Defenition of "Member of Household" for Social Security admin.?

My elderly mother is living with her sister in her sisters house. The SSA just notified her that they overpaid her $5000, and informed her she needs to pay it back, or it may be possible to get a waiver depending upon if she meets certain criteria. Social Security is all the money she has, no savings or anything, plus she is disabled and by way of miracle, was just released from hospice. She pays her sister a certain amount each month to go towards house and utilities. When filling out this paper work they are asking things like, "do you or anyone in your household own a car?". My aunt owns a car, but my mother is unable to drive any longer, my aunt has her own retirement arrangements also, does all of her things have to be taken into consideration just because my mom lives in her house with her? All help appreciated, we are all feeling lost and a bit scared about this. Thank you in advance!!!!

depending on what benefits your mother is getting these answers can vary.
social security retirement and social security disability are both based on what the recipient payed into their own account

SSI which is supplemental income administered by social security but paid for out of general tax revenues has nothing to do with what is paid in by the recipient.

show as many expenses as possible for your mother, any expenses she pays will help her in this situation. if she is not on SSI and has a qualifying disability she can receive SSI as well as her SS retirement. contact the social security office and they will be happy to assist her. you can go to this website for information:
http://www.ssa.gov/

A call to the SS office can get you the answers you need. Normally, this would be considered if she was living in a home with immediate family such as Husband/wife and children. There are too many facts to consider to get a complete answer here.

You mother needs to establish that she's renting a room from her sister. She needs receipts to prove that she pays for her room and to help with the utilities. She needs to establish that she and her sister maintain separate bank accounts and that she does not have use of the car. When Social Security asks who's in your house they usually mean who supports you or who are you supporting. They also want to know if anyone is helping you with the bills. The most important thing is to prove that your mom is renting and that she helps with the bills. Get receipts each month as if your aunt was the land lord of a separate residence. IF possible have one of the utilities put in your mom's name so that it's completely clear that she is not dependent on your aunt for care and support.

Why do they say they overpaid her? If she worked and made over 900.00 extra money a month then they consider that over payment. Just because she's living with her sister..in her sisters house should not affect her benefit. I'm onSSI because I have MS..and I work 18 hrs a week in a sit down job. I made 48.00 in a year too much and they took my benefits away. And they want 4000,oo back from me which I don't have. They can make your life miserable and worry in fear. Their system sucks . I had to get a lawyer to help me with this. Have you mother call a Disabilty lawyer. SSI can mess up your life. A lawyer will help her. You're mother should be able to get her own SS her her husbands and get off disabilty...I do this April and I'll be glad ..good luck