Benefits for People with Disability

[Wise Young]

There are many very useful sites on internet containing information about benefits for people with disability. I will put some links up here and other can post links that they have found useful as well:

• http://www.ssa.gov/disability/
The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.

Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need.

When you apply for either program, we will collect medical and other information from you and make a decision about whether or not you meet Social Security's definition of disability.

Use the Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool to find out which programs may be able to pay you benefits.

• http://www.nosscr.org/faqind.html
Social Security Disability
Frequently Asked Questions

Please Read this Disclaimer First
Courtesy and Copyright Charles T. Hall, Esq.
NOSSCR Sustaining Member and Past President

1. What is the definition of disability used by Social Security?
2. How many different types of Social Security disability benefits are there?
3. How do I apply for Social Security disability benefits?
4. I am disabled, but I have plenty of money in the bank. Do I have to wait until this money is gone before I apply for Social Security disability benefits?

<etc.>

• http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/
social security disability

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY SSI BENEFITS

social security disability

Applying for social security disability and SSI benefits, with or without an advocate can be difficult due to how long a claim may take and the high chance of being denied. But those who are denied disability can win benefits by utilizing the appeals process. To increase the chances of winning, applicants should learn about the system and file an appeal when a claim is denied.

• http://www2.rpa.net/~lrandall/disabled.html
Filing For Disability

The moral test of government is how it treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the aged; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped. - Hubert H. Humphrey

# Listing of Impairments
The Social Security Administration's Listing of Impairments. A section-by-section description of requirements for Social Security disability benefits for adults.

# Listings of Impairments.
An overview.

# Winning Your Disability Case in Three Words: Frequency, Severity and Duration by Scott E. Davis, Esq. NEW 8-30-03

# Completing Disability Forms: Five Critical Tips to Keep in Mind for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Patients by Scott E. Davis, Esq.

# Winning Your Disability Case with the Help of Co-Workers, Family Members and Friends by Scott E. Davis, Esq.

# How To Talk with your Physician about Supporting your Disability Claim by Scott E. Davis, Esq.

<etc.>

[SCI-Nurse]

For those in California, this is an excellent site, esp. related to working and how it impacts your disability benefits:

http://www.disabilitybenefits101.org

(KLD)

[cass]

the SSA Redbook. http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/eng/main.htm

[Tami]

My daughter hasn't recieved her soc. sec. and has no income she is 25 with no children. The Dr. did an MRI and said she had a Syrnex and had to get it fixed, and when we called her surgeon and said she had no insurance or job they said that was a problem.

I don't know what to do, she is waiting for her hearing date for soc. sec. and her mood is very low.
She has had a cold and coughing isn't helping he problem and I am very worried.
I want to scream at the system!
If anyone knows where we can go, please let me know, we live about one hour from St. Louis or three from Sprinfield Il. but I will take her anywhere.

Thank you

[Imight]

im having a really hard time with these guys.

they are saying i have too much saved up in my bank account to be allowed this.

i know theres a way around it, however, why does someone have to be damn near broke in order to receive benefits? its so wrong.

as for right now, i am on short term disability from my job (i think?) which comes out to just about what i was making.

i have a feeling ssi will not be the same as this, and well be less, correct?

[Imight]

and people in cali may also want to look into

hssi

[jessie.gray]

There is also a SSDI program for adults who have been disabled since childhood (before age 23), who's mother or father have died but worked long enough to receive SS benefits before their death. They call it an "adult child disability benefit program".

This is what I am on, because I was diagnosed with HSP before I turned 23 and my Dad died in 2000 from lung cancer. I had no idea this program existed until last year, when I got my award letter from SSI and it talked about that program at the bottom of the letter.

Jessie

[kenf]

Tami , you would think she can get medicad instead. untill my SS kicked in , about 6 months later , i got medicad and it covered everything. i had med insurance when i was hurt. the hospital people told me to cancel it. they wanted medicad to pay for every thing.

[CWIC Melanie]

Hi,

I am a Community Work Incentive Coordinator (a CWIC), trained by Social Security on the work incentives available through SSA for indivudals on SSDI and SSI. Basically, I am trained to educate indivudals on the impact of work on their federal, state and local benefits (state and local specific to NH).

I would be glad to help you with SSDI questions (at least general). If I can not help, I should be able to refer to a specific person who can.

CWIC Melanie Renfrew-Hebert
Granite State Independent Living, NH

[soundguy]

Just had my formal SS hearing. It took 2 1/2yr. to get the hearing after filing for the formal hearing. It's a very long ordeal. But the hearing was about 10 min long. All that wait to see a judge for 10 min. If you can show a dire circumstance they will move you closer to the front of the line. The national avg. wait is around 780 days currently. Good luck!:banghead::bs:

[Patty41]

Tami--I'm very sorry to hear this difficult and sad dx for your daughter. On the plus side, as long as your daughter worked and paid into the SS system prior to her injury, she'll be entitled to her benefits, know as Social Security Disability Income. These benefits become effective five months following injury. I would imagine the hospital social worker has already assisted your daughter in making application for both SSDI and/or SSI? Sadly though, SSDI is only the income portion of benefits. Her medical (Medicare), requires a TWO year waiting period, that does not start until after her five month SSDI period ends. Your daughter should discuss her situation with the a social worker to see if she fits the income guidelines for MEDICAID--a medical insurance program for low income individuals.

My daughter hasn't recieved her soc. sec. and has no income she is 25 with no children. The Dr. did an MRI and said she had a Syrnex and had to get it fixed, and when we called her surgeon and said she had no insurance or job they said that was a problem.

I don't know what to do, she is waiting for her hearing date for soc. sec. and her mood is very low.
She has had a cold and coughing isn't helping he problem and I am very worried.
I want to scream at the system!
If anyone knows where we can go, please let me know, we live about one hour from St. Louis or three from Sprinfield Il. but I will take her anywhere.

Thank you

[myerstim]

can i receive ssi and ssdi

[arndog]

myer - in some circumstances you can receive both at the same time.

The only way to get both SSDI and SSI is for your SSDI benefits to be less than the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR).

[Mom15]

The rehab hospital that my son was in is sending an application to ma in WI. As I work for the county that we reside in I know that my husbands and my income & assets are included for MA here. My son is 20 injured 12/6/11 SCI incomplete T5T6 and unable to work. He will be attending college next year in MN. My question is does MA then send the information on to social security and if so what type and how will this effect his applying for college finances.

[Mom15]

Since my last post my son is now getting SSI. He is a high school graduate and enrolled in college this fall in a neighboring state. This school has tunnels above and below ground so very accessible for wheelchairs. My question is does anyone know if the department of vocational rehabilitation is hard to be accepted too? He had an appt almost two months ago and the DVR specialist stated that he may or may not be accepted and if not he will be put on a waiting list. He is contacting the college about student and parent loans too.

[november]

Since my last post my son is now getting SSI. He is a high school graduate and enrolled in college this fall in a neighboring state. This school has tunnels above and below ground so very accessible for wheelchairs. My question is does anyone know if the department of vocational rehabilitation is hard to be accepted too? He had an appt almost two months ago and the DVR specialist stated that he may or may not be accepted and if not he will be put on a waiting list. He is contacting the college about student and parent loans too.
If he is on SSI and has a SCI I don't think VR would decline him. If they do go above whoever says that and appeal the decision. Don't forget to apply for scholarships at the school. The deadline for Fall 2012 is probably past but keep it in mind for next year. He needs to apply for Federal Student Aid, today! I'm not sure if he is living at home and considered your dependent? I don't know your [his parents] income situation. He may qualify for a Pell grant that could cover a great deal if not all of his school costs. VR pays so much per credit hrs too. Here is a link for federal financial aid. Fill it out asap if you haven't already. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

[Mom15]

Thank you November,
We did already do the fasa and he does not qualify for grants. DVR said they hopefully will know by the end of next week. He has been diligent in applying for whatever he can. Would he apply for federal student aid online with the college?

[november]

Thank you November,
We did already do the fasa and he does not qualify for grants. DVR said they hopefully will know by the end of next week. He has been diligent in applying for whatever he can. Would he apply for federal student aid online with the college?

I'm not sure I understand your question. The federal student aid is FAFSA. When you filled out the FAFSA you did list his college I assume.

[Mom15]

yes, we did the FAFSA. The school is sending information to him. Sorry about the confusion. The FAFSA stated that he was not eligible for the Pell Grant.

[november]

Has he thought about going to a school in the state you live in? At least for the first two years. Is there any possibility of him getting his own place so your income doesn't disqualify him from some assistance?

[Mom15]

november, My work insurance will not cover him then. At this time insurance seems more important than more help with school. He was accepted by DVR and will see about maybe some help with tuition. The reason he is going out of state is the school is more accessable and not as large as the State schools here. We will work it out somehow thanks for all your suggestions. I was just hoping we covered all our bases. Sounds like we have.

[november]

Glad VR will help!

[russianrob]

Also, please keep in mind if you have not already. That he most likely will need to apply to the DVR in the state where he is attending college. This might allow more assistance for things they feel necessary. Typically, they will review the plan laid out by the previous state and then add things state specific. I know my brother was able to get assistance even with gas to and from PT while at college in a different state.

[elizabeth422]

what kind of programs are out there to help someone that is working but can't afford some things...are there any grants?????? I am wanting a handcycle to improve my health.

[Colin83]

Challenge Athletes Foundation

[rlmtrhmiles]

I get LTDI and SSDI via work and government. Am pretty sure the LTDI goes until 65. Initially injured I had STDI, but this only lasted a number of days. Do not remember how many. All of what I said here IS based on not workkng. I am pretty sure, if I even went back to work I still get the disability income for a fixed number of days based on a temporary back to work or permanent.

[LaMemChose]

For retirement purposes, whenever retirement should come to those of us living with disability, a Special Needs Trust can be a good idea if funds are available. The funds from such a trust can cover everything from housing costs to transportation needs to annual vacations and do not affect disability payments.

[lynnifer]

Canada has the Registered Disability Savings for that ... it's an excellent deal though it's difficult to plan for the unknown.

[willingtocope]

what kind of programs are out there to help someone that is working but can't afford some things...are there any grants?????? I am wanting a handcycle to improve my health.In Iowa, there is the "Iowa Works" program whose charter includes helping people with jobs keep working. They helped pay for my wheelchair van.

Don't know if your state has something similiar....

[georgebeme]

I receive ssi and ssdi because i was injured (tetra) when i was 16 years old.i recentely started receiving ssdi because my father retired a couple years back and am eligible because of his work credits...i never had a job because i was injured so young..i am 30 years old now and have a son of my own... I tried filing to get my son his children's benefits but was denied because i do not have any work credits...i live in Texas and don't know all the rules and overtime i do read through them i get more confused. My sons mother though has worked her whole life but is not the disabled one. My question is can i file for my sons benefits under his mothers work credits? Also i receive next to nothing from ssdi is it worth my time to try and hire a lawyer to get an increase in my ssdi check?