We didn't need the agreement notarized - just signed by both parties with the date. As for taxes, my accountant had me report it as rental income, but there were offsetting expenses (utilities, home repairs, etc.) so it didn't affect our tax situation much. Your mom should probably consult with a tax professional about her specific situation, though.

Good luck with your appointment! I went through something similar with my dad's SSI when he moved in with us after his stroke. One thing that really helped was bringing a calculator to the meeting to show exactly how we split expenses. We calculated total monthly costs (property tax ÷ 12, average utilities, groceries, etc.) and divided by the number of adults in the household. Having those numbers ready made the conversation go much smoother. Also, don't let them intimidate you - you have the right to ask questions and get clear explanations of their decisions. The caseworker we dealt with was actually pretty helpful once we showed we were serious about following the rules properly.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation with my neighbor who's 79 and has mild dementia. Based on everything shared here, I'm planning to: 1. Download the SSA-1696 form and the CMS-10106 (Medicare) form 2. Make sure to specifically check box 7 and write "1099-SSA forms" for tax document access 3. Bring multiple copies of everything including POA documents 4. Set up online access while we're at the office 5. Ask about expiration dates and renewal requirements One question I have - for someone with mild cognitive decline, do I need any medical documentation to support the SSA-1696 application, or is that only required for representative payee status? I want to make sure I'm fully prepared before making the 2-hour drive to our nearest SSA office. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is a lifesaver when navigating these complex government processes!

As someone who went through this exact process with my aunt last year, I want to add a few practical tips that saved me headaches: 1. **Call ahead to schedule** - Don't just show up! Many SSA offices require appointments for representative paperwork. Ask specifically for a "representative appointment" not just a general visit. 2. **Bring a folder with dividers** - You'll be juggling multiple forms and documents. Having everything organized made the process much smoother. 3. **Take photos of completed forms** - Before you hand anything over, take pictures with your phone. I had to reconstruct forms twice because of "processing delays." 4. **Get a receipt/confirmation number** - Make sure they give you some kind of tracking number or receipt showing you submitted the SSA-1696. This was crucial when following up weeks later. 5. **Ask for the agent's name and direct number** - Some agents are more helpful than others. If you get someone knowledgeable, get their contact info for follow-up questions. The whole process took about 6 weeks from submission to being able to actually use my representative status, so don't expect immediate results. But once it's active, it makes everything so much easier! Your friend is lucky to have someone willing to navigate this bureaucracy for her.

I'm going through something similar right now - my CDR just came in last month and I was terrified too. Here's what I wish someone had told me: the gap in treatment isn't ideal, but it's not automatically a death sentence for his benefits. What saved me was being extremely thorough in documenting how my condition still affects my daily life, even when I'm "stable" on medication. A few practical tips from my experience: - When you call to schedule that psych appointment, explain it's urgent due to a CDR - many offices will try to squeeze you in sooner - Ask his pharmacy for a medication compliance report showing he's been consistently filling prescriptions - Have him start writing down his symptoms and limitations NOW, while you're waiting for the appointment - memory can be fuzzy when you're stressed - If he's had any ER visits, hospitalizations, or crisis situations in the past few years, make sure those are included in the medical records The most important thing is showing that even though he takes his medication religiously, he still has significant functional limitations that prevent consistent work. Bipolar disorder doesn't just disappear because someone is medication compliant - it requires ongoing management and still causes unpredictable episodes that would make maintaining employment impossible. You're doing the right thing by acting quickly. Try not to spiral too much - focus on gathering the documentation they need to see his ongoing disability.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress on top of your own health issues! One thing that helped me during my husband's CDR was creating a comprehensive timeline document before the psychiatrist appointment. I listed: - All medications he's currently taking (with dosages and how long he's been on each) - Any dosage changes in the past year - Specific episodes or difficult periods he's had recently - How his conditions affect daily activities (showering, grocery shopping, social situations, etc.) - Any triggers that make symptoms worse Having this organized beforehand made the appointment much more productive, and the psychiatrist was able to write a more detailed assessment. Also, if his previous psychiatrist retired, try to get those records transferred ASAP - continuity of care documentation can be really valuable even with the gap. The fact that he's been medication compliant this whole time actually works in your favor - it shows he's actively managing his condition, not ignoring it. You're handling this exactly right by getting current documentation. Wishing you both the best outcome!

After reading everyone's responses, I think I need to reconsider my approach. The risks to my current husband's financial security seem too great with the divorce-remarry strategy. I'm going to use that Claimyr service to connect with SSA and discuss my specific situation. Maybe there are options I haven't considered. Does anyone know if there's a financial advisor who specializes in these complex Social Security cases? I'm willing to pay for professional advice given how much money is at stake over our lifetimes.

Yes, there are financial advisors who specialize in Social Security optimization! Look for fee-only advisors who are specifically trained in Social Security claiming strategies. The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) has a search tool where you can filter for advisors with Social Security expertise. Also consider Registered Social Security Analysts (RSSA) - they have specialized training in these complex scenarios. Given the potential $1000/month difference you mentioned, paying $500-1000 for professional analysis could easily pay for itself within the first year. Before meeting with any advisor, document all the key details: both spouses' earnings records, projected benefits at different claiming ages, health status, and your financial goals. This will help them run accurate scenarios for you. The fact that you're thinking about your current husband's protection shows you're approaching this thoughtfully. A good advisor will help you weigh the financial trade-offs against the risks we've all mentioned here.

quick question sorta related - does anyone know if the same rules apply to life insurance payouts? my mom named me as beneficiary on her policy and im on ssdi too

I'm so sorry to hear about your father's condition. What a stressful situation to navigate while dealing with family illness. Just wanted to add one more perspective - if your daughter ever decides to work in the future (even part-time), SSDI has work incentives that allow her to earn income without immediately losing benefits. Having that inheritance as a financial cushion could actually give her more freedom to explore work opportunities through programs like Trial Work Period without the pressure of losing her safety net. The inheritance won't count against any of those work incentive calculations either since SSDI doesn't consider assets. Wishing your family peace during this difficult time.