How do I know if we qualify for SSI?

[TupperMom7]

Does Social Security have a list of disabilities that they consider qualify for benefits?

 

[mdvlprof]

Soc Sec has a list of what disabilities qualify for SSI. There is also be an income guideline.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-eligibility-ussi.htm

 

[deerhart]

Its not that easy.

The SSI process is a 5 step process (for adults)

The first step is determining if you meet the financial eligibility requirements for the program. For SSI this is an income sensitive test. Income (for both adults and for children cases) is not just what the individual makes, but also the assets and income of all people living in the household with the person. For adults they will also include any support that person is getting (for example your living at home rent free, the average rental room rate would be given to the person as income, unless they show proof that they have to repay this with any backpay). For children, there is what is called a deeming process by which they give some of the parents income to the child (its not something one can easily sit down and figure out). For an adult, if you have just about any income in the family or more then $2,000 in assets, your not going to be eligible.

The 2nd step is then to determine if the person has a medically severe disability. SSA has what are called listings. These listings are specific conditions at a specific severity which if you exactly meet these requirements, your automatically eligible for disability benefits (given that you have passed the test at step 1). You can also argue that your condition equals a listing (the equivalent to one of the listings). If you don't meet a listing, then you move on to the next steps.

The next steps look at whether or not your condition while severe, interferes enough with your life to (for adults) rule out all work (at the specified work level based on your age) or for kids severely disrupts at least two major life activities.

ANY disability can be eligible based on how it affects a person.

 

[dyna]

My DD was told that GSon then year old did qualify for SSI for his disability she collected a check for about 6 months before being told NO he does not qualify luckily did not have to pay money back....she will file again for disability for him once he in school an the disabilities becomes more obvious.

 

[tinkerbelletreasure]

I used to work for an independant company within a hospital helping people get signed up on SSI. It can be a very long drawn out process especially for adults. Sometimes it comes down to What type of job you did prior to your disability vs what type of job you can do now. If you had a desk job for example, losing the ability to walk and needing to use a wheelchair does not affect your ability to do the same job.
We were also told to warn people that a lot of times you will get an automatic denial the first time you file. So if you feel you should qualify, then make sure appeal and don't just give up.

 

[*pixie*dust*]

It can be a very long process. A neighbor, who worked a very physical job, fell from off a roof and injured his back badly-- to the point that he now walks with a cane-- it took nearly 2 years before he received any benefits. They went through all kinds of paperwork and evaluations and anguish over it. Definately not any easy road.

 

[deerhart]

No, it is not a short process and your at the mercy of where you live in determine the time frame.

For example, if you live in one of the 10 prototype state, then you do not have to go through reconsideration. You go from an initial denial to hearing, which can trim off 6-12months. How long it takes for a hearing to occur depends on your hearing office. Some places are as short as 12-15 months, other places (like Atlanta) can be between 3 to 4 years.

 

[melissa37]

I don't mean to highjack the thread, but if a minor is receiving Social Security benefits from a deceased parent would this count against what they could receive if they qualified for SSI?

We had too high an income (by a sqeaker) for my son to qualify while my husband was alive, but I've been thinking about reapplying since our income has changed since his death.

Thanks.