without knowing your situation. I pray your child does not have a severe level of disability.

F.A.S. - posted on 09/01/2012

if your son is 18 u dont need seperate account if he is a minor yes he needs his own account with u as the payee word of advice make sure u keep all of your reciepts of everything you buy him they will do a review a want to kno the money is being used for his benifit ssi is a pain in the tail to deal with

Meagan - posted on 08/26/2012

It is an issue because of the account being a joint account. If you just get an account with your and his name you will be fine. Also chill out, they always do a "check" when a kid has been on assistance for about 2your years, they will recheck you again at about 52your and 9I years, just save your receipt for everything you do and purchase for him.

Debbie - posted on 08/14/2012

Just go to the bank and have them open an account with your name for him. Then send the information to SSI. You will be fine. do not stress over this. Then just account for how much is spent on home need, rent, utilities etc, and food, cloths, ets.

Debbie - posted on 08/14/2012

Just go to the bank and have them open an account with your name for him. Then send the information to SSI. You will be fine. do not stress over this. Then just account for how much is spent on home need, rent, utilities etc, and food, cloths, ets.

Debbie - posted on 08/14/2012

Just go to the bank and have them open an account with your name for him. Then send the information to SSI. You will be fine. do not stress over this. Then just account for how much is spent on home need, rent, utilities etc, and food, cloths, ets.

Debbie - posted on 08/14/2012

Just go to the bank and have them open an account with your name for him. Then send the information to SSI. You will be fine. do not stress over this. Then just account for how much is spent on home need, rent, utilities etc, and food, cloths, ets.

Joetta - posted on 08/13/2012

Margarita, I was advised to open an account with my daughter's name on it with mine when they suggested direct deposit. I had a few checks that I did not receive in the mail for some reason, and I do not know to this day if they were returned or cashed. It is not your fault because it is a lot they do not tell you until well after the fact. Go ahead and get an account with both your names on it, and believe me your check will be in there at 12midnight before the date. My daughter's check is in before the 1st of the month every time. If the 1st falls on the weekend, the check is deposited the day before. Just go to the bank you deal with and open the account and send your deposit slip to SSI so it can be sent to the new account. And yes they ask too many questions. I have not had a phone call in several years, but I have to send in a questionnaire about how the money is spent, am I saving it or what. I leave enough in there so the account will not close.

Tami - posted on 08/13/2012

My son was on SSI when he was younger, we found that having a savings account with just his name and mine as payee was to our advantage. Main reason it is a good idea is because when they contact you for reviews you only have to deal with what is in that account. They are always wanting to know how much of the SSI payments were spent on the child. It is just easier to keep it all seperated.

Jennifer - posted on 08/13/2012

Margarita,

My son has been on SSI since a few months after birth. I'm in Florida, I was told to have his own account (I did checking) and I'm the account as the payee. I have a debit card that I use for his purchases with my name on it. I was told to have his own account so I'd know I was using his money and not my own sine there are stipulations on what you can buy (his needs of course). Keep track of what you buy. I was told I didn't have to keep receipts, now that's not true. I got a letter stating I had to itemize what I purchased.

Heather - posted on 08/13/2012

I saw this answer to another question about opening another account:



Yvonne Morentin



posted on 02/15/2012





SSI DEDICATED ACCOUNT



The representative payee for a disabled child under age 18 who is eligible for large past–due payments (usually any payment covering more than six months of the current benefit rate) is required to open a separate account at a financial institution.



The past–due payments will be deposited directly into that "dedicated account", and the use of these funds is restricted.



What are the requirements for a dedicated account?



A dedicated account must be separate from the account used for the regular monthly benefit payment and can only be a checking, savings, or money market account.



Other funds, except for certain past–due SSI benefits, cannot be commingled with the funds in the dedicated account.



The account cannot be in the form of certificates of deposit, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, or trusts.



Title must show the child owns the funds, including interest. How can you use the money in the dedicated account? You can use the money only for the following expenses:



medical treatment; and



education or job skills training. We also allow the following expenses, if they benefit the child and are related to the child's impairment:



personal needs or assistance (for example, in–home nursing care);



special equipment;



housing modification;



therapy or rehabilitation; or



other items or services approved by your local Social Security office, like legal fees incurred by the child in establishing a claim for disabled child's benefits. You may not use these monies for basic monthly maintenance costs such as food, clothing, or shelter. You must use the regular monthly SSI benefit for the child's food, clothing, or shelter.



If there are any questions on use of the funds, contact your local Social Security office.

Heather - posted on 08/13/2012

I saw this answer to another question that describes having to open another account:



Yvonne Morentin



posted on 02/15/2012



Tiffany Flanders



posted on 04/07/2012



How to Secure Disability Benefits for Your Disabled Child



4 Reasons Every Mom Needs Her Own Bank Account



Kids and Money: 5 Tips for Raising a Smart Spender



5 Gifts Moms-to-Be Really Want



The Money Trap: How to Manage Money in a Single-Income Household



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SSI DEDICATED ACCOUNT



I recently recived my REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE REPORT OF BENEFITS AND DEDICATED ACCOUNT. I am wondering since I spent my daughter dedicated account money on Back rent, and car repairs: transmission, brakes, battery. I feel this money went to goog use to serve her. But i didnt ask SS about the money being used for this. I am little nervous they say I misused the money. Have you ever had this happen???



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Hi . You spend that money for reason and that is you spend it in a place you have to live in and a car that you transport your daughter from school and back, appointments. I guess therapies so no dont feel gulity because you did that. None else is going to do your daily routines so no you spend that monry to good use.Cheers



The representative payee for a disabled child under age 18 who is eligible for large past–due payments (usually any payment covering more than six months of the current benefit rate) is required to open a separate account at a financial institution.



The past–due payments will be deposited directly into that "dedicated account", and the use of these funds is restricted.



What are the requirements for a dedicated account?



A dedicated account must be separate from the account used for the regular monthly benefit payment and can only be a checking, savings, or money market account.



Other funds, except for certain past–due SSI benefits, cannot be commingled with the funds in the dedicated account.



The account cannot be in the form of certificates of deposit, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, or trusts.



Title must show the child owns the funds, including interest. How can you use the money in the dedicated account? You can use the money only for the following expenses:



medical treatment; and



education or job skills training. We also allow the following expenses, if they benefit the child and are related to the child's impairment:



personal needs or assistance (for example, in–home nursing care);



special equipment;



housing modification;



therapy or rehabilitation; or



other items or services approved by your local Social Security office, like legal fees incurred by the child in establishing a claim for disabled child's benefits. You may not use these monies for basic monthly maintenance costs such as food, clothing, or shelter. You must use the regular monthly SSI benefit for the child's food, clothing, or shelter.



If there are any questions on use of the funds, contact your local Social Security office.

Heather - posted on 08/13/2012

My son's had SSI since 1999 and never have I been told to open another account.

But, I try not to have more than $2,000 in my account - money goes to paying bills first and extra I just take out and keep.

I've been told having over $2,000 in your account could hurt your child receiving SSI.

Your SSI representative should be able to tell you the rules.

I'm soo busy caring for my son and his needs that it's hard to look into everything for him at times and I learn as I go.

It is hard for us to set aside money as there is rarely extra - and my son has Medicaid and a Medicaid Waiver.

It is still tough to set money aside.

Oh, I also updated my son's case and they had access to all my past pay stubs online through my work somehow.

Like, it was actually easy to update our case and it didn't take as long as I thought. I live in a big city though and the office is about 15 minutes away.

But, I would like to know how to set aside money for my son. I get payee reports where I say if all the money goes toward helping my son, which it does and has to w our income. It has a list of accounts and that might show what type of account to have for him.

I would think the website or the 1-800# could answer some of these questions.

Cathy - posted on 08/09/2012

It is just a shame that money that is suppose to help the family stresses the family out worrying if you will get over paid and not know it or as if anyone really wants to but has to go to SSI. My son starting recieving in Feb and they did make me open an acct with his name on it depends on your bank I guess in some states but best to just keep it separate for the deposit however they said that I could take whatever was needed no matter what as long as it was to help take care of my son. I think they review every year or two but there is no way to keep track of everything but like in every instance there are so many people not using the money for their child and that makes it bad the parents that really need this for their children. I don't know if anyone else has heard of it but there is this grant called Michelle P Waiver which is set up for autistic spectrum kids and with this you automatic gets medicaid and it also helps pay for your behaviour therapy and medical expense and can be used with SSi but unlike that you can quailify no matter how much money you make and you don't have to have SSI to get this. I found out thru our therapist and they even help pay for times when you want to go out for a break and need someone to supervise your child to relieve some of the stress as well as other benefits. We were just approved and are so thankful because it will pay for hours of therapy a week with no copayments.

Margarita - posted on 08/09/2012

Yea well he is 8 yrs old i am just stressing cause they are checking back two years on all my bank balances or statements and this other stuff.. It's not like i am misusing my sons money it's just that i got scared cause the money for my son's SSI is going direct deposit to my savings account.. If i knew i had to open a representative payee savings account i would of done that since they started sending my son SSI money. But i was never told i had to do that.. Well it's hard for me to have them sign and date my husbands wage receipts cause i live like a hour of my local social security office..

Dawn - posted on 08/09/2012

if the child is young it can go into your account. make sure that you turn in your wage recipts at the end of every month, and also have them sign and date them. they use an estimated amount to determine how much money to pay your child... this way you have proof that they knew the correct amount that you guys have earned for the month to determine how much to pay your child instead of just estimating.....they did that to me tooand told me i had to pay them back

and because i had proof that i had turned in the wage recipts and filed an appeal i do not have to pay back because it was ruled that it was their mistake not mine.

Cherish - posted on 08/07/2012

I do not and never have saved any receipts for the things I have bought for my son.That would be insane...I can not imagine where I would keep such a pile of foolishness...lol
Don't stress out too much.I am sure they are just being a pain and it will all work out

Margarita - posted on 08/06/2012

Cherish i know right they made those same mistakes with me i got overpaid so now they are taking off like 78 dollars off my sons check.. Well about the bank account she just told me that they need for me to open a representive payee account that because they dont want our money mixed with his money and that is the way it suppose to be.. Today i had to send in my husbands check stubs since oct.2010 to present to SSI office that because some months they had put the wrong income .. They are reviewing my son's case to see if he qualifies for SSI still.. So thats why they r checking my bank accounts , verifing the income u know all that stuff.. It's just frustrating that it just wants to make you let go of SSI.. Another thing Cherish Do you happen to save every little receipt in how the money is spent for your son?? They never told me anything about saving receipts either but online some people that also have ssi for their children say u have to save all your receipts..

Cherish - posted on 08/06/2012

I have no idea if they would even know if you were outside the US...I would not think it matters.If he qualify s for SSI and he is a US resident then leaving the country should not matter??
They made a ton of mistakes w/my sons SSI too.First they over paid,then took out like $90 a month for 2 years.Then after I got divorced,even tho my income was less,they gave him less SSI b/c the income was "un earned"...I do not understand SSI half the time,like everything else you are damned if you do and damned if you don't...I did not have savings when we applied,so maybe you can only have a certain amount in savings?Maybe that is why they want you to open another account.Did your worker not explain it to you when you asked?You should make a list of questions and call and speak with her supervisor and get some answers

I think they are looking at the savings as a resource,so if you have more than $3,000.oo in savings,that could be why they are being a pain...lol

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Margarita - posted on 08/05/2012

Hi Cherish,

My son is 8 yrs old now and he has being getting SSI for two years now. We live in California unless it depends where you live. I been stressing over this SSI thing two days ago i recieved a phone call appointment from SSI to get some information to see if my son still qualify. They made so many mistakes with my husbands income that i get so many headaches. My Case worker from SSI asked me how much we had in our savings account i responded to her question. Right there is where she started teling me i had to open another account with my sons name and mine.. So now my fear is that my son's name is not on that savings account that we have.. All this SSI scares me so much. Now this winter we would like to go outside U.S for a vacation would they know how long you stay outside U.S..

Cherish - posted on 08/05/2012

Hi,
How old is your son?
My son has been getting SSI for 6 years(he is 10 now) and they have never mentioned anything like that to me.
Unless the rules are different for kids over 18,I do not see why they told you that you have to open a savings account with his name on it.
Don't stress.Maybe it is a mis-understanding and even if you have to open a joint account with him,I am sure that you are not going to be in trouble for something that you "were supposed" to do since you did not know.If they really had a issue with it,you would think that they would have said something about it before 2 years went by