My dad’s case worker said he has to spend $1,000 by a certain date in order to retain his benefits. If you were bed bound without your ability to see or touch, and you only had a day or so to decide, what would you buy with $1,000?

I was told by social security when I was doing a spend down that pre paying bills is considered "gifting" because you a paying for a service you haven't received yet. Since they are making you show how you spend the money I would be careful doing this.

This is a really good option especially to keep the money. For example you put the thousand on the electric bill. He wouldn't have to pay it and so the money from not paying it could be used for other things which would give more time to figure out what to do with it.