After 3 years we just found out my son will receive SSI. However the back payment situation was a big surprise. And am I understanding this correctly... ?is there a time limit to spend the back pay? It seemed like she said there was only a year at a time to spend otherwise you lose it (plus the big limitations of what to spend it on)? Even the very big lump sum? Is this correct? I hope not... please advise...

**Please note later post where it is clarified that this is SSDI not SSI**

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/page1-15.html

Sorry, that's SSDI (disability) and I am referring to the dedicated account for a child, which is very limited and different than an adult's. I find it frustrating to understand all this.
Thank you for your help.

The link was regarding SSI payments. I believe it will be the same even for a child.

The issue is that SSI has asset limits, so if they gave you the full amount and it was over 3k, than he wouldn't qualify until the money was reduced.

Here's the direct link to the SS website.

http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-resources-ussi.htm

Thank you for those links. I really appreciate it.
I was hoping someone with experience in this area could open a dialogue.

I looked at the annual report we have to fill out to detail the dedicated account spending for a child.
Is anyone a representative payee that does these yearly reports? It reminds me and has the look of a tax return. It's intimidating but maybe its not that big of a deal...? I just have visions of keeping every receipt and complications... its already so complicated...

If this is a case for a minor child and if a dedicated account is required, there are very strict guidelines on how that money is spent. It can only be spent on medical or educational needs, not on food, clothing or shelter. It also has to be kept separate from the other funds. You have to keep receipts for everything you spend. It also can be left to accumulate and is excluded from the $2000 resource limit. If you as payee don't follow the dedicated account rules, then you, as payee, owe the money back personally.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a chunk of money for post-secondary education for your disabled child when they turn 18?

If a dedicated account is NOT required, then the lump sum amounts are excluded from the $2000 resource limit for 9 months. You can spend that money on food, clothing, shelter, personal items. Any needs of the child.

There will be three kinds of reviews done for an SSI child: continuing disability which will absolutely be done at age 18 and could be done earlier; redeterminations of income and resources of the parents and child, probably annually; rep payee accountings done annually which include accounting of both the monthly benefits and the dedicated account funds. You also should be reporting parental income every month, especially wages. Giving a low wage estimate is a common reason for large overpayment of benefits. You don't want to be getting a bill next year for overpayment. Best if you open a separate bank account for the monthly benefits. Don't mingle it with the dedicated account rules. Follow the strict guidelines for dedicated account.

Retroactive benefits for children is not an opportunity to pay your own past due debts or to be used to provide basic necessities for your child.

Just an FYI that the member clarified it was SSDI not SSI

OP: if Janke doesn't see this thread update, send her a pm in a few days.

Sorry I thought you were saying my original link was for SSDI and you needed SSI info. The direct link was for SSI as well.

To clarify, you or the boy's father are disabled and receiving SSDI, and your child is not disabled? He is simply receiving SSDI benefits on one of your record's?

If this is the case, there are not nearly the same amount of rules.