[SweetAdeline]

Hi
I have been deemed disabled for 2 years now and am applying for Social Security. Does any one know the difference between SS and SSI?
Thanks

[Gus1234U]

yes, Adeline,, SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on past earnings, and is federal; while SSI (Supplimental Security Income) is charity, and comes from the State budget. a person might get both, if the Earnings were not sufficient to bring the payment up to within 75% of the poverty level,,, this is ideal, since it gives one access to state Medicaid (SSI) insurance, which covers the Copay for Medicare (SSDI) , and begins when you APPLY for disability, if you are income eligible. you need at least 2 doctors to say you are permanently, or long term, unable to work, and the clinical tests or treatments to substantiate that. almost everyone is denied the first time, don't freak out, and the average length of time til approval is 19 months, so hunker down, and prepare to wait. best wishes,, Gus

[ringtailcat]

Gus,
This is true for 49 of the states... Arizona got a federal exemption that goes into effect either in July or Oct (I think Oct) that eliminates the ACCHS (our version of Medicaid) coverage for Medicare co-pays & for most adults who don't have children (because our Governor doesn't consider them disabled). This would also include SSI, if I read the budget right.

[Skully]

Good luck with your application. It took me 12 months from application to approval. It is a long process from many and can be denied several times. My half sister is on her 3rd application. I hope all goes well for you!

[serafim_etal]

Just to give you a little encouragement in the process...my approval came in 4 months from the start of application. My first check was retro to the date of disability beginning...a year earlier, and my Medicare started 2 months later (18 months from beginning of being disabled). No denials, no appeals, no attorney, etc.

[greylove]

I can add to that. I had heard of such long time lines that I wasn't even going to bother, but my hubby got the wheels in motion. I answered a million questions over the phone for my convenience, and within two months I was notified that I had it. It went retro to the time of my accident.......so it was a healthy first check.

[tsidorick]

i'm new and would appreciate any help or comments you mat offer i have just been approved for ssi it only took 5 months with no appeals but i have ptsd bi polar and my ptsd was being molested from the age of 5 to 13 while in foster care anyway they told me i would be getting a check in may april 29th but will i get my retro pay of 1400 first or together with my 1st check people been telling me you usually get you retro 1st any help or advice would be so appreciated also i was called down to ss office and told everything and when i call but i've never received a award letter either any help thank you so much

[madisgram]

i'd go by the office you submitted your info to. this needs to be cleared up to ease your mind.
welcome to pc, too!