In order to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits, you must have a qualifying disability, have zero or very little monthly income and your Resources and Assets must be valued less than the allowable amount. In 2011 the allowable amount for resources and assets is $2000 for individuals and $3000 for married couples.
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Hank, in Long Beach California, asks “My mother just passed away and I received an inheritance. Will this affect my Social Security Disability benefits?”
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are not impacted by assets, inheritance, or other unearned income. Your SSDI benefits are based upon your work history and the amount of taxes you paid into Social Security. Only income that is earned from working, can affect your SSDI benefits once your Trial Work Period time has been met.
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When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may want to let the Social Security (SSA) know how you feel about your experience. The SSA has made two electronic forms available for you to let them know your feedback.
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Jim, from Santee, California, asks “I was just approved for Social Security Disability benefits, why do I have to wait 2 years before I get Medicare? “
If you are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits then you are also eligible for Medicare after a 24-month qualifying period.
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Brian, in San Marcos California, asks “After collecting Social Security Disability for 8 years, I finished the 9 months of my Trial Work Period and returned to work, but after working for about a year, my disability got worse and caused me to stop working again. Do I need to re-file for disability?”
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a “Trial Work Period” to encourage individuals who are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to try and return to work.
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Sara, in El Centro California, asks “If I qualify for Supplemental Security Income disability benefits, will I also qualify for Medi-Cal?”
Medi-Cal is the name of the Medicaid program in the State of California. It is jointly administered by the California State Department of Health Care Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
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Dave, in San Clemente, California asks “I just received the notice that my application for disability was denied, how long do I have to appeal?”
From the date that your Social Security Disability claim is denied, you have 60 days to appeal. When you appeal, your case will be sent back to Disability Determination Services for re-evaluation. Most reconsideration appeals are denied, however some are approved. If your condition has worsened and it is reflected in your updated medical records, then there is a good chance that you could win your appeal.
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Mike, in Carlsbad, California asks “My disabilities have worsened and I have other health problems. Can my monthly disability benefit amount be increased?“
If you are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and your condition worsens, you will not see any change in your benefits.
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Monica, in Carlsbad California, asks “I have a disability hearing next month, what do I need to bring to the hearing?”
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Jean, from Escondido California, asks “Is it better to have a Disability Attorney or Non-Attorney Rep, and what is the difference?”
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The Compassionate Allowances initiative is designed to expedite the Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) approval process for applicants with the most severe disabilities and illnesses. Unlike the normal disability process which can take many months and sometime years, the approval process for those who qualify under this initiative can be completed within days. The original list of disabilities that qualify for the expedited decision process included 50 illnesses. As of March 1st, 2010 another 38 more disabilities and illnesses were added to the list for a total of 88 disabilities that qualify for Compassionate Allowance. (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances/).
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Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 years of age and older and for some disabled people under 65 years of age. Medicare is funded by the United States government. If you are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits then you are also eligible for Medicare after a 24-month qualifying period.
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