Approved/questions
 

Today I found out I was approved for disability payments and also over two years of back pay. I'm very relieved.

My questions I'm wondering if someone here knows the answers to are:

1. How long does disability pay? At some point like at age 65, do you then switch to regular social security benefits?

2. I'm covered under my husbands medical plan, so does it make spence to waive Medicare? He is in his mid fifties and plans to work until at least 65.

I worked for 35 years continuously. I was turned down on the written form, but approved at the first hearing. I still miss working, but I'm so glad to be able to have a small income of my own to help with medical bills and to be able to do things like acupuncture which is expensive but gives me a lot of pain relief.

yes it switches over at age 65 .......
if your husband medical pays better than medicare yes you can keep it. but go ahead and sign up for medicare part A which covers hospital....then when he reaches retirement at 65 you both can sign up for medicare B Medical and then pick your supplement ..

Here's a link to the age requirement chart, which can be as late as age 67 depending on when you were born: Retirement Planner: Benefits By Year Of Birth

I just want to mention, that it is important for you to continue seeing a MD and be compliant with recommended treatment and medication. An acupuncturist is not an Acceptable Medical Source, and although you've been approved, SS will still perform Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs). Your goal should be to improve enough to return to work, and if it's not a possibility, you want to ensure you continue receiving your full SSDI benefits.Part II - Evidentiary Requirements

Thanks Lit. Acupuncture is a small luxury for me. I never used that in place of my neurologist. I will of course continue to receive appropriate medical care and take my medications.

I am curious about the CDR's you mentioned. How often do they do those?

Oops! That question was easily answered just by reading further. Looks like they set a review date which can be anywhere from 3 to 7 years. Because I am 54, it's likely that I will have a couple of these. I'm glad you mentioned a CDr as I wasn't aware of it and I would have been extremely worried if I got one in a couple of years.

Disability income was about the last thing I ever thought I would apply for and receiving it for some reason is bittersweet. I'm grateful, but I miss my good health, my job, my work friends and social life.

we all do. relax a little now and take care of yourself.