Disability benefits

[Guest guest]

Virgina,

Receiving " disability " is all about NOT being able to WORK. That is

what SS cares about. Whether we think we are " disabled " or not does

not matter. There are screening tools and also more info at the

website. If you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes you

would be eligible for SSDI. Seems to me you have worked enough, but

what I don't understand is when you said you worked for the State,

you should have had Social Security taxes deducted from your payroll

check each week/month/etc. If the State did not deduct your SS taxes,

did you authorize this, or where you considered a " contract "

employee? You might just double check why SS taxes weren't deducted

or perhaps you already know. Or the State payroll might have goofed.

One suggestion I may offer is to have a meeting with your current

employer to request part-time work or even a change in job duties. It

will help if your doctor first suggests this and writes it down with

a copy to you and a copy to your employer. Then have the meeting with

your employer. Part-time work may help you continue working, with

hours that are better for you and your CMT needs. This might also

help you build up work credits.

The SSI program is based on financial need - no, you do not need to

divorce your husband - that is absurd! And of course, never lie or

misrepresent the truth - anything with your Social Security number on

it is cross matched all over - even with the IRS. If you wish to

apply for SSI now,I would suggest you apply for SSI again, and let

SSI make the determination if you are eligible. But here, again, your

doctor will need to state in writing that you are UNABLE TO WORK.

And to Rob - about health insurance: try applying for Medicaid. And

be honest with your employer. Social Security will be contacting your

employer anyway. As I understand from what you said, you are

resigning voluntarily due to your CMT disability - your company is

not terminating you. But at somepoint, in applying for your SSDI you

had to give a date when you last worked. SS will have that date in

their files.

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/ (has links and other info)

The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability

programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide

assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are

different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security

Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet

medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.

Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain

members of your family if you are " insured " meaning that you worked

long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need.

When you apply for either program, we will collect medical and other

information from you and make a decision about whether or not you

meet Social Security's definition of disability.

Use the Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool to find out which

programs may be able to pay you benefits