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Author Topic: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes  (Read 14716 times)

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Offline Snowangel

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explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« on: January 25, 2008, 12:25:29 pm »
Hi everyone,
I am new to this forum so if I am posting this question in the wrong area, I apologize.  I actually have 2 questions.
 I worked up until 02 when my company closed.  I have been taking meds since 94 and got an aids diagnosis in 02. I have been receiving SSDI since 03. I had the twins +1 in 03( I am not saying the t word for internet search reasons) and they were all put on social security due to prematurity which stopped a while ago.  Now that I get SSDI, I get a check in my name and then one in my name in each of my kids names.  Am I supposed to file taxes? 
My second question is:  How do you tell friends/family that receive disability?  My mother is the only one that I have told of my situation.  When my threesome was born I just said that I was getting social security for them but everyone knows that doesn't last long.  I don't really care about people of the street, it is the people that are close to me.  I think my father thinks I am doing something illegal.  I suck at lying.  What does everyone else say to thier friends and family?
TIA!!
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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2008, 01:17:46 pm »
1) You should be getting a Notice 703 from the IRS as regards your 2007 benefits/income.  On the reverse of this notice is a worksheet to ascertain what, if anything, is taxable. 

2) Well, there's no easy answer for the second portion of your question.  It's very individual.  I know on a personal level that going on disability eventually forced me to disclose my medical condition to my entire family, which in the end was a good thing because I'd *cough* procrastinated doing so for an entire decade, which really wasn't helpful to my overall mental health, or probably my physical health.

Are you implying that you want to tell them that you're on disability but not why, as in not disclose your HIV situation?

Otherwise, I'd highly advise discussing tax issues/questions with someone knowledgeable at a local AIDS service organization.  Do you already have a case manager for such things?  I see you live in western MA so I'd think the services in this state would be decent.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Snowangel

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2008, 01:47:29 pm »
Thank you, Philly.
I was trying to avoid telling the truth about my disability.  I know in my heart someday I will have to tell but I can't even come to close to thinking about that now at this point in my life.  I guess I will figure something out :)

I called and left a message at my local ASO and I haven't heard anything back yet.
Thanks for the reply!

Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important

The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge..

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

Dan J.

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #3 on: January 25, 2008, 03:28:26 pm »
I thought SSDI benefits were non taxable, but that you still had to file a tax return for the amount you recieved. & if you worked any the past year you are eligible for earned income credit. Since I have drawn SSDI I have never asked for or filled out a 703 notice . I usually have the local IRS office fill out my return using form 1040.

Talk to your aso or local irs office.

Dan

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2008, 04:29:36 pm »
Well honey, I'm sitting here right now staring at my 703 Notice (also called a Form SSA-1099) and it came in the mail on Tuesday.  I've received one every year for the past five years.  I do the worksheet, and it always shows I owe nothing, so I file no tax return.  My father specifically checked all of this out with his personal CPA to make sure I did it right the first year, after that I was on my own.

It clearly states: "Part of your social security benefits shown in box 5 may be taxable income; see the reverse for more information."

Note:  SSI benefits are not included on this statement.

Anytime I've had to do ANY intake with an ASO I've also had provide a copy of this document.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline BT65

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #5 on: January 25, 2008, 07:18:51 pm »
The whole time I've been on disability (almost 14 years) I've never had to file taxes.  I never do owe anything, therefore I never have to file.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #6 on: January 25, 2008, 07:30:51 pm »
But do you receive this form, Betty?
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline allopathicholistic

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #7 on: January 25, 2008, 07:59:39 pm »
Found this on the internet

"Fifty percent of SSDI benefits are taxable if annual adjusted gross income is $25,000-$34,000 for an individual, $32,000-$44,000 if married and filing jointly. Eighty five percent of SSDI benefits are taxable on annual income exceeding $34,000 for an individual, $44,000 if married and filing jointly."

Source:
http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/social-security-disability-arthritis.html

Offline Oceanbeach

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #8 on: January 25, 2008, 08:12:59 pm »
Every year (for the past 12), I pick up the Tax paperwork booklet at the Post Office for the IRS and the State of California Franchise Tax Board.  There is a form inside (probably the one everyone has discussed).  I do the math and fill out that form.  Disability is in most states 100% below poverty lever, I've never owed so I file the form away for future reference.  I have spent a couple of years as the volunteer press contact for the Sonoma County Commission on AIDS.  My friends and family have been aware of my HIV status since the beginning.  Disclosure is a personal issue which is different for all of us and since organizations and programs, which I either do/have/ or may benefit from my status has been on the front page of papers and on news specials.  I am an Activist and that is what I do.  Have the best day
Michael

Offline BT65

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #9 on: January 25, 2008, 09:28:35 pm »
Yes David, I get that form (SSA-1099).  I do the worksheet and I never owe taxes, so I don' file.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #10 on: January 25, 2008, 10:20:31 pm »
Cool.  We're doing the same thing.  Must be right. :)
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline BT65

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #11 on: January 25, 2008, 10:43:59 pm »
Yeah, David, and it says in one section under the part "Read This To See If Your Social Security Benefits May Be Taxable" under A, B, C, D, & E: "Part of your social security benefits may be taxable if, for 2007, you were:  1. Single, and line E above is more than $25,000.

That, to me is laughable.  I haven't had an income of $25,000 since 1993.  So I'm sure we're fine. 
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline minismom

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #12 on: January 25, 2008, 10:52:58 pm »
Now you all have me worried because we've never gotten anything from the IRS for SSI.  I double-checked with hubby who does all of our business taxes and he said that we've never gotten a form.  We do have to turn in a copy of our tax return to the SSI office every May, but that's all.  They are on SSI due to documented disabilities, but they get SSI not SSDI.  

As for the babies:  In our state, micro-premies, classified as babies born weighing under 3.0lbs, are signed up for SSI before leaving the hospital.  The baby/ies are eligible for SSI for 2 years regardless of parents' income.  After 2 yrs, they must be re-determined eligible both by parents' income and medical requirements.  This is because by the age of 2, most preemies have "caught up" with their same-age peers in terms of developement.  However, your's may be a different case altogether because you are recieving SSDI, your children may be eligible for benefits.  I'm not sure if this is a state-by-state or national thing.  

Mum - who has a terrible headache and is now worried about taxes
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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #13 on: January 25, 2008, 11:03:48 pm »
Mum: read my post here:

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=18604.msg236818#msg236818

I specifically note that it states it doesn't include SSI, this is for SSDI
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Snowangel

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #14 on: January 25, 2008, 11:04:39 pm »
What do you know?  I just got those forms in the mail today.  Each of the 4 kids has one for thier soc security # so I think I should be OK.  If I ever get in touch with anyone at the local ASO I will double check with them.
Thanks for the replies!
Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important

The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge..

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

Offline dvinemstre

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #15 on: January 25, 2008, 11:40:53 pm »
hi all, ok so this is a part of what i do for a living - advise people on disability about their rights, etc...so here's the deal:

IF you received SSDI it means you have worked enough "on the books" in the USA to garner what is called "credits" through the social security administration. If and when a person becomes disabled AND meets the SSA criterion for disability, they may receive benefits. these benefits are typically only taxable for persons who for whatever reason have an income above the cutoffs minus property for some types and monies. this MAINLY applies only to persons who are married and whose spouse has income. this is because the rationale is that once a family is over a set max of combined income they need to pay taxes back on their SSDI. SO, the SSA will send you the form if you need to worry about it and they are required, like all other agencies to send it to you by Jan 31. IF your children receive an SSDI benefit they will not be taxed, HOWEVER, bear in mind that this money DOES count towards things like child support determinations and financial aid for college. there are various stipulations about medicaid eligibility and then one must be on SSDI for two years to receive Medicare. Additionally, with back to work incentives, like Ticket to Work, if a person who receives SSDI can work with Vocational Rehabilitation for job training, placement, etc, have a specific number of months with NO reduction of benefits regardless of their earnings (can't remember the time frame but its pretty good) and then they have specific things like you lose $1 of benefits for every $2 you earn. Additionally if an adult is on MEDICAID, then they have a back to work incentive which gives 3 months no questions asked once you have started to work, then they evaluate if you meet the financial determination for medicaid, and if you don't you have medicaid for 12 months if your employer does not offer insurance. If the job situation does not work out, with both ticket to work AND the medicaid back to work incentive, then the clock stops on the time and goes back to some level in the event you try to work again.

IF you receive SSI it means you have not earned enough credits. this is typically for persons who are born with a disabling condition (think MRDD, etc) or persons who have not worked in jobs over their lifespan to meet the minimum pay in for the SSDI system. SSI is supplemental security income and it comes from an entirely different pot of money. IF a person is on SSI they automatically qualify for Medicaid if they are under 65. Additionally, the money is NOT EVER taxable. If a child under 18 receives SSI it is based on the income of the custodial parent(s) and any outside child support comes off the amount they would receive, dollar for dollar. If they are ever placed into a residential setting outside of home (group home, etc) then there are adjustments, if the parents' income goes over a certain amount then it is adjusted, etc. IF the person receiving SSI is an adult, then any and all monies they may possibly earn come off their SSI dollar for dollar. SSI is also countable as income for purposes of financial aid for the household.

OK on the issue of family disclosure. i just found out in Dec 07 i was +. I have decided to refrain from telling my family until such time as there is a need to know basis. At present i am not sick, on meds or anything and other than being tired (which with 4 kids is typical) i am my same self as i was 10 years ago. HOWEVER, I would not tell them shit about my money. If the issue is you are not able to work, then whatever they have thought all along about your not being able to work is what they should know. As for the support you could garner from telling, only you can be the judge. i will say, however, that even when we say nothing, those closest to us can pick up on our energy. I am very close to my family and the week after I found out, i had not seen my dad in a week or two, he came over and then say, hey, been missing you. are you ok? i mean do you have a disease or something. Then he chuckled. i thought, damn how unlike him. Last week at the office my eldest (21 yr old girl) was talking about using a different file book color for some of our records. And she blurted out, well we could us red...it stands for Aids. me and her hubby looked at her like she had to heads then she said, damn i have no idea why I said that. Of course, my elder two children have always had such a bead on me that my son (now 19) would call me anytime he was spending the night with her grandparents and I was out doing shit I shouldn't have been doing and ask me, what cha doin? I will say i can stone cold lie to their faces if i INTEND to keep a secret, so not sure what to make of that. I do know that from my years as a chaplain, people know, whether they no or not. Maybe disclosure  is a relief for all. who knows...hugs and best, Zan

Offline leatherman

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #16 on: January 25, 2008, 11:49:22 pm »
The whole time I've been on disability (almost 14 years) I've never had to file taxes.  I never do owe anything, therefore I never have to file.

I've been on disability since 1996 and have never filed a return since either. Just one of the perks of being poor  ;)
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #17 on: January 26, 2008, 09:02:22 am »
I am looking at 1099 now. boy do I feel stoopid! I have to file taxes because I earned a whopping $2216.00 from that wonderful law firm I used to slave for on the phone 7 hours a day 5 days a week.  LOL


Offline BT65

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #18 on: January 26, 2008, 09:23:08 am »
Dan, I earned $694 last year from the telemarketing job I did briefly (very briefly).  So I'm going to have to file them probably also.  Not sure yet.  But as for the previous years, (from 1994-) I never did file.  I can only dream of making $25,000 now.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline Cheetara74

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #19 on: January 26, 2008, 05:51:55 pm »
I've been on disability since Dec 2006.  This year I received a form from SSA.  My accountant advised me that my income was not taxable therefore no reason to file taxes for 2007.  My family and friends know that I'm on disability.  They all are supportive which I appreciate.  I do miss working but now I'm having problems with my weakened heart and Aids...working isn't an option at the moment. 

Offline dvinemstre

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #20 on: January 26, 2008, 08:15:28 pm »
hi there, for those of you who CAN file and then have no taxable income you may want to check with a tax professional. due to the economic stimulus package which is set to be approved, persons wh FILE and make a certian amount even if they do nto owe taxes will get the rebate check, something like $300 per person and $300 for claimed dependant. Worth asking about. thanks, zan

Offline md

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #21 on: January 28, 2008, 02:08:58 am »
As others have pointed out, SSDI can be taxable if your income from other sources exceeds certain limits.

This is because SSDI is not a means tested benefit - your eligibility for SSDI depends solely on your being disabled and having made sufficient social security contributions while you were working.

My partner became disabled in early 2006 and started receiving SSDI towards the end of the year - some of that SSDI was taxable because he had enough earned income from earlier in the year (including vacation pay and severance pay) to put him over the income limits.


Offline SteveA

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #22 on: February 03, 2008, 05:57:09 am »
Another thing that those of you who aren't filling might want to know. Some states offer Rental Rebate's for folks who live on disability. IE: A Refund from your state whether you paid state taxes or not! If your income is below a certain level you get a check every year from your state come tax time. It's time to check with your local tax specialist folks! You could even file for rebates up to three years prior to this year if you qualify. I had to retroactively refile my state forms the year I found out I was eligible to get my checks from the previous two years that my tax preparer hadn't filed this form for me.  ::)

Offline BT65

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #23 on: February 03, 2008, 07:40:53 am »
Hmmmm, interesting.  I just don't know if it would be worth it to have to go to a tax specialist to try to figure it out.
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Offline SteveA

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Re: explaining receiving disability benefits w/o disclosing/taxes
« Reply #24 on: February 03, 2008, 08:20:08 pm »
It depends on your state of course but I get a sizeable refund here in Missouri for the past three years as a renter. Didn't get squat when I was a home owner though.

 


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