In Michigan, a caring daughter is seeking information regarding the effect of adding money to a joint account with her senior disabled father on her father’s Social Security and disability benefits. The father, who resides in rural Kentucky, receives income from both Social Security and part disability. However, it’s crucial to understand that the Social Security Administration administers two types of disability programs – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The daughter needs to understand that while her father’s Social Security retirement benefit would not be affected by opening a joint account, it’s likely his Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefit will be. Her assets, when counted towards her father’s “SSI asset limit, and any “in kind assistance provided could potentially exceed the SSI income/asset eligibility limit, resulting in the termination of his SSI benefits.

Before proceeding with the joint account, she may need to review the SSI eligibility information on the Social Security’s official website. She could also contact the Social Security Administration and ask to speak with someone experienced with Supplemental Security Income matters. Alternatively, since her father resides in Kentucky, they could contact that state’s human services agency to discuss options for providing remote assistance without jeopardizing his Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit.