I have been reading through all these threads about SSI and there is one thing I can't figure out. When you first apply for SSDI with SSA, do they automatically sign you up for SSI or do you have to ask? Nobody at SSA ever mentioned SSI to me. I have read where if you get SSI and then SSDI, you have to pay back all or part of the SSI. That don't make donkey sense. I realize that SSI could help most folks including me during the SSDI nightmare but whats the use if you have to turn around and pay it back?

I think, at least I was told when my wife applied for SSDI, when you apply for SSDI you also apply for SSI at the same time. My understanding is this is the procedure. My wife did not qualify for SSI because of too many assets etc. The payback part is SSI comes from the general fund not the SS fund, so that is why they're moneys to be paid back. I guess the logic is if you qualify for SSI, which I guess is similar to welfare because one does not have much in assets, you will when you receive SSDI.

They never even mentioned it to me at all, whether I qualified or not. I still don't understand it. I was denied on my initial claim for SSDI but I have appealed. I hope they don't surprise me with SSI cause even though I could definitely use the money, I just don't understand it well enough to go along with it.

I can almost swear when you apply for SSDI you also apply for SSI at the same. SSDI takes work and patients to receive but SSI qualifications are pretty quick to receive or not (not qualified). SSI is federal aid SSDI is credit you earned and paid for. I would think it would be a federal issue not a State issue. If I were you I would call SS and ask them about SSI and check to see if you applied for SSI back when you did the paperwork for SSDI. As far as rejections for SSDI that shouldn't effect SSI or the other way around because they are on two different tracks.

They usually have you file for both ssdi and ssi when you first file. i wont say always because there are people here that are waiting to jump on anything you say and as im sure you have learned in life nothing is absolute. The reason to get the SSI money and then have to pay it back is because you may not qualify for ssdi after they check the non medical qualifications, but they is usually done very early. Also many people as you know are losing their homes, cant afford medicine etc so even if you have to pay back that money at least you have it if you are qualified for it.

I guess I didn't qualify so they didn't ask me. Don't get me wrong, I could definitely use the money. Just got another light bill with the "final disconnect notice" on it. I'm hoping I can talk them in to giving me the six or seven days left in this month until my VA check comes in. I think there is 31 days in January.

We didn't qualify for ssi because my husband receives a small stipend from his union and has a part time job. I not fed that on my app but they considered and rejected it. I got a call from my examiner but was having a serious head under the covers day. I don't remember a lot about my answers. Probably the reason I have to have an evaluation from the psychologist... I just hope I'm not required to walk a long distance to get to the exam room.

Thanks
Pat