Leslie, I can explain at length. Every state has a different SSI rate which is the top amount you can get if you have ssdi and ssi or just ssi. I seem to remember your spouse had a lucrative job. You may have a pretty goos benefit collecting of his.

The biggest thing is to document everything you are going through and have been. I would and have for others written a chronological narrative giving as much info of the disability and the effect on your life. Ie, what is it like day to day? How have you felt, what is going on physically? It is true a lot of claims are denied first time around. However, by giving SSA as much info as possible and doing some of the research yourself, you can help your case. Please let me know if I can help.