When to apply for SSDI

[LATW]

I am trying to decide if I should apply for this program. I might qualify based on my MS symptoms but have not "worked" for more than 15 years.
I have been at home raising children.

Would it be worth my time to find out if I would qualify medically even thought I know I would not qualify because I do not have enough points?

Thank,
LA

[Heather3418]

I hope since I applied for SSI in 2004, that the rules now have been changed, so more people can get disability if they need it.  Keeping my fingers crossed for LA, that there is some loophole that she can take advantage of that will offer her some assistance.

Remember all, I am basing my posts on what "I" experienced almost 5 years ago.  Don't beat up on me, if I am wrong.  I am not a pro when it comes to SSD, I only am repeating what I was told at the SS office.  My case may have been different because I was divorced, had worked the previous 4 quarters, but did not earn enough income to qualify for SSDI.

So forgive me, if I have passed on any wrong information.

Heather

[saveone]

I forgot something.  Don't forget to tell them about the emotional and mental side of what you are experiencing.  It can be just as debilitating.

[saveone]

I applied for SSDI in September.  I was told I lacked one point being eligible for SSDI.  What a hoot one quarter and I had not worked since 2002.  So I am not sure about having to work the preceeding 4 quarters.

Also I am divorced from my children's biological father.  If we had been married 10 years I could have drawn disability off of him.  I lacked 6 mos.

So I was told I would be applying for SSI which is not work based.  In December I was put in payment status without a final determination because my disability worker felt my application would be approved.  This gave me medicaid health insurance.

When applying for SSI the examiner/disability worker can put you in payment status for upto 9 months while a decision is being made.  My father's wife receives SSI even though they are married.  Her check is smaller but the insurance is the same.  If any of you are like me without health insurance the medicaid card is a god send.  They backed up and paid my outstanding medical bills.  That is why I applied.  The bills were mounting up.

I would apply ASAP.  Like they said you can only be turned down.  If you are then do not re apply.  Appeal the ruling.  If you reapply the time starts ticking again and you may not get all your back bills paid for. The SSA website has great information.  You can file online or in your local office.

Be sure to give them all your medical records, the good and the bad.  And as someone said make sure you tell them about your worst days, not your best.  Sometimes we seem to be ashamed of the things that are happening to us, even feel guilty.  It makes us feel vulnerable for others to know about out "weakness".  Try not to feel that way.  Just be truthful about what you are experiencing.

Best of luck

terry

[rudyhorse]

Yes you are making sense.  You can apply and let them tell you what you are eligible for.  I'm sorry to confuse you too, others probably have more experience with SSDI than I do.  SSI is what I know.  It is just a thought that it doesn't hurt to apply, they can only say you don't qualify, rather than thinking there is no help when maybe your state has something we don't even know about.  

Sorry the system doesn't value  you both as it should!  We are glad we have you both!

[LATW]

I know I would not get the check but is that disibility label worth anything in other situations in getting help?

I know with SSI my children are found eligible based on their diagnosis but we make too much money.

Maybe I should try the SSI knowing up front I would not get the check. I guess what I am wondering is there any point to doing this if I know I will not get a check?

I suppose if the disibility finding would not have to be re evaluated it would be worth it but I think it does.

Does that make any sense?

Heather - I understand what you are saying.  It makes it difficult when you have been an at home house wife and mother for most of your married life. I wish we were valued enough to be helped too. ;(

LA

[gooddays]

Hi everyone,

If you want to find out how to apply for SSDI check the following site:

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html#part1

Good luck,

Zulma

[Heather3418]

I divorced back in 2004.  I have had MS since the 1990's.  Well I was diagnosed back then; who knows how long I have actually had MS.  When I divorced, I was single, of course, and had no current job.  As soon as my application was approved for SSI, I was put on Medicaid right away.  It's is now 2009 and I have never been offered Medicare.

If I was receiving SSDI, I would have received Medicaid first, then after a couple years, been offered Medicare.

Being married and being disabled, requires you to have worked in the last 4 quarters (one year) before you applied for disability.

If you know otherwise, please let me know. I would be interested to hear more. But I was informed that anyone that applies for SSDI must have worked those 4 quarters before applying for disability.
______________________________

LA, I hope I haven't confused you more...I'm just trying to tell you of my personal experience.  It's all hard to understand, isn't it?

Heather

[rudyhorse]

Yes it is worth it because if you get the SSI, which is not income based, you will get Medicare even if it takes awhile.  So having the insurance is worth it.  I've worked with people in the medical field since '95, please take my word for it, do it now.  SSDI is income based and it is worth trying to see if you qualify.  Start your application right away, and give all the information you can do not down play your symptoms.  Write down what and how this has effected your daily life, and then put that in your application.  If you can't cut vegetables to cook dinner anymore put that in there, everything!  It took me 5 hours so be patient, be prepared and please do it.  Sorry to sound so preachy, so many people do not apply when they need it.  Best of luck.  Hang in there.

[Heather3418]

As far as I understand it, you will not qualify for SSDI.  Social Security Disability Insurance, if you have not worked in the 4 quarters before applying.  At least that's what I was told at the SS office.  You would qualify for Social Security Insurance,(SSI) if you were diasbled and single.

Heather

[Amyloo]

You may qualify for SSI, which is different than SSDI.  It would depend on your household income, if I am not mistaken.  If it were me I would get on the website and start any and all applications.  Amy