I have a friend that is fighting to get Social Security Disability in Ohio. Her parents bought her an acre of land and she put it in her boyfriends name in fear it would hurt her chances for disability, and I am not convinced it would.
Her boyfriend isn’t the most trust worthy. I am afraid that he’ll tell her to get lost and keep it before she is approved for disability and can put it in her name.
I think if it was in her name now it would not hurt her but if she waited till after she gets the disability then they maybe able to say something.
Anyone know ? Anyone have any suggestions on how to help my friend before she is scammed on?
4 responses so far ↓
1 Greg
owning property will not affect ssd as it would’t affect ss!!!!!!
2 sbyldy
Social Security is not means tested, that means that even if she had a million dollars in the bank, she would still be able to get it, as long as she has worked enough. It may already be too late to help your friend, but she needs to get that property in her name asap.
3 Blk Justice
Owning the property will not hurt her chances of getting disability. If she has been denied, please make sure you tell her to find an advocate in her area, preferably one who will take the statutory max rather than a %.
4 Mama Pastafarian
The answer depends on if your friend is trying to get SSDI or SSI. Has she worked for several years at jobs where she paid into Social Security? The exact amount of time will depend upon her age. Also, the credits must have been earned within the last few years.
SSDI is Social Security Disability Insurance for someone who has worked long enough to earn enough credits to qualify for benefits based on their work record. There is no asset limit for this.
SSI is Supplemental Security Income. This is a type of welfare for someone who has not worked long enough to earn enough social security credits to qualify based on their work record. There is an asset limit for this type.
The land could be placed into a special needs trust if she is trying for SSI. A lawyer will need to set this up to make sure it is done correctly so that it doesn’t affect her benefits.