The title of your post is SSI, you refer to SSI in the first sentence, you refer to SSSI in a later sentence, but every answer you are getting is referring to SSDI benefits and Medicare.

Since you are on LTD, I assume you have enough work credits in recent years to be insured for SSDI. So, I am going to assume your question is not about SSI but is about SSDI. Sorry that Social Security made the two different programs with such similar acronyms.

If this is really an SSI question, then I would give you a different answer.

I think you need to carefully read your LTD documents. You may be required to file and pursue the SSDI claim. Also, does your LTD have a termination date? I somehow doubt it is for life, but perhaps it is. SSDI lasts as long as you are disabled or you turn full retirement age, between 65 and 68.

How old are you? How close are you to age 62 and filing for Social Security early retirement as opposed to Social Security disability insurance? That might make a difference in your plan. You will take a permanent reduction in retirement benefits if you apply early, but you'll have them more years.

Your attorney can only take 25% of retroactive Social Security benefits with a cap of $5300. They can also charge you for costs. That should be in your Binder and Binder contract because it is mandated by SS law.

If the SSDI claim is approved, Medicare would be effective five full months after 24 months of eligibility. You filed in 2/07, but when did you stop working? When did you become too disabled to work? What is your date of onset? I somehow doubt you stopped work in 2/07, but I could be wrong about that. Eligibility CAN but MAY NOT go back to 12 months before filing BUT can also be a date later than filing. Depends on date of onset of disability.

How much is your Social Security estimated to be per month? More or less than your LTD? That's an important number to know.

You need to read all your documents again. You need a long conversation with your attorney before the hearing about all your concerns. Write down all your questions. I'd get answers from both a staffer and confirm them with the attorney.