So This Thing About SSDI...

In November of 2018 I applied for SSDI for bipolar disorder and PTSD. Of course, my initial application was turned down so I hired a lawyer. Everything look promising. I did all required paperwork, and met all deadlines, etc. All doctors sent in good (helpful) reports. My lawyer was mostly helpful; not a lot of communication, but he gave me basic direction.

An additional disability was added to my case because I had surgery (achilles tendon) in late May of this year.

After one year and 9 months I've been notified that my hearing is on July 30th. All looking good. Until - my lawyer looked at my employment records from EDD and found out that, while I worked for 13 years at the same job, it was part time. Apparently I didn't make enough money to earn more than about $200/month for SSDI (plus Medicare). He informed me of this a few weeks ago.

Huge disappointment. I mean...I'll definitely take whatever I can get, because I need it. But it seems wacky to me that because of a mental illness I worked only part time, but I'm eligible for only a small amount from SSDI because...I have a mental illness.

My lawyer said I can apply for SSI and he encouraged me to do do, but that he doubts I'll be approved for SSI since my husband's income is just slightly about poverty level (he's retired, but receives veteran's disability, social security, and a very small monthly amount from an annuity his parents left to him - about $250/month for that).

The thing is I don't have any income myself. I was married at a young age and was an at-home mom. When my kids got older I worked part-time. So, there it is.

I'm wondering if anyone receiving SSI (or SSDI) and has any info or tips to share?

Unfortunately social security and SS disability are both are Determined by the amount of money you have earned so far in your life. So if you haven’t had a job or haven’t earned very much in your life then you will be paid very little. I’m sorry to have to tell you that.

Right. I think some people actually choose not to get married or get divorced in order to get SSI. That's a pretty drastic move though.

Thank you both for your input. I appreciate it. Now I understand what older people mean when they say they live with a partner but don't get married for financial reasons. Crazy system.

It's sad that in western society being a full-time mom doesn't count as "work."

That sucks,I'm sorry about that.

It wouldn't hurt to at least apply for SSI,there's a chance you could be eligible depending on how much income your husband gets. SSI doesn't go by how much you have worked it goes by present income.

It's worth a shot.

Forgot to say the max amount of SSI is $700and some,forget exact amount. But depending on your husbands income amount it's possible you could get more from SSI than SSDi.

I doubt it but it doesn't hurt to at least try or maybe talk to SSA about it

Hi Beth,

I am so sorry. I would apply for SSI.
At the SSA office here, they automatically put everyone through the SSI process
Are there any benefits for the wife of a disabled Veteran?

Much Love

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote Hi Beth, I am so sorry. I would apply for SSI. At the SSA office here, they automatically put everyone through the SSI process Are there any benefits for the wife of a disabled Veteran? Much Love

A few benefits. My husband is 60% disabled, so I receive $90/month (I know...wow...but at least it's something). Then smaller things, like food giveaways.

Thank you all! I think it's worth it to apply for SSI. We're just at poverty level, so it seems to me that I might receive something.

When I applied for SSDI they automatically had me jump through hoops for the SSI , But I have a lifetime of working and because I am married and own my home I dont qualify for any extra help out side my SSDI.. My State did not expand Medicaid to people on SSDI

You should still go through with it they can use your husbands work history not just yours.

Thanks, Aviza. I'm going to.

So how did this situation turn out for you @BethRags?

Did you apply for SSI? Did you get SSDI?

And if you did get SSDI are you getting the $200 per month like you were told you would get ?

Hi Betty I think you posted this before we PM'ed, but I'm not sure. So...

Yes, I've been approved for SSDI and will receive $240 per month. Medicare would have been part of the $240, at a cost of $140. Since I have Medi-Cal (Medicaid) I was able to turn down Medicare. That's really lucky for me.

I have not yet looked into applying for SSI because frankly, I want to take a short break from the grind of all the work I've done to receive SSDI. I'm feeling a bit burned out. When I apply for SSI I want to feel energized enough to tackle the system. So I'll apply for SSI in October.

I know it’s pretty drastic but since you and your husband live apart would it make sense to divorce? I know it’s like cheating the system in some ways but I’d say not living together you could be considered separated anyways. If you are unable to work and aren’t on SS payments yet due to age, how are you expected to live on $240 or so a month. How do you pay rent? If living with your husband is out of the question, divorcing might be a valid option. Just a thought

Yes,my post was from before I had sent you a PM.

I'm glad you were approved and thanks for the update

Quote:

Originally Posted by divine1966 I know it’s pretty drastic but since you and your husband live apart would it make sense to divorce? I know it’s like cheating the system in some ways but I’d say not living together you could be considered separated anyways. If you are unable to work and aren’t on SS payments yet due to age, how are you expected to live on $240 or so a month. How do you pay rent? If living with your husband is out of the question, divorcing might be a valid option. Just a thought

Thanks, divine. The thought of divorce has crossed my mind, but I've decided against it. For one thing, we've been married since 1988. It would be sad for us and for our kids if we divorced at this point.

My husband pays my rent and contributes to my support, so unless I could get SSI in addition to his income, it wouldn't be worth it. Also, my husband is a Vietnam veteran, so if he dies I don't want to lose spouse's benefits.

I didn’t think you needed to announce that you got divorced, I thought it would be done in private. Oh I didn’t realize he pays rent and contributes otherwise, I thought you literally have nothing to live on. Makes sense to stay married under the circumstances then.

There is certainly much to consider bethrags. I am glad you are taking time to think it through. Yes, there are some benefits for spouses of veterans. They are well-deserved.
I hope this all works out well for you. It is quite a process.