I currently receive $698 a month SSI and I have been told this is the maximum I can receive at this time. So, I'm wondering... how on earth can I get by on only $698 per month?? I live with my boyfriend right now, but that may not last much longer and then I'll be on my own, but the cost of an apartment (even the reduced-cost disabled units), plus utilities, plus food (I only get $16 in food stamps per month), plus other expenses such as medical... how do you do it?? Is there anything I can do for them to raise the amount? Thanks guys.

Evidently the FS case worker took into account your boyfriends income and savings too in calculating your FS benefit. For the amount you are getting in SSI, $16 is a very low amount for food stamps. Other factors are at play here. If I were you, I would make an appointment with your local Social Service & FS department. You are entitled to Medicaid which pays 100% of medical bills.

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GOOD LUCK!

People on here have said its ok to file bankruptcy being on SSI. That is if you are in CC debt over your head. Creditors can't touch your SSI money as long as it goes directly into your checking acct. Student loans,child support and back taxes owed are a different story.

They can't increase an SSI amount because it's not enough for you specifically. The government may have periodic increases in the rate for everyone who is on SSI.

As a general response, I don't see how most people could get by on that little.

You have to look to other programs to get more help. As was mentioned, MA will be key for medical issues. You could be eligible for more in food stamps if you lived alone, but then you wouldn't have your boyfried to help with other bills.

Have you looked into low income housing for the disabled ? In my area that usually means elderly housing type buildings that also allow younger people who are disabled. It can take YEARS for an apartment to become available, so the sooner you getyour name in, the better.

^^^^^^I agree with the post above. SS come up with the guideline amounts $698.00 which no one can live on completely. But since your disabled and cant work you obviously have to work to be able to survive.

Thus forcing you off disability.

However I don't recommend the local office.

Especially if your young and don't look the part of being disabled.

Stephanie

Welcome to Neuro Talk. I am in the same shoes you are in. I don't get enough to keep my paid for house and have to move to a cheaper location. Can't afford the taxes and insurance. This after working 30 years. I don't get enough, just like you for basic survival. I don't know what the answer to this is, just that it happens to good people all over the country. It sad, and absolutely horrible. I am disabled, and also receive SSDI. I am a senior citizen in trouble, because of the way these systems in gov. work. I wish I had an answer for you, but I don't think anyone does. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I know it is hard, and I feel for the both of us. I am trying to move forward in my life, and will find some spot to live. I also pray for all of us on NT having hard times. ginnie

sounds like your right "stephanie".they tried that on me.although im a lot older than her.i think over the years the "system"has been abuse.we all hear talk of it all the time."those welfare people,ride'n around in caddy"or "all those immagrant coming up here for a free hand out"."young strapen guys hangout, make'n babies and wont work!!"im sure we heard it all.but what happen when someone who really needs it.now they suffer the backlash,of state and fed reform.this is what people think or see us as,them, you and me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5tqH7UrzOw

I know Don too, and we talked about your issues, as both of us are going through the same issues, of not having enough for basic survival. I agree with Don, the local state offices don't do much for you. If you are younger, that does work against you. I was close to retirement age, when my health failed. I thought I would at least be able to survive, and I find myself in a situation where I cannot. I didn't think that after working all those years I would be forced to poverty. I do know what you are going through. I wish I had answers, for both of us, and Don. We all seem to be loosing the shirt off our backs over health issues. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers too. sometimes, that is the only thing we can do, is pray for each other. ginnie

I think one part of the issue is recognizing what is enough "for basic survival"

Luckily, my SSDI amount is above the $698 amount OP gets for SSI.

I would like to have enough for a small house, owning a car (with insurance), food, utilities, medical bills, and a few 'extras' My SSDI amount won't cover that.

It WILL cover a shared apartment, food, and utilities, and medical. I don't want 'only' that.

I don't think that's the governments fault though. When I was working, I SHOULD have saved more. I SHOULD have gotten disability insurance on my own if I wanted to ensure a certain lifestyle on my own.

I prefer to live in my own house and fantasize about the improvements I could make.

I don't want to live in housing for the disabled/low income where I can't even repaint the walls to my taste. I don't want to live without cable tv. I don't want to not have internet service (and a working computer),,,,I don't want to share a regular apartment with multiple other people..... but if we all did that, we WOULD have enough for basic survival.

So well put and I agree. I should have saved more and lord knows I could have with all the money I have made over the years. Only myself to blame. Thanks great point.