[LiteraryLark]

I scheduled an appointment with Social Security for SSI and Disability and I want to come prepared. The lady only gave me an info packet for disability and not SSI and I really needed the one for SSI because I'm unfamiliar with it but I guess it's too late. She did say I can work and go to school on disability and SSI, but that she seemed concerned that I shouldn't be employed by the time of my appointment for whatever reason.

Here's some things I want to ask about when I meet with them:

Can I work and go to school on disability and SSI
How much will I be making on disability and SSI
Low income housing
Ticket to Work (Do any of you have experience with this?)
Food Stamps/WIC
Bus vouchers
Parks and Recreation vouchers

A member here told me to find out as much as I can about what I can receive, so...what can I receive that I am not aware about now?

Q to members: If you're on SSI or disability, what other benefits have you asked for or received that I may want to know about prior to the appointment?

Q: Any other things I need to know before the appointment or things to ask at the appointment?

Q: In what cases do I need to hire a lawyer if I need to go to court?

Q: Have any of you participated in Ticket to Work? What's the process, what jobs were available, how much did you earn for what hours?

Thank you!!!

[*Laurie*]

I wish I could help you out, but I have the same questions you have, pretty much. So...you just walked into your local social security office and picked up a packet?

[LiteraryLark]

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

I wish I could help you out, but I have the same questions you have, pretty much. So...you just walked into your local social security office and picked up a packet?

Yup. Scheduled an appointment to apply for SSI and Disability and got an info packet on disability but not SSI

[leejosepho]

Originally Posted by LiteraryLark

Yup. Scheduled an appointment to apply for SSI and Disability and got an info packet on disability but not SSI

SSI (SS Income) and SSDI (SS Disability Income) are not the same, and SSDI is what you are seeking. I had SSDI for about three years until reaching 65, then was automatically switched to SSI since 65 is apparently the end of one's expected working years. Getting SSDI will likely be difficult or even impossible if you are able to work, and having an attorney is typically for making an appeal after having been denied. I was able to get "Food Stamps" and some other local assistance while having no income prior to SSDI, and I think there is where Medicaid can play a part. As far as I know, there is no cookie-cutter process for jumping through all the hoops on the way to hopefully receiving SSDI, and my own case was ultimately decided in my favor by a substitute judge after the attorney handling my appeal had told me I had no chance of being approved by the judge he had thought would be deciding my case. Overall, and with the help of any doctor or doctors who might be willing, it is up to you to prove you cannot work to support yourself. Also, SSDI amounts are based upon past earnings rather than being the same for everyone.

[LiteraryLark]

I believe I am qualified for both.

[Mountaindewed]

I work and have SSI. It's ok to work as long as you don't make a lot of money. I can make 14,000 a year before my SSI gets discontinued. So I can work about 30 hours a week. I rarely work more then 20 so it's ok. I have heard if you get a full time job then you will lose it, or not be eligible for SSI. But, I'm not sure. These are just my experiences and I'm not sure if it changes by state.

I'm pretty sure I don't qualify for food stamps since I work. I know other people who don't work and get like $16 a month in food stamps. I have never looked Into it. But, if I can afford to buy New York strip steaks when they are on sale I highly doubt I qualify for food stamps.

[leejosepho]

Originally Posted by LiteraryLark

I believe I am qualified for both.

I did not know that was possible, but here is something that might help a bit if you might not have already seen it:
Can I Receive Both SSI and SSDI at the Same Time?

The only other benefit besides SSI I receive right now is SNAP, which they base the amount you get off of how much rent you pay/other expenses. Basically how much money you have left to spend on food. They will most likely ask you for your entire medical history, the names and #s of your doctors, the names and dates of any hospitals you've been admitted to. They will also want to know your work history, and how your issues affect you on a daily basis. It's important that you be sure every detail is accurate, because if they find any inconsistencies they could disqualify you from receiving benefits. I can only speak for SSI because that's all I get. The maximum amount in my state for an adult living on their own is $736. If you are receiving any support from family, it could reduce how much you get.

If you don't get approved the first round, I would say get a lawyer and file an appeal. My case was a little bit different. I was approved the first time and didn't have to go through much because I had already been hospitalized about 15 times, so a lot of information was already in my file. I have not participated in Ticket to work, although I considered it. If you end up on SSDI though, there will be better options, such as trial work periods.

FYI about low income housing. At least where I am, the waiting list for a subsidized (where you pay 30% of your income) is very, very long.

[LiteraryLark]

Originally Posted by iPhone

FYI about low income housing. At least where I am, the waiting list for a subsidized (where you pay 30% of your income) is very, very long.

Why is the wait so long? My friend told me she knew someone who has been waiting over two years to get on...WTH?

[Nammu]

HUD has only so many grants a year and those are prioritized for domestic abuse victims with children, homeless families, families elderly, mentality I'll homeless so there's a lot of waiting. Young single people are way down there list. And thanks to dr Carson and Trump the grants will get smaller making the wait even longer.

Originally Posted by LiteraryLark

Why is the wait so long? My friend told me she knew someone who has been waiting over two years to get on...WTH?

Once people move into public housing they don't move out very often because they are limited on their options of where they can live, and don't want to risk homelessness and/or returning to the situations they were in prior to receiving housing. This includes not only people with disabilities but single parents and seniors. So it makes them harder to get into.

And I second what PP said also. They do prioritize families with children.