SSI and SSDI

[Guest guest]

Once again, let me say SSI and SSDI are two seperate and entirely

different USA Federal programs that grant benefits to the disabled.

SSI is based on 'current financial need' - somewhere I have in my

brain that a YEARLY income of $11,000 or less for a single person

would infact qualify a disabled person to receive benefits, if

requirements are met. You will also need to provide very personal

information, like a copies of your utility bills, bank statements,

monthly budget,etc. Food Stamps and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California)

are part of SSI.

But first, you must apply, call your local SSA Field Office, make the

initial inquiry by phone and they will set up a phone appointment for

you. Do NOT miss this phone appointment. Answer questions 100%

truthfully. Everything you say will be recorded, and a printout sent

to you as a follow-up explaining where to send the supporting

documents.

SSDI is Social Security Disability Insurance, which working people

pay into through FICA deductions during one's working years. This is

NOT a type of 'savings account', in which you draw money from your

account. Instead, when your SSDI benefits are awarded, your monthly

payment is computed according to both quarters and earnings within

those quarters. You absolutely must meet the following:

1) Be unable to work due to medical/physical illness/conditions

2) Have a proven employment record - new rules indicate a 15 year

work history

3) Your illness/condition must be expected to last one year or longer

4) You MUST be found 'disabled' by the Commissioner of Social

Security under the Rules listed in the Federal Register.

SSDI applications are approved faster if you file the On-line

application. Make sure your application is thoroughly completed,

follow the instructions perfectly, and send the cover sheet and

accompanying medical reports/tests/etc into your local field office.

Do this by either Registered or Certified Mail.

If you are denied either SSI or SSDI, contact http://nosscr.org for

some attorneys near you who work strictly in this type of law. You do

not have to pay an attorney. The attorney is paid by SSA when your

case is won/benefits are awarded.

Some people will in fact 'qualify' for both programs, but remember

the applications are 2 different sets of information.

In your application, do not mention " I can't work because I am

disabled'. It is NOT your decision to say if you are 'disabled'. You

must be found 'disabled' by the Commissioner of Social Security,

under the Social Security rules as established in the Federal

Register.

Your medical reports should be accompanied by a letter from your

doctor stating your SYMPTOMS and how these keep you from being UNABLE

TO WORK. Your doctor's letter should also NOT mention you

are 'disabled', again, because you must be found disabled by the

Commissioner of Social Security under the SSA's rules.

I cannot stress enough to be 100% truthful and thorough. Little

things such as a doctor stating you are 'disabled' will immediately

get your application rejected.

You might want to review the SSDI documents in our Files section,

which includes a section on the newest changes starting August 1,

2006, and a Q and A with Edmund Parent, a 25 year veteran SSDI

Attorney and Nosscr member.

And yes, just applying for these programs is really a 'full-time

job', and it can be stressful. Attorneys who work in Social Security

Law can really help take your stress away and get you the benefits

you are entitled to.

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Why is it that the Social Security doesn't seem to think that people

with CMT are considered disabled, but they feel they are limited. I

have been declined twice and now I feel that I need a laywer to prove

that I actually have CMT, since I have had this disease since I was

born and it is not like a common cold like some people feel that they

will get. So I was wondering if anybody had to prove this much to

prove they have CMT. Thank you for your input.

[Guest guest]

" Disability " under SSI and SSDI is defined somewhat differently than

you and I *understand* the term. It is not uncommon any longer to be

denied benefits twice. About 80% of ALL people that apply, get denied

at first. And there are so many people applying - not just with CMT.

Perhaps these links will help. ~ Gretchen

http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/index.htm

http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify4.htm

http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify5.htm

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/determination.htm

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/electronic_disability.htm

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/ChildhoodListings.

htm