Jonathan, recently i received a settlement while drawing ssi. I followed the rules and reported it. i also reported where the money was spent. however I have a worker who is requiring alot of info from mr. He even asked for my bank statements. Am I required to give him thisinfo. The stress is also agravating the nervous conditin I was originally approved for ssi in the first place whatcan i do Do I have any rights in this situation.?

Jonathan Ginsberg responds: If you are receiving SSI (Title XVI Supplemental Security Income) then your settlement may be counted as a “resource” that would offset your SSI. Under current SSI regulations, you are allowed $2,000 in resources ($3,000 if you are married).

You can read more about SSI permitted resources here. My thought is that SSI will seek to stop your benefits until you have used up the money from your settlement. You may want to talk to the SSA rep about designating some of that money (or using some of that money to buy furniture or other items needed) as being necessary for future medical expenses or other living necessities.

–Jonathan