They told me no - Disabilities Message Board

sunshine12 · 06-04-2005, 07:07 PM

I applied for ssi and in a few weeks got a letter saying no because I had over three grand in the bank???
I am 59 and would hope I had a bit in the bank after all the years I worked and saved. I have stents and didn't have the hip operation I needed and then got laid off and now no insurance. I can't stand because of hips, sometimes can't walk but I manage. I also have diabetes.
Everyone told me to apply een the lady at SS. I had no idea that if you were unable to work that your bank account came into it. In a few more months it will be at their level they want. Do I wait till I loes everything or get an attorney to help?

phobic · 06-04-2005, 08:54 PM

Just a quick response cause im new at this too, but from what i've learned, you need to apply for is disablilty, not ssi. Someone will give much better info, but (ssi) does consider "$" but disability is something you have put into and deserve when needed and dosnt consider amt of money, or assests. Anyway, lots of help available here, so good luck.

tiresome · 06-05-2005, 10:01 AM

When you applied did they tell you that you were applying for both SSDI and SSI? That is what they had me do. You said that you have worked and saved all these years, did they say you had enough points for SSDI? If so the letter stating you do not qualify for SSI may simply mean that, not SSI but does not mean you do not qualify for SSDI. SSDI is Social Security Disability Insurance, workers pay into to this out of each check. SSI is Supplement Security Income, this is for people who become disabled but do NOT have enough work points to get SSDI. Did your letter state that the only reason you did not qualify for SSI is because of your bank account? If so that might be a good sign that they do find you disabled and you will be approved for SSDI.
Hiring or not hiring a lawyer is a personal decision. You will hear from both sides good and bad. I did not hire a lawyer, I was denied on the first app. asked for a reconcideration, denied on that, asked for a hearing but rather than wait 12 to 18 months I asked for an "on-the-record" decision and was approved. The best advice I can give is to keep good records and a journal of how your life is affected daily by your disabilities. I kept one and sent it in with my request for OTR, I think it helped them see what I was going through on a day to day basis.
SSDI does have a period of 5 months that they do not pay back benefits. Some qualify for SSI for that 5 month period. Because of your savings you won't. I hope this helps you and God bless.

sunshine12 · 06-06-2005, 01:44 PM

To tell you the truth I am not sure what I applied for. I mean I assumed it was SSI, I don't even know what SSDI is. I was there with my daughter getting her copy of SS card she lost. The woman at the window was talking to me because I was limping and we started talking about me and then she told me I should apply and made an appt for me right then and there.

I have been told I should apply many times but felt I had to be worse off then I am.
The letter says I did not qualify for SSI because of the money. And yes, I have way more then enough hours in or points to qualify.
The letter stated; We can't pay you, we find you have resources worth more then $2,000.00 for 2005.
That was all it said well, they said I could appeal this and sell off the resources which I planned to do anyway. But that didn't mean I would get SSI either.

I am not sure what to do but I will keep a record of everything I do from now on for this as people have said here.
I thank you for your help.

Glojer · 06-06-2005, 02:25 PM

Check with the lady at ss office where you applied, she can tell you what you applied for. You should qualify for ssdi, your age along with your disability should also help you to qualify since you are close to retirement age anyway. Call ss they can help!