Get Latest WorkWORLD

What if I Don't Know?

You may be asked a question that you are either unsure of or do not know the answer. If this happens, you have three options:

1.         Use an Estimate;

2.         Try different answers; or

3.         Stop and get more information.

NOTE: If you are creating hypothetical cases, then you probably don't know the answers to the questions in the Current Situation column about "actual" SSI, SSDI, Tenant Rent, Family Rent to Owner, or Food Stamps benefits.

Simply accept the default $0.00 amounts when first answering the questions. When you are finished, Text Results will tell you what WorkWORLD calculates the amounts to be. Go back and enter those amounts in order to continue.

Use an Estimate:

See "Estimating Inputs" for an explanation of why and how you might use estimates when you don't know the exact answer to a question about an amount.

Try Different Answers:

Enter different answers in different situation columns to see what additional questions will be asked and what effect each answer has on your results.

Example: If you receive SSI and live with others, you will be asked, "Is your SSI check reduced because of In-Kind Support from others in your household?" If you do not know the correct answer, you could choose "No" in one situation and "Yes" in another.

In the "No" situation, you will be asked no further questions concerning In-Kind Support.

In the "Yes" situation, you will be asked if the support is "…figured using the 1/3rd reduction rule." This question lets you know that when you contact your SSA Claims Representative you need to ask not only if you are considered to be receiving In-Kind Support, but also if that support is figured using the 1/3rd reduction rule.

If you then answered "Yes" to the question about the 1/3rd reduction rule, you would do well to create another situation in which you answer "No" to that question. In the "No" situation you will be asked, "How much Partial In-Kind Support does SSA say your receive?" And the default "Presumed Maximum Value" amount will be the default. So this question lets you know that if your SSA Claims Representative says that your In-Kind Support is not figured using the 1/3rd Reduction Rule, you should ask the value of the In-Kind Support SSA assumes you are receiving.

NOTE: You should also realize that you could read the Help screens about the two kinds of In-Kind Support, so that you would know the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Comparing the results for the three situations, you would see that your benefits would be highest if you received no In-Kind Support. If you do receive In-Kind Support, then you would find in some circumstances that you would be better off with the 1/3rd reduction rule, and in other circumstances, you would find the PMV rule advantageous.

Stop and Get More Information:

Find out the correct answer(s). In many circumstances, it would be best to try estimates and alternative answers before getting more information because doing so lets you know more fully the different types of information you should collect.

You may have to search your files and make phone calls to find the correct answer(s). Particularly useful is your original SSI and/or SSDI (Title II) award letter, as well as any subsequent letters from SSA changing the information contained in the award letter.

NOTE: SSA now offers a free Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) report that contains much of the detailed information needed to accurately answer the Current Situation questions.

For Housing questions, your Tenant Lease or Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract should contain most of the information you need.

If you need more information or clarification from the Social Security Administration, you can use one of several methods to contact SSA.

If you need more information or clarification about Section 8 programs in your area, contact your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).

If you need more information or clarification about Food Stamps benefits, contact your local Food Stamps agency.

Once you have found the answers, go back to the question(s) and make the necessary changes. You should keep a file of all documentation you have for your answers.

WorkWORLD™ Help/Information System

   Share/Save: Click the button or link at left to select your favorite bookmark service and add this page.

This is one topic from the thousands available in the WorkWORLD™ software Help/Information System.
Complete information about the software is available at: http://www.WorkWORLD.org