Hello. I am Russian native & USA Citizen. 69 1/2 years old. Recently I was informed that my SSI will be stopped due to the fact that I cannot produce a document from Russia stated that I still collecting my pension there and monthly amount. To obtain this document I must travel back to Russia, Siberia and it will cost me around $3,000. Because law changes in 2015 I must personally be there to obtain necessary documentation. If I do not I will have to leave on the street sidewalk. I do not have work or any source of other leaving except random help from friends & some of family members. Is it any exclusions in my situation allow me to continue receiving benefits without producing this paper? Your advice could be a life saver. Thank you.

Hi,

I'm afraid that I can't be of much help. I don't even know why Social Security is requesting the documentation you mention. The only reason I can think of that would necessitate such documentation is if you are receiving a pension based on your work in Russia and Social Security needs proof of the pension amount in order to determine how much if any effect it would have on your Social Security benefits. This could be due to either the WEP provision (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10045.pdf) or the GPO provision (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10007.pdf) depending on the type of Social Security benefits that you are receiving.

The only suggestions I can make that might possibly help would be to 1) contact Social Security and fully explain your situation to them if you haven't already done so, or 2) contact the office(s) of your congressional representative(s) to ask them if they can help you.

Best, Jerry