I am living in a housing complex with 4 children. Three of my children where on ssi and ssdi until they went to work. My where taken off of ssdi because they are working, and they where only receiving ssii off of my ex-husband. My ex-husband passed away a few weeks ago, and I was not aware they were entitled to his money, so which leaves me over income in housing and the only way for me to live here is that one of my children has to quit there job which I don't think it's right. They just finally got a job which is very hard to do especially when you have a disability. (learning disability). I don't want the money because it's going to force me and my kids out to a place where we cannot afford the rent. Is there anything I can do, ever since my husband died my income has gone up. I don't want the death benefits because it's going to cause my living situation in housing. What can I do. Please I am idesperate. I cannot afford the rent out there. I was told there is nothing I can do about the benefits even though it's going to put me and my kids out in the street.

Hi,

I wish I could help you, but people who receive Social Security benefits can't request to be paid a lower benefit rate than the amount to which they are entitled. There is a provision for waiving Social Security benefits altogether, meaning that a person can ask to stop being paid their benefits. However, you may not be allowed to waive benefits for your child, even if you're their representative payee. For more information on waiving payment of Social Security benefits, refer to the following section of Social Security's operations manual: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202409001.

Best, Jerry