PLEASE SOMEONE HELP!

[theta95]

I have a question inregards to my heart condition & SSI and I'm hoping someone can give me an answer. I really need some help. I have CHF & Cardiomyopothy stage3-4 heart failure. I was recently approved for SSI.Will I beable to recieve the full amount of SSI for my health condition? My husband is the only one bringing in any income and I have 3 dependants, my total assest can not be considered to be of any great value, and I have outstanding medical bills to pay, and rent, along with other living expences for my family. My husband and I won't be able to meet all our financial obligations without the full SSI amount and aford to take care and provide for our the young children. I only recieved $89 dollars as my first payment from SSI, I can't live on $89, no one can. Will I be recieving more than this from SSI or is this all that I will recieve? PLEASE SOMEONE HELP! I can'y even get medical insurance for my sons with that amount.

[gmachris518]

SSD does pay more, providing you qualify for it.  To qualify a person has to have 40 work quarters immediately prior to becoming disabled.  Which translates into 10 years of full time work.

However, SSD isn't better than SSI for many reasons, such as, the medical program with SSD pays less than the program with SSI.  With SSD, normally the recepient doesn't qualify for anything else, besides their monthly check and Medicare, which they may, or may not have to pay out of pocket for.  Also, Medicare doesn't pay 100% and the recipient has to pay the difference, out of pocket.  Yet, Medicaid(the health coverage for SSI), usually pays 100%, with the exception of eye glasses and dental. SSI, also, usually comes with foodstamps, and housing subsidy.  

The bottom line is, if your're disabled, and you're lucky enough to qualify for government help, you still aren't going to receive any "free lunch".   The help you receive from SSD or SSI is like putting a tiny bandage over a gapping wound, they don't make it easy to qualify, and they keep after you, making you prove, it seems constantly, that you're still disabled and qualified for their meager offerings.

I used to work for Social Security Disabilty Determination Services, so I know what goes on.  I also know the "ins and outs" of qualifying, and IF one receives an actual check from them, they have honestly made it through a maze that a lot of people die trying to the find the end of.

My point, I guess, is, if you're actually getting money from them, then you're doing better than most.  And, if you had medical bills prior to qualifying, they will usually go back and pick up the tab for those bills, providing they were from your qualifying disabilty.  BUT, if you're expecting a trip down easy street, where money and medical are concerned, with either program, it not going to happen.

I hope this sheds some light on what to expect for the Social Security Administration.

[cindy707]

Sorry you are going thru this....hopefully you signed up for Social Security Disability not just SSI....i believe it pays more.  I would call their office tomorrow and ask them what the heck is going on........

[gmachris518]

The only one who can answer your question is your SSI caseworker.  I agree that $89 a month is a ridiculous amount, and it makes one wonder why they even bother.  You should be receiving full medical coverage for your disability, though, and that should be some comfort.

Also, if you qualify for SSI, then your son might qualify for medicaid, through Adult and Family Services.  It wouldn't hurt to check it out.

I feel your pain.  I have end stage renal disease, and stage 4 heart failure.  I qualify for Medicare, but because I didn't have 40 work quarters immediately prior to becoming ill, I don't qualify for any money, SSI, or SSD, or foodstamps, or housing subsidy, nothing...and yesterday I received a bill for almost $7,000 that is my responsibility.  I tried to call and email several people, yesterday, and everyone was on a 4 day holiday, so here I sit wondering where to turn.

It makes me angry at Obama for all of his promises about medical for everyone and, so far, all I'm seeing is bigger bills.  Medicaid pays 100%, Medicare doesn't, and I don't feel like I'm in any better shape than I was when I was paying my own health insurance, and coming up with $5,000 a year for deductible.

Anyway, enough about me....you need to get on the phone and call your SSI caseworker and pick their brain.  There is a slight chance that the $89 was for a partial month, and perhaps there will be better checks ahead, but you won't know unless you ask the one's setting the rules.

I hope the best for you......