Aug
10
2011
By Guest (not verified)
My brother recently passed away. He was in a nursing home, but passed away in a hospital due to complications of recurring brain cancer.
He turned 60 in April and was old enough to receive a pension from the short time that he did work. Since he was on Medicaid and received SSI, will all the pension benefits go to back to Medicaid? I am the rep payee and beneficiary of this pension. We just received paperwork to get benefits. Thank you for your assistance.
Social Security "pension" after death
Based on what you've described, I'd say there is no "pension" (retirement benefits) available. Generally, folks must be at least age 62 before they may begin to draw Social Security retirement benefits.
Social Security survivor benefits generally are available to surviving spouses, surviving ex-spouses, and children age 18 and under (older if disabled). So if your brother has a surviving spouse or child they may qualify for benefits.
SSI (and Medicaid) is need based and not "transferable". Individuals and families may qualify for SSI based on their situation (disabled, elderly, and low income).
Still, I recommend contacting Social Security directly to check the status of your brother's situation.
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10035.html
http://ssa.gov/pubs/10084.html#3