Marriage and finances-SSDI/SSI - for Rob

[Guest guest]

Rob,

The firm I am working with specializes in Social Security law, SSDI

and SSI.

Yes, what you got from the listing of impairments is true - but let

me offer a bit more.

Under the new rules, a claimant must have worked the last 15 years to

qualify for SSDI benefits. Your finance's doctor must provide copies

of all tests, exams, notes, plus write a letter stating WHY he/she

recommends that your finance is unable to work. Do not use

the " word " " Disability " in anything. " Disability " has a very concrete

definition to Social Seurity and only the Commissioner of SSA caan

determine this.

The process is often lengthy and laborious with much paperwork and

waiting periods. I suggest using the on-line application - which is

about 4 hours, have all the medical info, personal info, past work

experience info, a list of all WORK related tasks she is unable to do

and WHY.

Then there is the consultative examination - where your finance will

be evaluated by a strange doctor who knows nothing about CMT. He will

ask alot of verbal questions, possibly even do X rays, etc. This is

just part of the process.

SSDI are rarely big monthly payments. So don't expect a bunch of

money each month. Most people find it very difficult to live on SSDI

benefits and must stick to a very tight budget. Then, if she is

denied, there is the Filing of a Request for Reconsideration; if that

is denied, you will need to file for a Hearing before a Judge - and

most hearings offices are backlogged at least a year or more. I just

heard there are so many applications waiting for Hearings in Detroit

and Cincinatti, that 200 of them are being moved to Santa Barbara,

California, where we are.

SSI is totally different. It is " means tested " meaning it is based

on the amount of income in the total household. Yes, they will take

YOUR salary into consideration, amounts in bank accounts, any

savings,stocks, inheritance, mortage/rent payments/you name it. You

will need to present your entire monthly budget and expense list for

SSI to see, plus additional documents such as copies of all your

bills and possibly bank statements. Plus medical info I mentioned

above.

SSI has taken heavy funding cuts recently - so don't expect much $

from here either. You must apply in person, or perhaps schedule your

first application for SSI by a phone appointment

Someone suggested starting a home based business that your financee

could do as her health permits. Because she is only 25, I'd agree

with this as a way to go, rather than be turned down or rejected from

both SSDI and SSI because she might not have a long enough work

record.

You might wish to go through our archives-past messages on this SSDI/SSI

subject.

~ Gretchen