There are parts of the country that have a lower cost of living, than others. Some states will match your SSI income or give you a percentage of it. Some states will also cover your Medicare costs. Section 8 housing can be easier to obtain in some areas than others--and once you are accepted. You can transfer the voucher anywhere in the country. There are links for resources in the "Catch 22" sticky in this forum.

Yes, it's unfortunate that financial hardship is a reality for many that are disabled. Anyone depending on SSI alone will most likely need to supplement their benefits with other government resources.

For the OP, your food stamps have been reduced due to your bf's income. If he's not subsidizing some of the household expenses, then you might be better off financially, if you weren't living together.

Social Security, either for retirement or disability, was designed as a bare bones safety net.

SSI is a welfare program. For those that are savvy, and maximize their benefits, you can end up with as much (or more) than those receiving SSDI.

I've tried to warn those applying for SSD, that even after you're approved, things will still be a struggle for many. After having just returned from San Francisco, where the amount of disabled homeless is staggering, I have to say, it puts things in perspective, though. A few weeks ago, I saw a woman in the city I live in, that bare red feed swollen like sausages, in a wheelchair, that hadn't bathed in weeks, and I could easily put myself in her place without the medical care I'm receiving or the benefits, a part of which is SSDI. Things can always be better, but things can always be worse, as well!

Filing bankruptcy is unnecessary. So long as SS funds are not comingled, accounts containing SS money can't be garnished.

I know what I need for survival too. Pay my bills, be able to afford car insurance. I no longer can afford insurance on my paid for home. I now have to sell my home. With what I get, low income housing would be all that I could do. The house is in a trust. Only mine while I stay here. I am not sure what direction to go. I already share my house and would have lost this place alot sooner if it were not for her. These medicals issues, have a high price to pay, when you did try and work all your life. I am sorry for the both of us. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie

Hi Finz. In my case, I could not save anything, being a single mother of two. I worked hard enough just to get by, until my neck gave out and I could not look up or down. I could not have done more than I did. Had no intention of ever giving up an occupation I loved. I have no regrets as when you do your best, thats all anyone can do. I was denied medical insurance because of pre-existing conditions. That is what led to this low amount of money I receive. Any monies I did have, were used to keep myself alive. Health care costs, hurt alot of people, and I wish there was an answer for those of us in this situation. ginnie

I was 50 grand in CC debt. Bankruptcy helped very much. Filing bankruptcy can eliminate 300-400 dollars in bills per month. Helps-greatly.

For those that wish to file BK, that is your right. For those that are married, filing BK, might be necessary.

For a single person receiving backpay or monthly SS funds, so long as your account only has SS funds in it, it can't be garnished or attached. So, if you had a CC with any amount due, you can wait the seven years until it falls from your credit reports. If a creditor attempts to get a judgement in court, it's best to respond and notify the judge that their income is SS, but that's about it (unless fraud has been committed.)

Were you on SSI like the OP or SSDI, BB ?

LL is saying that if someone is on SSI that filing bankruptcy is unnecessary because the creditors can't go after the SSI income

For those of us on SSDI, it would be a totally different situation

Actually, it's both SSI and SSDI.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OP_Hom...tle02/0207.htm

And for those that have old debt, regardless of SS, check your state laws for Statute of Limatations before sending a payment to a debt collector.

I hear ya Ginnie, I loved my career too.

The problem is blaming JUST the SSA for our misfortunes. The amount of disability insurance available to us as disabled people, whether it's from SSI or SSDI is a KNOWN amount. If we don't get any more insurance, it is usually because we felt we couldn't afford it at the time. The government can't afford to give us more just because we seem like nice people.

There are ads on tv all the time for life insurance to pay for funeral expenses, often a $10,000 policy. My sister, who makes VERY good money, just purchased a $1,000,000 life insurance policy. If I buy a $10,000 policy for myself, my kids shouldn't expect a $1,000,000 payout when I die. I DIDN'T pay for that policy, I paid for the $10,000 one.

Those of us collecting SSDI PAID for a certain policy. We are getting it. If that's not enough, it's because we want too much, didn't work enough, didn't buy extra insurance, didn't save enough, AND/OR never expected to be disabled.

I've been feeling sorry for myself because my monthly SSDI income is not enough to keep me in the lifestyle I want to 'settle' for. I made life choices that affected my income and thus my max SSDI I could make and also what I could afford for extra insurance. I didn't have to get married and have kids. They are expensive little buggers ! I didn't have to pass up promotions and overtime so that I could be with my family. Right about now, fewer vacations and more insurance seems like a smarter move.

This thread has been a wake up call for me, because as dismal as my financial future looks to me......it could be worse. Trying to manage on $698 a month would be MUCH harder.

Not saying we can't be angry. All of us got a raw deal. Being disabled is no picnic.

I just think we should put the blame where it belongs. Aside from issues with delays in approval causing financial devastation, the government isn't to blame. We are getting the insurance we paid for.....or a free gift from the taxpayers. We should blame our bodies that failed us.....and our lack of planning for that possibility.

I'll blame the government when they fail on what was promised when/if SSA goes belly up. Until then, we got what we paid for.

I filed about a year before I became disabled. I was awarded SSDI about 18 months later.

Why would it be different on SSDI? Its looked at as the same. If you don't pay your CC bills it goes against you on your credit report, bankruptcy or not.