I was born with Spina Bifida, on SSI, and, un-employed;..........................
 

:confused: A friend told me, I should be eligible for SSDI???
:confused:Does anyone know what I need to do, in order, to apply?

Thanks a bunch!! :)

Phyllis

Eligibility for SSDI is based on work credits, or if your onset of SSDI disability occurred before age 22, you might qualify on one of your parents work records.

Usually SS checks your eligibility for both programs when you first apply. Many states also give additional funds to SSI beneficiaries. In CA where I live, the state matches your monthly SSI check.

Any additional info you'd be willing to impart might be helpful, if you're uncomfortable doing it publicly, you can pm it later on if you'd prefer.

What age did you claim as your onset of disability for your SSI application?

How old were you when you applied for SSI?

How long have you been receiving SSI benefits?

Did you ever work? If yes, how many years? What age did you stop?

Also, if you're struggling financially, receiving SSI will automatically qualify you for some other government programs. SSI is considered a "welfare" program. In some parts of the country Section 8 Housing, or similar programs will give certain categories of people (such as disabled or SSI recipients) a bump to the top of the list.

Applying is simple. You can do it online. Qualifying and becoming entitled - not so simple.

The previous poster explained work credits. If you have ever held any job in your life, you should file an SSDI claim AND SSI requires that if you could get SSDI, you have to.

Since you became disabled before age 22, you may be able to qualify on a parent IF the parent is deceased or entitled to retirement or disability. It is likely that someday your parents will be on retirement Social Security or will predecease you so even if you don't qualify on their earnings today, you may some day, as long as you remain unmarried (with a couple exceptions).

You should read about SSI work incentives, especially a Plan for Acheiving Self Support, PASS. A PASS allows for an exclusion of other income when you are pursuing a work goal. It would involve getting some type of job and then spending the money from the job on the education/training/items you need in order to get a career that you are capable of doing.

You need to also read about Impairement Related Work Expenses (IRWE) and SSI eligibility under section 1619a and 1619b which allows you to keep working but still being considered an SSI recipient as long as you meet all the other qualifications including limited resources and deeming of income from a spouse.

If you can manage to earn $5000-$6000 year for five years in a ten year period, you may get enough credits to eventually qualify for SSDI. You don't say how old you are, but in the long run, even if you get minimal SSDI on your own earnings, there are other benefits like Medicare that is in addition to Medicaid AND fewer restrictions on marriage than SSI or benefits from a parent's earnings. You are somewhat different from other SSI/SSDI benefits because your disabling condition is congenital and you cannot be cured or have medical improvement (unless there is some new procedure I am unaware of).

You can read all about work incentives at www.socialsecurity.gov in the Red Book.

I've *never* worked for money......I've always been on SSI......
 

:rolleyes: Also, I can't do anything, involving, family! Long story!:p


Thanks!! :)

Phyllis

Please clarify the above sentence. Did you mean your family will not be supportive of you ever attempting to work or get additional education/training.

Short version;.......................................... .............................
 

First, the man who, raised me, wasn't my real dad and by *my* choice,
he isn't a part of my life. My Bio. dad passed from Cancer, so, obviously,
he wouldn't be able to help me, either.

Phyllis

So, you have a father who is deceased. Have you filed for Childhood Disability Benefits (disabled before age 22) on his earnings record? Who is listed as father on your birth certificate? Did your biological father claim you as his child? Was he married to your mother.

If the man who raised you was married to your mother, that makes him your legal stepfather and if he were deceased or on retirement or disability Social Security, you might be able to get Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB) on his record then. But if he never married your mother, there is no chance.

You don't have to tell anonymous posters on the internet about your private business, but if you haven't filed for CDB on your deceased father, you can be missing out, not necessarily on extra money (since SSI will go down) but on additional benefits. SSI actually requires that you file for CDB if you can be entitled. You don't have to like the parent in order to qualify nor does the parent have to agree to it. If you could get ANY amount of CDB benefits, it would open up additional work incentives and medical coverage under Medicare with a possible small improvement in the quality of your life and less chance of huge overpayments for not following one of the complicated SSI income or resource rules.

Jan, the situation, regarding, the person who, raised me and my Bio. Dad
 

is the complicated situation, which, I really can't post, about, on-line.
So, I know, people can't really help me, since, I really can't get into
all of that. When I asked, I wasn't aware, it involved, all of this. :confused:


Phyllis :hug:

Janke, Does it matter when an adult receiving SSI or SSDI applies for the "children's" benefit portion? Can they wait until their parents retire or become deceased before applying? Does it get more difficult to prove childhood onset decades later, due to loss of medical records, etc. ?

Also, if someone's application (either actively applying or already receiving benefits) doesn't use the correct onset date of birth, but instead uses a date they arbitrarily choose, such as the current date, or 18 months prior, is there anyway to correct it?

If the OP stated her onset date was birth when she applied for SSI, would SS automatically check her "children's" benefits, like they usually check for SSI and SSDI eligibility simultaneously?

Thank you again for ALL the time and energy you dedicate here. ;)

Why don't you consider pm'ing Janke the details?

It's tough because some of the details are needed but it's totally understandable you wanting to keep your privacy. You can also attempt to find a local advocacy group that will answer your questions, or make an appointment to speak with someone at your local office.

Sorry I totally missed what you were saying in the other post. Doh!