

Ask the community...
Just wanted to wish you good luck with your kidney surgery. That's scary stuff on top of dealing with SSDI bureaucracy. Hope everything goes well!
To address your question about updating the Adult Function Report - it would be helpful to provide an update after your surgery. You can submit a letter from your doctor describing any additional limitations resulting from the kidney removal. Generally, SSA evaluates disability based on how your conditions limit your ability to work. While spine issues typically cause exertional limitations (lifting, standing, walking), the kidney cancer and surgery may cause non-exertional limitations (need for frequent breaks, absences for treatment, fatigue). The combination of these different types of limitations often presents a stronger case than either condition alone. When you speak with the examiner after surgery, ask if you should submit an updated Function Report or if a medical source statement from your doctor would be sufficient.
Exactly right. And to add some context - SSA uses what's called the "combined effects" doctrine when evaluating disability claims. They look at how ALL your medical conditions interact to impact your ability to work. Sometimes people get denied when looking at each condition individually, but approved when considering the combined impact. The examiner seems to be properly applying this approach.
have u tried going on the website mySocialSecurity to make appointment? they say u can do that now. I made mine that way last month but u might need to create account first
After reading through the comments, I want to emphasize something important about your specific situation. Since you mentioned your son recently started receiving benefits on his father's record as a disabled adult child (DAC), you may be in a special category. If you're providing care for a disabled adult child who receives Social Security benefits, you might qualify for what's called a "mother's or father's benefit" even though your child is an adult. This is different from your divorced spouse benefit and they can sometimes be payable simultaneously, subject to family maximum rules. When you finally get your appointment, make sure they calculate BOTH: 1. Your divorced spouse benefit (potentially up to 50% of your ex's PIA) 2. Your potential caregiver benefit for your disabled son Bringing documentation of your caregiving responsibilities will be crucial. The technical term SSA uses for this is "in-care" requirement for mother's/father's benefits. Many representatives don't fully understand these complex rules where divorce, disability, and caregiving intersect.
This is incredibly helpful - I had no idea I might qualify for a separate benefit as his caregiver! He does have significant disabilities and requires daily support. I'll definitely bring documentation of his care needs. Would medical records be enough, or do I need something specific showing I'm his caregiver?
Medical records are good, but also bring any legal guardianship papers if you have them, documentation of living arrangements, and perhaps a letter from his doctor specifying his care needs and your role. The more documentation you have about your caregiving responsibilities, the stronger your case will be. SSA needs to see that you're providing ongoing care and supervision, not just occasional help.
dont social security beneifts only get taxed if you make over a certain amount? i forget what it is but i think most people dont even pay tax on ss
You're right! Social Security benefits are only taxable if your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of your Social Security benefits) exceeds $25,000 for individuals or $32,000 for married filing jointly. At most, 85% of benefits become taxable, never 100%. But as another commenter pointed out, if these are benefits for a child/dependent that the original poster is receiving as a representative payee, they aren't taxable to the representative payee at all.
Update: I found the form and checked box 5 like someone suggested. Turns out these payments aren't even my taxable income since I'm just the representative payee for my nephew! I feel silly now but glad I asked. Thanks everyone for your help!
As others have mentioned, your husband might be eligible for a spousal supplement if 50% of your PIA exceeds his own PIA. One more thing to consider—has your husband checked his earnings record on ssa.gov to make sure all his work years are correctly recorded? It's not uncommon to find errors, especially for jobs from many years ago. If he has 35+ years of work history, also consider whether his current earnings might be higher than some earlier years. Working even just a few more months could potentially increase his benefit if he's replacing a lower-earning year in his top 35.
I wish I could get a straight answer from SSA!!! Their website says one thing, the phone people say another, and then when you go to the office they tell you something completely different! No wonder we're all confused about what benefits we can get. The whole system needs to be simplified!!!
Miguel Alvarez
have u checked ur my social security acct online? sometimes it shows pending payments there before they even tell u. might give u a clue if somethings gonna hit in january
0 coins
Ava Thompson
•Good idea! I just checked but it still shows as suspended. Maybe it'll update closer to January? I'll keep an eye on it.
0 coins
CyberSiren
To summarize what should happen in your case: 1. Benefits should automatically resume in January 2025 2. No action needed from you if SSA has your correct 2025 earnings estimate 3. First payment should arrive based on your birth date schedule in January 4. You'll receive your full monthly benefit amount since your 2025 earnings are well below the limit If January comes and you don't receive payment, then you should contact SSA immediately to ensure they have the correct earnings information for 2025. For peace of mind, you could call once more in December to verify everything is set up correctly for January payment resumption.
0 coins
Ava Thompson
•Thank you so much for this clear summary! I think I'll call in December just to make sure everything is on track. It's reassuring to know the system should automatically restart payments in January as long as they have my correct 2025 earnings estimate.
0 coins