Social Security Disability

[laurab2818]

Is there a forum for Disability issues, e.g. Social Security?

Thanks.

[Heiferly]

Laura,

Your Social Security is based on the number of "credits" you had accumulated through working prior to becoming disabled.  Credits are calculated based on the social security taxes you paid into the system from your wages; I do not believe that any change would be made to your Social Security benefits based upon divorce/separation.  Incidentally, there was no cost of living increase in SS in 2010 benefits as there had been in former years such as 2008 and 2009.  

Depending on how much household income you will have combined between SSDI, spousal support/alimony, and child support, you may be able to qualify for need-based benefits now in addition to your SSDI such as Medicaid/Medical, EBT (formerly known as food stamps), HEAP (home energy assistance program; known by different names in different states I think), etc.  Your total household income, all assets, certain types of debts (utilities, mortgage/rent, certain medical costs), size of household, etc. will be taken into account when evaluating whether you are eligible for such need-based assistance.  Even if you are above the technical cut-off for Medicaid, in many instances you can get a "spend-down" to essentially buy Medicaid by paying the difference if you don't have another source of insurance.  

If I were you I would call the Social Security hotline to double-check what I'm telling you, just in case.  Then put in a call to your local Job and Family Services to find out about what the income/asset cutoffs are for Medicaid/EBT/etc. if you think you may qualify for any of that.

Sorry that's all I know.  :-/
Sending long-distance hugs!!!!
-Heiferly.

[laurab2818]

Thanks, Heiferly.  

I have been  on Social Security since 2001 and receive benefits for myself and some for my two children.  My husband and I may be separating, and this is my only income right now.  I do not anticipate being able to return to work.  I am wondering if my benefits might increase. I hope to receive child and spousal support.  I am trying to get a sense of what the possibilites are -- are Social Security benefits based on household income?  I can't remember.  

Has anyone been through this?  It is so scary trying to sort out what to do.  I feel so vulnerable financially and of course in other ways too.  It is hard to think about caring for my kids by myself but I may need to do that and it may be best for them.  I never thought  I would be in this situation but I am.

Thanks,
Laura

[Heiferly]

There's an insurance forum, but that doesn't sound like a good fit for what you're asking.  We're happy to talk Social Security here.  Are you trying to apply for SSDI, or is it a different issue?

Here are some threads we've had re: SS in case any relate to your question...

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Dysautonomia-Autonomic-Dysfunction/Social-Security--Medicare--Medicaid--etc/show/1091637

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Dysautonomia-Autonomic-Dysfunction/please-helpneed-answers/show/1198048

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Dysautonomia-Autonomic-Dysfunction/MVPS-Disautonomia/show/1088616

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Dysautonomia-Autonomic-Dysfunction/Occupational-Therapy-Assessment-and-Care-Assessment/show/1242597

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Dysautonomia-Autonomic-Dysfunction/Medical-Records--Test-Results--and-Charts/show/1044052


By all means, I/we are happy to address your question(s) specifically, I just wanted to pop those links up there in case we already had anything up that might point you in the direction of some answers more quickly than we can get you an answer.  I personally may not be responding to forum posts again until Wednesday or Thursday as I have a bunch of PMs I need to respond to in the meantime.  I hope we can find answers to whatever questions you have!!

-Heiferly.