Could I get SSI? - Disabilities Message Board

moetwins · 06-19-2008, 03:09 PM

Hi everybody, my name is Kelly and I am 24 years old. I don't know much about disabilities benefits but I would like to try and apply for SSI. I have not worked since 2004 and when I did work it was just a part time job at a bakery but I couldn't even handle that. Since then I have been attending a community college part time. I feel like I will never be able to work again because I have so much pain physically and mentally. I had surgery in 1999 to correct scoliosis and then I developed fibormyalgia, which consists of major fatigue, back, neck, arm, feet and leg pain and also TMJ. I also suffer from depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety and migraines. The one thing that I do know about disability benefits is that they are very hard to receive but do you think that with my situation I would ever be able to win my case? If anyone has any other info on SSI benefits that would be very helpful. Thanks so much for your time.

lynn31326 · 06-19-2008, 03:43 PM

Hi Kelly,

The first issue you will have is that you are young, Being only 24, SSA will most likely deny you, hoping you will give up and go back to work, or you get better or just work through the pain. But there is some hope. If you can prove that you had medicial issues during the time when you were working, and while you were still insured you might be able to apply for SSDI and SSI.
If you cannot, you can apply for SSI, the max amount SSI pays is 637 a month, (sometimes more depending on what state you live in) You have to go to see all your doctors, mental and psyscial. You are in school which is a toss up the way SSA see it if you can go to school everyday, you can work. I know one person who just never told SSA she was in school. ( I am not saying you should do that).
You can win your case, it make take a few years, a lwayer and lot's of debt, but you can win. I waited 4 years for mines.
lot's of luck to you
Lynn

moetwins · 06-19-2008, 04:04 PM

Thanks so much for your help Lynn! Sorry I keep asking so many questions but what is the difference between SSI, SSDI and SSA and is SSI easier to get? I have only been going to school part time for the last 4 years and this year I only took one class per semester so maybe that would show them how I wasn't even well enough to take more than one class over the past year. I am worried about that one part in the disability case where you have to go in front of a judge and he tells you what jobs you should be able to work, did you have to do that? I am also worried because in February I won't be covered under my parents insurance any more so I don't know how I will be able to pay for doctors visits or my medication. I wish disabilitie was easier to get on but I am glad that you finally got on it. Thanks so much again for your help!

lynn31326 · 06-20-2008, 09:39 AM

SSDI is based on your past work. OR how many credits you had/have put in the system. SSI is based on need. It is based on your income. SSI or SSDI is harder to get the younger you are. Once you will be off of your parents insurance, Since you live in NY you should be able to get medcaide so you will be able to go to the doctor.

I cannot tell you what will happen if/when you go before a judge, It all depends on that person. But in most hearing they have a person who will "say" what jobs you can and cannot do with your disablity. Your lawyer will have a chance to cross exam him.
The fact that you are only taking one class will be good, but it a toss up.

moetwins · 06-20-2008, 05:40 PM

Thanks so much again for your help, I really appreciate it! I really hope that I can at least get medicaid like you said and that way I would be able to get my medicine. I have been reading through these boards and it sounds like if you don't get a lawyer then you have no chance of winning your case, is that true? Lawyers are so expensive if I was just applying for SSI and only getting $600 at most a month I don't even know if getting a lawyer would be worth it. This is so confusing