I live in CA and had a TBI in Dec. I have PCS and PTSD. I worked for a non-profit that didnt pay into unemployment and disobility so I cant get any and they let me go after I couldnt return to work for the second month. I had to go get food stamps and files for general assistance. GA listed me as disabled and now I have to file for SSI. I have no idea what I am doing and the more I read the more freaked out I get. I am beyond broke and need $$ for my meds and gas to get to my Dr but I dont know what I should be filing for SSI or SSD. And I cant wait month or years I will be homeless and without meds next months. This is so confussing.

How old are you? What are your job skills? How often have you worked the last 5 yrs? Check out the website disabilitysecrets.com.

Sorry to tell you but you will be waiting months for a decision, and hopefully you won't be waiting years, but it can happen.

You may have to change doctors to one of the local clinics that are available to GA recipients and get your meds from there. You also need to do whatever you can to find cheap shelter. Do you have any family or friends that would rent you a room for an extended period?

But you do need to get started on the SSI application as soon as possible because the waiting time won't start until you begin. Be thorough in the completion. You need to explain how your PTSD and TBI (which I had to look up) affect your ability to concentrate on a job. (I couldn't find PCS so using acronyms may not be the best way to start). If you haven't been evaluated by a psychiatrist or psychologist, it is likely that SSA will request it to see exactly where you are in functioning.

If it is too overwhelming, perhaps your GA office has an advocate who can help you complete the paperwork. You can also hire an attorney (who gets paid if you do), but they often do their best work at the hearing which would be way down the road. You want your initial application to be as thorough as possible. The Social Security staff can help you complete the forms, but they are neither on your side nor against you and don't know your life better than you do.

Whatever you decide, putting it off will only make it harder for you because if you do have to wait months or years, you haven't even started. Make this a priority and if you can't, find someone willing to help you.

Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday. Go to socialsecurity.gov today and start your online disability report.

I'm 32 and have worked non stop sence I was 16. I am a tax paying, voting member of society. I have an apt with SS on thurs. Sorry for the short hand I had to relearn to read and my spelling is still bad. PCS = post concussive syndrome, TBI =Traumatic Brain Injjury, PTSD =Post traumatic stress disorder. I have been under dr care sence dec. and I also have a neuroligist.

I dont understand what the difference between SSI and SSD is and how to deside what to file for. I am on my own so this is why I has taken me so long to file for anything. I didnt understand what was realy gong on and what I needed to to take care of myself.

I forgot I use to be a teacher at a small private school.

It looks like you would qualify to file for SSDI because it sounds like you have earned enough credits. SSI is for people who had low earnings and worked part-time. When you apply-you apply for both since if you win your case-you would get paid SSI until the SSDI ( 6 month wait period from disabilty date)kicked in. Its all decided by the date of disability.

Let the SSA staff help you sort it out. Probably should apply for both and let SSA decide if you meet both or either non-medical requirements.

When you worked for the non-profit, did you pay FICA taxes?

I dont know if I payed FICA. would it be on my W2 or old pay stub under FICA? if so I cant find it.

also called OASDI or Social Security and Medicare

It should be on your pay stub and your W-2

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/AnypiaApplet.html is the link to Social Security's on-line benfits calculator. Go there and see if you can find out your benefit amount.
Good luck!
Trudi