Social Security Disability

[minkydog]

DH is applying for SS disability.It's a whole new world for us. I feel certain he will (eventually) be granted benefits due to his severe lung impairment. I'm wondering if we should also apply for SSI for my disabled 11yo son. We applied for him a long time ago, but were turned down due to our income. I am still working part-time; DH income will likely drop quite a lot. I'm thinking that DH will probably get a SS benefit, and so will our DD & DS, as well as me since I am the primary caregiver.

What about Medicaid Waivers? Christian recieves the Katie Beckett Medicaid for disabled kids. There is something called a natural waiver(??) that we were turned down for based on income in the past. Do we need to reapply for that?

I'm overwhelmed with this

 

[Poohnatic]

We applied for SSI for my son when he was 6 and diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. We were denied because both my husband and I worked full time.

This past year, we reapplied (son is 10 now) and we just made it. He was getting 30 dollars a month, plus the Medicaid. That's all we really wanted, was the medicaid coverage.

They do an income review after 90 days, and well, we lost the 30 dollar SSI check. That's okay, we still have the medicaid.

Reapply for Christian, and definitely apply for your DH. My SIL took a medical retirement at 51 due to diabetes and heart issues and she got it on the first try. From what you've written about your DH, it sounds like he'll get it.

Good luck.

Suzanne

 

[AtlantaSue]

I noticed you said your DH's income would "go down a lot" - is he still working? He's not going to be considered "disabled" for Social Security Disability purposes as long as he is still working. He can apply as soon as he becomes disabled, and then will receive retroactive benefits.

Just trying to help!

 

[grinningghost]

If your DH is awarded SSD, your minor children will get a benefit also, payable to your DH. On their 18th birthday, they no longer receive benefits.

The Medicaid situation I can help you with because I ran into it and didn't know anything and almost got taken in. SSD INSISTED I have Medicaid, even though DH's health insurance was all I needed. They told me I automatically was enrolled in Part A (which is hospitalization and that sort of thing), and Part B (doctor visits, meds, etc.) but I had to pay 45 dollars a month.

I called and spoke to a couple different people and told them I already had insurance, and why should I pay 45 dollars for something I don't need - yet they insisted it was the law and I must take it.

I would say in your situation, if you're looking for the Medicaid for kids, ask about it - you'll probably have to apply for it. But don't be surprised if you get the run around - the people there are hit or miss.

Well, thankfully, I didn't give up the fight. I called one more time and got a woman who totally knew her stuff. She said - no you don't HAVE to take the Part B - and if I DO need it at some point, I do have a period of time where I can apply for it.

It was confusing, but worth the effort to figure it out.

DH is applying for SS disability.It's a whole new world for us. I feel certain he will (eventually) be granted benefits due to his severe lung impairment. I'm wondering if we should also apply for SSI for my disabled 11yo son. We applied for him a long time ago, but were turned down due to our income. I am still working part-time; DH income will likely drop quite a lot. I'm thinking that DH will probably get a SS benefit, and so will our DD & DS, as well as me since I am the primary caregiver.

What about Medicaid Waivers? Christian recieves the Katie Beckett Medicaid for disabled kids. There is something called a natural waiver(??) that we were turned down for based on income in the past. Do we need to reapply for that?

I'm overwhelmed with this

 

[GailT]

I applied for SSI a few years after I was diagnosed with MS. all I got was a smack on the wrist, I was told I am fineYEP, I'm fine, if they felt like me, walked like me, talked like me and other things that due to embaressment I will not mention. I am taking pride in myself and working, a very sedimentary (sp) job that works for me. I leave all the SSI for the others in MA that need it because they have hep C, on prozac or they have an *** ache...what about all these people that slip into our country and get it, oh can you tell I am pissed at this states or for that fact counties way of taking care of it's own. I hope your husband gets it, people who deserve it should. Keep us posted. Good luck

 

[golfgal]

It is very common to get turned down for SS the first time you apply. If that happens make sure you appeal or apply again.

 

[cheerful chickadee]

If your DH is still working, he's going to have to stop or significantly reduce his hours and duties before you apply IMO. They will ask for the last date of employment, why he left, etc. If he could get a letter from his employer stating he could no longer perform his duties because of his disability that might help. Not sure if that's possible for him to get or not. Basically any document your DH and ds's doctors could provide to back up your claim would be very helpful. You basically have to prove that you are unable to perform everyday tasks necessary for working a full time job. i hear most people get denied the first time so be sure to appeal or re-apply!

My father is legally blind. He was first diagnosed with his eye issues in 2000 and applied for SSI then but was denied. He had to continue working until he could no longer see even a foot or 2 in front of himself. He applied for SSI again last year and was approved but he had to prove he had surrendered his license (which he had done) and his employer voluntarily wrote a letter saying they had let him go because he could no longer see to get to work and to do his job, he also had files upon files of eye exams, eye scans and letters from his specialist stating that he was indeed blind.

 

[blue_river]

I'm overwhelmed with this

I have no advice but wanted to wish you luck.

 

[mrsv98]

The only advice I can give you is to get an attorney who specializes in SSDI. In IL, and I am sure in many other states, if you apply on your own, you are automatically turned down. You have a much, much better chance having a lawyer guiding you through the whole process.

Also, be prepared to wait. My DMom was granted SSDI shortly before Christmas, 42 months after she first filed. She is still waiting for the money to start but we are hoping it will be March 1.

Good luck to you and your DH. It is a sad thing to have to do.

 

[JennyMominRI]

DH is applying for SS disability.It's a whole new world for us. I feel certain he will (eventually) be granted benefits due to his severe lung impairment. I'm wondering if we should also apply for SSI for my disabled 11yo son. We applied for him a long time ago, but were turned down due to our income. I am still working part-time; DH income will likely drop quite a lot. I'm thinking that DH will probably get a SS benefit, and so will our DD & DS, as well as me since I am the primary caregiver.

What about Medicaid Waivers? Christian recieves the Katie Beckett Medicaid for disabled kids. There is something called a natural waiver(??) that we were turned down for based on income in the past. Do we need to reapply for that?

I'm overwhelmed with this

Be prepared to get turned down..They alsmot always turn you down at first..If you qualify for SSDI you will also get it for your kids.. After 18 months you will qualify for Medicare,not Medicade
SSI is a very different program. It is means tested and is for lower incomes..SSDI on the other hand is given to people who have works and paid enough money into SS.
Don't take it too hard if SSD turns you down..It seems to be standard procedure..They turned me down too

 

[minkydog]

Thanks for the advice. To clarify, my DH is no longer working. He has not been able to work full-time since he became ill 3-1/2 yrs ago and has been on & off long-term disability. A few times he was able to work up to a 5-day week and each time he suffered a severe set-back and ended up hospitalized, most recently in December. His doctor had limited him to working 2-3 short days a week for well over a year. Last summer he was out of work for 3 months straight following a hospitalization. He is hospitalized 2-3 times a year..

DH sees his pulmonologist & cardiologist once a month. In the last 3-1/2 years he has not been stable for more than 3 months at a time before his health fails. This month his employer finally let him go. To their credit, they tried to work with him and be as flexible as they could. But he just could not keep up any longer.

DH applied for SS 2 yrs ago and was turned down. His health has diminished since then. His employer is supplying him with an attorney to help him get SS (I'm sure it's in their interest to get him off LTD.)

 

[GailT]

It is very common to get turned down for SS the first time you apply. If that happens make sure you appeal or apply again.

I applied 3 times and still got denied

 

[chager]

My brother is physically unable to stand or sit for any length of time. He had back surgery 4 years ago and it did not go well. He is in pain 24/7 now. He is on several pain meds that mess with his thinking and his behavior. The first 2 turn downs told him he didn't qualify and could drive a truck!!! Ok, the guy is on morphine has memory issues, and a very short fuse for everything!!! I don't want him behind the wheel of a truck!! He has also been told he could get a sit down computer job. Um, he can't sit for any lentgh of time either! He has tried. He is currently living with our parents, has food stamps, but NO INCOME!!! It broke my dad's heart when he was turned down this last time because he had to make James sell his truck. Dad just couldn't afford it anymore.James has done everything the state said. Even the State Dr's recommended disability. He had to go to the ones the state specified to be examined. He is back to trying to figure out what to do again. I guess it is another appeal. Only now he was told he had to either get on disability or find a job because he is going to lose the food stamps in 6 months. It's amazing how people that don't need to be on disability can get it with no trouble, but those that really need it can't get it!!

 

[disneymom3]

Minky--I am glad your DHs job is helping with the attorney. That is what my brother's employer did too and he got it the first time through. And he had gone from working FT to not at all. The working was really hard on him--he has advanced MS--and he is actually doing SO much better since he doesn't have the stress of getting himself to work, into his wheelchair etc now. I hope that your DHs quality of life improves too! Good luck and hugs!!!

 

[C.Ann]

Minky--I am glad your DHs job is helping with the attorney. That is what my brother's employer did too and he got it the first time through. And he had gone from working FT to not at all. The working was really hard on him--he has advanced MS--and he is actually doing SO much better since he doesn't have the stress of getting himself to work, into his wheelchair etc now. I hope that your DHs quality of life improves too! Good luck and hugs!!!

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I believe it's much, much easier if you employ the services of an attorney because most "lay" people don't understand the in's and out's and will often give up out of sheer frustration..

I hope it works out for you and I hope your DH's health stabilizes to the point where he can enjoy a good quality of life for a long, long time!