[raspberrytorte]

I applied for disability two weeks ago.

I was told that I don't qualify if there is over $8,000 in my 401k.

I have $10,000 (roughly) in my 401k right now, and I'm not working at the moment so I'm not contributing to it.

My confusion is that, why does this matter?

Even if I took it all out (and paid a penalty) it would last, I don't know, two months with all of my medical debt that's in collections, the current medical bills I'm going to be receiving (and we don't have insurance yet), so, pretty much, all gone.

?!

Does anyone know? I'm failing to understand this. And I tried calling disability woman back, but for whatever reason their office closes at noon on wed.

Sounds like SSI. That one's money-based. SSDI goes by time put in working (a certain length of time and the word "quarters" comes to mind). I'm sure someone else will have a better response(!), but basically, there are 2 kinds of disability: SSI and SSDI. They have different criteria.

I know what you mean about the amounts though. Their monetary expectations (SSDI too) are one of the scariest aspects.

Originally Posted by raspberrytorte

I applied for disability two weeks ago.

I was told that I don't qualify if there is over $8,000 in my 401k.

I have $10,000 (roughly) in my 401k right now, and I'm not working at the moment so I'm not contributing to it.

My confusion is that, why does this matter?

Even if I took it all out (and paid a penalty) it would last, I don't know, two months with all of my medical debt that's in collections, the current medical bills I'm going to be receiving (and we don't have insurance yet), so, pretty much, all gone.

?!

Does anyone know? I'm failing to understand this. And I tried calling disability woman back, but for whatever reason their office closes at noon on wed.

SSDI denied you? That stinks! Appeal. Disability lawyer.

[raspberrytorte]

I'll call disability lady tomorrow and ask her.

I'm so stressed out about money right now. It makes me want to puke. I don't know how we're going to pay for...well, ANYTHING.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by Innerzone

Sounds like SSI. That one's money-based. SSDI goes by time put in working (a certain length of time and the word "quarters" comes to mind). I'm sure someone else will have a better response(!), but basically, there are 2 kinds of disability: SSI and SSDI. They have different criteria.

I know what you mean about the amounts though. Their monetary expectations (SSDI too) are one of the scariest aspects.

I also wonder if you are talking about SSI rather than SSDI.
You had applied to both, most likely. SSI has restrictions upon assets, while SSDI does not.

As for medical bills, if you have bills at a public hospital or a public center, call them and ask about financial aid programs. Public health care centers/hospitals accepting federal funds have financial aid program(s) available to uninsured/under-insured.


WC

[Nammu]

Do you have a 211 in your area? They can help direct you to programs that can help you.

[JustJace2u]

If you have access to a Legal Aid office I would contact them. One of the main things they do is help people who are having trouble getting SSI/SSDI benefits. The only reason I know is because my mom is a lawyer and welfare/disability law is her specialty.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

I don't remember all of this b/c I was very ill but I remember pulling the money out of my 401ks and there not being a penalty because of an exemption for disability. I assume I did this before or during the SSDI application process but am not sure. I know that my taxes were different the next year because one place had penalized me and I got it back in taxes.

I wish I could remember this more clearly to help you but I do think there is no penalty. I know I had to have the money since I had absolutely no income while applying (my mom supported me and then I gave her my backpay) and I think my 401k money went toward my mortgage or meds or something.