If you have never worked or you can’t work very much because you are disabled, blind, and/or aged, then you could get on Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. These benefits could make a real difference in your life by helping you cover your basic expenses. However, there’s only one issue: You may be inheriting a house and you aren’t sure if you’ll still qualify for SSI. By finding out the answer, you can gain some peace of mind.
Qualifying for SSI
To qualify for SSI, you need to be medically disabled and unable to work or work full-time. Aside from that, your income and assets must fall below a certain level. For income, you must make less than $814 a month in unearned income and you must have less than $2,000 in assets. If you inherit a house, your assets could dramatically increase.
Inheriting a House on SSI
When you inherit a house and you’re applying for SSI or you already have benefits, you can avoid losing your benefits if you move into the home you’re inheriting. It would have to be your sole place of residence. Another option is to put the home in a special needs trust that will permanently own the home. Then, a trustee can disburse the funds to you, the recipient, and you can use the funds to pay for things that SSI won’t cover, such as utilities, education, and medical bills.
Working With Schott Law to Receive SSI Benefits
If you’ve inherited a house and now need help so you don’t lose your SSI, Schott Law is here for you. Maggie Schott is an SSDI & SSI lawyer serving Washington and Idaho. She can help you apply for SSI or ensure that you keep it once you receive your inheritance. Contact us now at (509) 328-5789 to get started.