OT March Madness

[Cherie]

What's his name Howie? will certainly add him to my prayers. Fortunately, adults generally do far better with leukemia than children. Sam was diagnosed a month before his 13th birthday.

[SalpalSally]

Where is Spring?

[Howie]

Cherie, his name is Tom Whitmire. Thanks everyone.

[Cherie]

thank you Howie. I will add him to our prayer chain.

Sally, it's mostly sunny and lower 40s here today. That feels like Spring.

Verdict is in. I lost my SSDI for the next year because I made just under a thousand dollars over my SSDI payment in part time self employment over the course of the year. It does not matter to them that only 8 months out of the last year have been over the allotment...it is the average. And I lost my biggest client last month...he provided more than 50% of my supplemental income. On the phone this morning with social Security local office I was told that unless I quit my job and reapplied for benefit resumption, I would not be reconsidered until after next year's taxes are in. However, I hit retirement age in September. That does not matter to them. Honesty can sometimes get one hurt.

[Cat Dancer]

If you hit retirement age in September, yoú should be eligible for social security -- which should give you the same amount of income as you were getting with SSDI. Had you remained on SSDI to September, it would have automatically rolled over to Social Security (and been the same amount). You probably know this, but perhaps it'll help some of the others -- you can't collect BOTH SSDI and Social Security.

Notice to everyone: While it is nice to be able to work at least part-time, the SSDI folks are real sticklers about how much (or how little) you can earn. When I was working, my employer was real supportive to my needing to keep under the limit, and would hold off paying me for work until the next month. And there were other times when I simply didn't ask for payment, because I knew it would put me over the limit. Real disincentives, built in to the system!

[Cherie]

I realize that if I decide to retire in September, I will go back on SS benefit and that it will not be more than what I was getting on SSDI. I just have very mixed feelings about stopping now that I have really just begun again. There is a certain sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in working outside the home and bringing in often needed supplemental income. And I think I am healthier than if I am at home all day. The letter from SS did mention "impairment related work expenses (IRWE) which can be filed on a separate form with the IRS and draws down your income to a level that does not interfere with SSDI income. I have used that in the past when I was traveling with a scooter and it allowed for a companion traveler air fare, hotel, meals, etc so I was thinking along those lines only. BUT...things like Therapeutic Massage and Hydrotherapy (the expense to run the pool for a daily exercise regimen) are deductible under this umbrella and we did not have enough medical deductions to take those this year on that form so they are just sitting out there with receipts and can be documented. I was up till about 1 this morning putting all that on paper then up again at 6:30 with David to have breakfast before his meeting so I got a lot done with the SS office and my accountant before work. I am hopeful that this issue can be remedied with this approach. Thanks for your input Cat.

[Howie]

It's Be Kind to Aliens Day.

[SalpalSally]

Looks like a person suffering from Anorexia !!!

[Frog42]

Maybe it's a selfie!

[agate]

Looks like a person suffering from Anorexia !!!

Suffering from something at least.

Not a happy-looking alien but then homesickness might always be a problem.

[Howie]

You're right Agate. Oh, I know what would help.

ET...phone home....

[Cherie]

Ream of paperwork arrived from Social Security today asking me to list my last 5 employers and provide paycheck stubs and job descriptions and accommodations made and monies (with receipts and prescriptions) for "impairment related work expenses". I have receipts for everything but they only sent a small postage paid business sized envelope for something that is going to need a 10x 12 envelope a half inch thick. Not a problem coming up with what they request but I think I will wait till Monday and pick up the revised Schedule C and SE and IRWE from the accountant and send all that with it. All this over $4/month over the past 12 months over the amount they list as "gainfully employed.

The good news? This has prompted us to review taxes finding several errors and omissions on the part of our accountant and I think we will ultimately save about $3000 over what we owe the IRS over and above our quarterly estimated payments (which were $5000 over what our accountant told us to pay). May be time to leave H&R Block after nearly 20 years with them and this accountant. Had she inputted all the figures I gave her initially, there never would have been a question with SSDI. Now the questions have been raised and scrutiny levied and I am sure there will be no problem ultimately but I am on the radar now.

Cold sunny weekend forecast with temps below freezing at night then more snow in the forecast Tuesday and Wednesday.

Today is the day Gary and family were to leave for Disney! Safe travels to one and all!

[Jeanie Z]

:) Hi everyone. I turned 73 today, ouch! My son Jim , his wife Carla and my son Andy took me to dinner tonight. I had a nice time, good food and good company.

Jim found a scooter on eBay like my big Rally I use in the van and put a bid on it. The motor on mine is shot. They have discontinued this model but I have had two of them and like it a lot. The one that got stolen out of my van last year was the best one. I wish I could find it again.

I hope everyone is going to have warmer weather soon. We were 88 again today. It is getting to be summer year round here. Jeanie :)

[agate]

Almost belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY to JeanieZ!

Thanks for mentioning your birthday, which isn't on the calendar here.

Anyway, I hope you've been enjoying your special day!

[Gary]

Hi kids, we are about 5 miles from Disneyland and I am having my coffee on the patio! Something I would not try at home this time of year. I had forgotten how many people live here. I drove the motorhome through downtown LA traffic. And without any problems I might add. I have not been down here in so long it has been a shock how everything has changed.

And medical MJ is legal in Ca you can smell it everywhere. I had to get some e-cig stuff and they sell all types of smoking devices in-the-open!! At home it is a big secret if you know where to find it. You never tell ha ha.

Tomorrow is first day of Disney if I dont ever post again you know that I permanently moved into Disney land.