Q: My mother receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. If she has to enter a nursing home later this year, does this affect her SSI benefits?
A: Moving to a nursing home can affect your mother’s SSI benefits but it depends on the type of facility. In some cases, the SSI payment may be reduced or stopped. Whenever your mother enters or leaves a nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, skilled nursing facility, or any other kind of institution, you must tell Social Security. Call Social Security’s toll-free number, 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). We can answer specific questions and provide free interpreter services from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. We also provide information by automated phone service 24 hours a day.
Q: I was told my children, ages 8 and 15, might be eligible for survivors’ benefits since their mother died. Are they?
A: Please accept my condolences. It is possible if their mother worked and earned the required number of Social Security credits. If she did, both you and your children may be eligible for benefits. Apply promptly for survivors benefits because benefits are generally retroactive only up to six months. Call 800-772-1213, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-325-0778. For more information, go online to read the publication Survivors Benefits available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
Send questions to Robert Fenn, Social Security Administration, Second Floor, Federal Building, 2 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308. Fax: 330-375-5616 or email: Robert.Fenn@ssa.gov.