[birdcrazy]

One of the reasons that I tried to find work was SSI was redetermining me and last time I was redetermined they said they almost decided I wasn't disabled and were going to cut it. But now they approved it again and they told me my husbands hearing next month would be mostly a formality and he'll probably get his too.

I could just then keep trying to live on SSI, but truthfully my days consist of taking care of my husband and not doing anything for myself... I keep being told I could work and hire someone to take care of husband during the day. One of the jobs I applied to I would really like but it would mean loosing our current benefits and depending on benefits from the job.

[Aviza]

It's a tough call. Might give you a sense of independence for both of you if you return to work. But if you dont think you can handle it than don't.

[seesaw]

One of the benefits of going off of SSI is you are not limited to only that income. You could make more going off of SSI, while SSI is limited.

[birdcrazy]

I'm thinking about seeing if I get that one job... I applied to a couple of others but they are low pay or temporary jobs... The other jobs would allow me to keep all/part of our benefits however. The one really good job however is permanent/full time with benefits paying a salary around 40,000/year. Also my previous experience directly relates to the job really well and job already in commuting distance from my present location. But how long does a job like this take to hire someone? Job was posted two months ago (I applied only two weeks ago but they said they were considering me) but I keep waiting to see if I get called for an interview. LinkedIn lists the job posted two months ago with 12 applicants applying through LinkedIn... Typical or is that a low amount of people applying?

[seesaw]

Originally Posted by birdcrazy

I'm thinking about seeing if I get that one job... I applied to a couple of others but they are low pay or temporary jobs... The other jobs would allow me to keep all/part of our benefits however. The one really good job however is permanent/full time with benefits paying a salary around 40,000/year. Also my previous experience directly relates to the job really well and job already in commuting distance from my present location. But how long does a job like this take to hire someone? Job was posted two months ago (I applied only two weeks ago but they said they were considering me) but I keep waiting to see if I get called for an interview. LinkedIn lists the job posted two months ago with 12 applicants applying through LinkedIn... Typical or is that a low amount of people applying?

It sounds like a good fit. It can take employers a while to make hiring decisions. My last job, it actually took them 6 months to hire me.

I firmly believe that working is better than being on SSI or SSDI. For one, you typically will make more money and be able to better support yourself. Then there's the feeling of accomplishment, pride, and self-esteem from providing for yourself and your family. I know not everyone can. But when I think going on SSDI when I did actually caused some issues for me mentally, even though I really could NOT work, but it would have been nice if there was some work, even part-time, that I could have done to maintain my sense of self-worth. I literally felt useless and worthless.

Good luck!
Seesaw

[Gus1234U]

having attempted repeatedly to return to work, i will offer my experiences and advice:

when one is 'recertified' by SSI, that is clearly indicating that full-time work, long term, is going to be likely to stress you so badly that you relapse into a worse condition.

if you are on SSI, you almost certainly qualify for what ever your state calls Medicaid (Obama Care). and if your husband is so disabled that you have to stay home and care for him, YOU can get paid for that~! get your medicaid social worker to certify your hubby for QMB (Qualified Medical Benefits) , which will pay up to 40 hrs per week for spousal care. (this is a state determined benefit, and might not be true in your state.)

when you work on SSI, you loose $1 for every $2 you earn, before deductions. this means you can increase your income by less than half, which is still likely to be about $300/month. what a difference that can make, esp. if you are able to stay home, take care of yourself and your hubby at the same time~!

if you want more guidance in how to determine what other benefits you might be eligible for, inquire about the "Low Income Energy Assistance Program" in your state. it comes for utilities (gas or electric) and phones, and in some states, even internet. i can refer you to agencies which assist people with disabilites to access resources, IF they are available to you in your area.... feel free to PM me.

[birdcrazy]

We both get Medicaid already, we don't pay for medical benefits. The problem is staying home is contributing to my depression. We have no funds for any sort of vacation time or going out of the house for fun, etc... We have free tv because we have an old tv hooked up to an antenna and we already qualify for/get a program where we get WiFi for only 10 dollars a month, but we don't have money to do anything. My life consists of taking my husband to doctors appointments about 3-4 times a week, doing stuff for him at home, trying to keep myself entertained, etc... And our lack of money (we currently get 750/month until hopefully my husband gets his too next month) means we have lots of problems with food, housing, etc... I went to college and spent years taking internships/temp jobs trying to build up the ability to get hired into something great but my BP basically destroyed that all.

[seesaw]

Originally Posted by birdcrazy

We both get Medicaid already, we don't pay for medical benefits. The problem is staying home is contributing to my depression. We have no funds for any sort of vacation time or going out of the house for fun, etc... We have free tv because we have an old tv hooked up to an antenna and we already qualify for/get a program where we get WiFi for only 10 dollars a month, but we don't have money to do anything. My life consists of taking my husband to doctors appointments about 3-4 times a week, doing stuff for him at home, trying to keep myself entertained, etc... And our lack of money (we currently get 750/month until hopefully my husband gets his too next month) means we have lots of problems with food, housing, etc... I went to college and spent years taking internships/temp jobs trying to build up the ability to get hired into something great but my BP basically destroyed that all.

Just an FYI Medicaid is not Obamacare. Obamacare refers to the Affordable Care Act, which is what opened a marketplace for individuals without insurance to get insured. Medicaid existed well before Obamacare. The ACA or Obamacare made some changes to Medicaid, but both Medicaid and Medicare get futzed with all the time, well before and after the Affordable Care Act.

[birdcrazy]

I don't think it would make much of a difference if we changed our medical insurance because currently we have absolutely no copays on anything we get, even the surgeries and hospital stays and ER visits and tons of prescriptions my husband goes through, etc...

[seesaw]

Originally Posted by birdcrazy

I don't think it would make much of a difference if we changed our medical insurance because currently we have absolutely no copays on anything we get, even the surgeries and hospital stays and ER visits and tons of prescriptions my husband goes through, etc...

If you already have Medicaid there would be no reason to go onto the ACA Marketplace and sign up otherwise.