Question Regarding Disability Benefits - please help. - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

luvmybabies2 · 01-23-2008, 06:04 PM

Okay,
I just went online and read about disability benefits. I have worked from 1987 until 2001 or 2002. I have not worked at all since then. So I do have well over 10 years of work experience in my past, as an executive assistant.
According to the SSA online, I DO NOT qualify for SSDI or Disability benefits because I do not have 10 years old consecutive working hours or enough working credits to qualify. Can this really be true? It's obvious that I'm not working because I am disabled, I could have collected for all of these years, but I chose not to. So why can't I collect now?
Thanks for any info.
Maria

IceBoy · 01-24-2008, 12:14 AM

Hey do you have an Icelandic citizenship?

I know they wouldn't accept someone that has lived someplace else and just drops by to get benefits. But moving here and have official address could be enough to apply few months after. The average benefits is around 2000$ a month and a citizen can keep it in a foreign country as long as he stays here 3 months a year. I know people that have moved to countries with lower-prices (for example Spain or even Thailand) and have a above middle-class lifestyle just on welfare.

I know you aren't asking about this but just something to keep in mind if you have trouble getting it in the States.

bellablue2 · 01-24-2008, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvmybabies2

Okay,
I just went online and read about disability benefits. I have worked from 1987 until 2001 or 2002. I have not worked at all since then. So I do have well over 10 years of work experience in my past, as an executive assistant.
According to the SSA online, I DO NOT qualify for SSDI or Disability benefits because I do not have 10 years old consecutive working hours or enough working credits to qualify. Can this really be true? It's obvious that I'm not working because I am disabled, I could have collected for all of these years, but I chose not to. So why can't I collect now?
Thanks for any info.
Maria

Hey Maria: I don't understand? I stopped working in 2000. I did not know about dissability until 2006. I applied and I am waiting on my hearing. I worked before 2000.

So I don't get it. You need to call SS. The rules are really confusing. I had them do the application over the phone.

Let me know
Jeane

luvmybabies2 · 01-24-2008, 07:02 AM

I would love to do that, I do go to Iceland to visit my family for 3 weeks at a time, but I don't think I could stay for 3 months, because I have children ages 2 and 5 and also I have a home here that I own and lots of pets and stuff, so just up and moving for 3 months just really isn't an option. My older sister (I have 3 sister's) she moved to Iceland when she was pregnant to get the cheaper healthcare for her and her baby a few years ago.
I think I will not be able to get any benefits here in America and that really sucks !!
Of course most of my family lives in Iceland. I love he heat here in America and I need the sunshine for my depression too.

How old are you? I have many cousins and such who live in Reykjavik.

always smiling · 01-24-2008, 09:19 PM

Is that true that you do not have enough credits? have you ever received a statement in the mail that tells you what you would get if you were to become disabled or retired at some point?
I started working in 1987 also. I became disabled around 2004. I am on disability. I have been on it for about two years now and I collect about 1200 dollars a month. I have worked off and on at many different jobs throughout the years.
I would check into things again. good luck.