I have an applicant who claims to have both an SSI and Disability benefit, and has sent me a screen print of the benefit pages for both.

Of course it is vital the applicant makes enough money to pay rent and utilities, and have play money left over.... or they will spend the play money anyway and then not have rent right. And we definitely don't want to deal with that.

So we need to make sure the income numbers are good.

I'm wondering how other landlords confirm income information for Social Security and Disability applicants. I have every anticipation that if I call my local Social Security office, I will get the standard issue smug voiced government employee..... who will tell me she cannot release any information about said person because it is confidential, buh-bye, and on.

How in the world then, are people confirming Social Security and Disabilty income. Do you just go by easily forgeable copies of the page they submit..... or is there some other trick.

I have tended to find the Social Security number to be almost useless on an application, as it is usually so shrouded in secrecy nowhere you call will even verify it. I have found drivers license to be far better.

But in this case, we have no choice. This is their income. How would you verify it?

I still have two places that are SSI only. I have been lucky with them tho.

Realizing that they are not garnishable, which I think is not right, I am more selective with people who are only on SSI.

One took a part time job. The other got a new room mate.

The income is in two statements. One says, "Social Security Administration: Retirement Survivors and Disability Insurance". The other says "Social Security Administration: Supplemental Security Income".

Both statements state a monthly income at the bottom. Applicant is totaling both as his income.

There is an RNC#. Surely for this to be of any use whatsoever in getting loans, apartments, whatever, this income should be confirmable by the government?

Would it not make sense to have a website where you can put in the RNC number verify it matches the SSN, and the person is actively getting payments.

That would make too much sense and be too easy for a government agency I know. But I can't help but hope.

How is this sort of income best verified, is my question?

The man claims to have Sickle Cell Anemia, which is why he gets disability. He claims to be working on the side and have additional income, but has not yet submitted any proof of that.

What worries me about this condition, is its apparently sensitivity to heat and cold. Its an upstairs apartment, what if it gets hot up there in the summer?

I don't know. Every single applicant has glaring risks, something has to give unless you want to sit on vacant apartments until you go banrkupt. The perfect tenant is already renting somewhere else.

"How is this sort of income best verified, is my question?"

I will say it again. Bank statements.