Tell them to set up a my social security account online NOW too if they haven't!!! Makes everything easier later!!!

As someone who worked in social services for years, I want to emphasize one crucial point that hasn't been mentioned - make sure they have a certified English translation of their Thai marriage certificate if they don't already. SSA will require this for the survivor benefit application. Also, since she's been his full-time caregiver, document this relationship thoroughly with medical records, insurance forms, etc. This helps establish the legitimacy of their marriage. One more thing - if your uncle has any adult children from previous relationships, they should be aware that survivor benefits don't reduce what a surviving spouse receives, so there shouldn't be any family conflicts over benefits.

As a newcomer to this community, I'm amazed by the depth of knowledge and support shown in this thread. The systematic misinformation about earnings limits for child-in-care benefits is truly alarming - it's clear this isn't just isolated incidents but a widespread training issue within SSA. What I find most valuable is how this discussion has evolved from one person's specific question into a comprehensive resource that addresses both SSDI and retirement scenarios. The fact that @6178c5c5de5a was told to withdraw their application based on completely incorrect information, and @3c26881dece6's proactive approach to understanding these rules, really highlights the importance of community knowledge-sharing. The practical resources shared here - POMS sections, SSA publications, escalation strategies, and the tip about asking representatives to cite specific regulations - create a toolkit that seems more reliable than what many families get from their local SSA offices. That's both empowering and deeply concerning about the state of the system. Thank you to all the experienced members who've shared their hard-won expertise. As someone who may need to navigate this system in the future, I'm bookmarking this entire thread. Communities like this are essential for helping families get benefits they're legally entitled to receive when the official channels fail them.

As someone new to this community and currently researching disability benefits for my own situation, this thread has been incredibly educational. The systematic misinformation about earnings limits for child-in-care benefits is truly shocking - seeing examples from both SSDI and retirement cases with the exact same incorrect information suggests this is a training failure at the agency level. What I find most valuable is how experienced community members have provided specific regulatory references (POMS sections, SSA publications) and practical strategies for dealing with misinformed local offices. The advice about bringing printed documentation, requesting written decisions, and asking agents to cite specific regulations creates a roadmap for self-advocacy that seems essential given how unreliable the official information has proven to be. The fact that families are losing thousands of dollars in benefits they're legally entitled to because of widespread misinformation is unacceptable. Thank you to everyone who's shared their expertise and resources - you're providing more reliable guidance than many people get from their local SSA offices. This thread should be required reading for anyone dealing with complex family benefit situations. I'm bookmarking all the specific resources mentioned here and will definitely come prepared with documentation when it's time to apply. It's unfortunate that we have to become experts in SSA policy just to get accurate information, but communities like this make it possible.

This is such great news! I'm so glad you found a benefits counselor who could walk through the numbers with you. The 20 hours/week plan sounds very reasonable and gives your son a real chance to build work experience without jeopardizing his benefits. One thing I'd add - make sure to keep detailed records of his actual hours and wages each month, not just what's planned. Sometimes retail schedules can fluctuate, and you want to make sure you're tracking if he accidentally goes over in any given month. Also, don't forget to report his work activity to SSA proactively, even though he's staying under the limits. It's better to over-communicate than have them think you're hiding something later. Good luck to your son with his new job opportunity!

As a newcomer to this community, I've been following this thread with great interest since I'm facing a similar situation with my own adult daughter who has disabilities. The information everyone has shared here is incredibly valuable. I wanted to add one thing that might be helpful - when you do connect with SSA (hopefully through that Claimyr service), ask them about getting a written confirmation of your son's work plan. Some offices will provide a letter stating that working X hours at Y wage should not affect benefits, which can be helpful documentation if any issues arise later. Also, I noticed several people mentioned the importance of keeping detailed records. Consider setting up a simple spreadsheet to track his monthly earnings, hours worked, and any communications with SSA. This has been a lifesaver for families I know who've had to dispute overpayments or other issues. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - both the success stories and the warnings. It's clear this system requires careful navigation, but it's encouraging to see that with the right preparation and professional guidance, it is possible for our kids to work while maintaining their benefits.

As someone new to this community, I want to thank everyone for sharing such detailed and helpful information! I'm in a similar situation with my adult daughter who has autism and receives DAC benefits. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational. I especially appreciate the specific numbers and timelines that were provided - the Trial Work Period, Extended Period of Eligibility, and the 93-month Medicare continuation. It's reassuring to know there are actual safety nets in place, even though the system seems so complicated. The suggestion about getting everything in writing from SSA is something I never would have thought of, but it makes perfect sense given how inconsistent their representatives can be. And I had no idea about WIPA counselors or the Protection and Advocacy organizations - I'll definitely be looking into those resources. One question I have is about the reporting requirements. How quickly do we need to report work activity to SSA? Is there a specific timeframe, or is it just "as soon as possible"? I want to make sure we don't accidentally create problems by not reporting quickly enough. Thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge. It's communities like this that make navigating these complex systems a little less overwhelming!

I'm new here but wanted to share some additional perspective as someone who works in disability advocacy. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the importance of documenting your son's current functional limitations and how they relate to his disability. If he does attempt work and it doesn't go well, SSA will need to verify that his disability still meets their criteria for benefits reinstatement. I'd recommend having his doctor document his current limitations and how they might impact sustained work activity. This creates a paper trail that can be crucial if you need to prove his disability persists during any reinstatement process. Also, while everyone's mentioned the great safety nets, it's worth noting that even during the Trial Work Period, SSA can still review whether someone's medical condition has improved. It's rare, but they could theoretically find him "no longer disabled" even if he's earning under SGA. Having current medical documentation helps protect against this possibility. The work incentives and protections everyone described are real and helpful, but going in with thorough documentation makes the whole process much smoother. Your instinct to research this thoroughly before he starts working is exactly the right approach!

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. What you're doing for your niece is truly admirable during such a difficult time. I wanted to share something that helped us tremendously when we went through a similar situation with my nephew. Before heading to the SSA office, I'd recommend calling your local office directly (not the main 1-800 number) to ask what their current wait times are like and if they have any preferred appointment slots. Some offices are much less busy on certain days of the week. Also, bring a small folder with dividers to keep all your documents organized - it makes the process smoother and shows you're prepared. The agents really appreciate when families come in well-organized. One thing I wish someone had told us earlier: if your niece has any medical or therapy needs related to grief counseling, those expenses can be covered by the survivor benefits. Mental health support is crucial during this transition, and it's completely appropriate to use the funds for professional counseling if needed. The benefits will make a real difference for her future, and you're handling this exactly the right way by getting the process started quickly. Your niece is so fortunate to have you both stepping up for her.

I'm so deeply sorry for your loss, and my heart goes out to you and your niece during this incredibly difficult time. Losing a parent at such a young age is devastating, and it's beautiful to see how you're stepping up to care for her. I wanted to add a few things that might be helpful as you navigate this process: 1. When you call SSA, ask specifically about expedited processing for minor survivor benefits. Some offices can fast-track applications for children who have lost parents, especially when there are clear documentation and urgent need. 2. Request a case number for your application and write it down - this will help you track the status and reference it in future calls. 3. If your niece has any existing medical conditions or if she needs counseling to cope with the loss of her mother, make sure to mention this. The benefits can cover these essential healthcare needs. 4. Consider asking about automatic enrollment in Medicare for when she turns 18 if she has any disabilities, as this can provide important healthcare continuity. The community here has given you excellent advice about documentation and the application process. Just remember that while this feels overwhelming right now, you're taking exactly the right steps at the right time. These benefits exist precisely for situations like yours, and your niece deserves every bit of support available to her. You're giving her such a gift by providing stability and love when her world has been turned upside down. She's incredibly lucky to have you both.