Form SSA 16 Walkthrough (Application for Social Security Disability Benefits)

[@bhaktimhamunkar7370]

Thanks for the video

[@johndiezel5781]

On page 5, there is a box that says "direct deposit refused" What does that box mean? What happens if it that box is checked? Thank you for any help and feedback, and for the helpful video, it is very much appreciated.

[@teachmepersonalfinance]

This is a great question, and there doesn't seem to be any real authority that directly answers it. However, I did find a link to the SSA's Direct Deposit page: www.ssa.gov/deposit/index.htm. On the page, it states that "Federal law mandates that all Federal benefit payments - including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits - must be made electronically. There are two ways you can receive your benefits: -Into an existing bank account via Direct Deposit or -Onto a Direct Express® Debit Mastercard® So my assumption is that if you check this box to refuse the direct deposit, then the SSA will issue you a debit MasterCard and use that for electronic payments instead. However, this isn't official advice or an official statement, just an educated guess.

[@Lynne...]

What's the difference applying with this form rather than the 3368 form. Wouldnt they need more info if the ssa-16 was completed anyway?

[@teachmepersonalfinance]

I think the Form 3368 is the disability report, while Form SSA-16 is the disability application. Generally, you need the disability report to accompany the application. I couldn't find any reference stating why there are different forms, but it appears that the general guidance is to submit them together so the SSA can properly develop a disability claim.

[@Lynne...]

​@teachmepersonalfinance2169 Thank you for the response. It was greatly appreciated. I handed in both forms today.

[@joshuaremaley8589]

How would you answer question 18b if your income has been coming from a long-term disability policy?

[@teachmepersonalfinance]

I would be inclined to defer to the IRS guidance on this, but I'd also double-check with the SSA. IRS Publication 907 states that if you paid the premiums for any disability policy, then it is not considered taxable income. If your employer paid the premiums, or if you paid the premiums from a pre-tax cafeteria plan, then the income would be considered taxable income until you reach a minimum retirement age. So if the IRS considers it earned income (because your employer paid the premiums), then I would list it in Line 18b. But if it were considered income because paid the premiums, then I would probably be inclined to leave it out. If you want to double check with the SSA before sending the completed form, that would be understandable. I also would not report this in Line 22, because a disability policy is not considered a public disability benefit.

[@joshuaremaley8589]

I just want to let you know that I am a Licensed Social Worker and I was asking this question on behalf of some of my clients, and your response just enabled me to help 6 different people with their applications. So thank you, good sir. This was amazing! @@teachmepersonalfinance

[@chartmann43]

Where can I find my PTO and vacation pay from my previous employer?

[@teachmepersonalfinance]

PTO and vacation pay are not reported to the SSA. You'll have to contact your previous employer's HR department for that information.

[@RashadSims-bh3zz]

What if your father passed away is this the same form?

[@teachmepersonalfinance]

Probably not. But it depends on which benefits you're trying to file for. I'd recommend that you contact the SSA to see what benefits you might be eligible for, and how to apply for them.

[@RashadSims-bh3zz]

Thank you