hon ssi is nothing to be ashamed of. there are thousands in this country that get it due to being disabled as children. you have to think about his long term future. what happens when you and your hubby can no longer take care of him? ssi is not welfare and the medicaid will take care of his medical bills from now on. please at least consider it. it will also help him in that he can have his own money and make him feel better maybe. just a thought though.