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Social Security Q&A

By McClatchy-Tribune News Service, Source: MCT News Service

Q: I get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because I am elderly and have no income. My sister recently died and left me the money she had in a savings account. Will this extra money affect my SSI benefits?

A: The money inherited from your sister is considered income for the month you receive it and could make you ineligible for that month, depending on the amount of the inheritance. If you keep the money into the next month, it then becomes a part of your resources. You cannot have more than $2,000 in resources to remain eligible for SSI benefits. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY, 1-800-325-0778) to report the inheritance. A representative will tell you how your eligibility and payment amount might be affected. Learn more by visiting us online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

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Q: My parents recently moved into a retirement community and they are signing their house over to me. Can I still get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or will home ownership make me ineligible?

A: You can own a home and still receive SSI as long as you live in the home you own. In most cases, when determining SSI eligibility we don't count as resources the home you own and live in or the car you use. For more information about SSI and Social Security, visit Social Security's website at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

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(This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213.)

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(c) 2010, McClatchy-Tribune News Service.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.