No, I did not leave my claim number as he never requested that information during our conversations, just my name. I had only one claim examiner.

I am not represented by an attorney.

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

What is a mental examine?y

I'm no expert, but I would think it would be a psychological evaluation.
I could be wrong.

Agreed, this is extremely important. That was something my claim reviewing doctor stressed to me in my exam. One of his key questions was like this; ' Forget about all the doctor opinions you have heard about your case so far. I don't care about those right now. How does your disability impact you in your every day life?'

I have osteo arthritis (OA) in my hips, knees, ankles, lower cack and cervical spine. I have been offered a full knee replacement but refused. I am in constant pain and on most days I walk very awkwardly. However, when I manic I can overcome the pain or should I say disregard it. Unfortunately I pay the price when I get down. Usually it warrants a week in the house with a very low mood and aching body.
Has anyone else experienced this which one could say it mimics "mind over matter"