What Social Security said to me. I need advice - Fibromyalgia Message Board

Raven · 07-22-2002, 11:26 AM

I went to the SS office on Thursday last week to see if I can get SSI Or SSD. Basically she said I didn't have enough work credits for one and then asked how much my husband makes. She told me I couldn't get anything because he makes too much money. I left in tears! Now I am confused. Is this correct? Because at my fibro support meeting they said that was wrong. That how much he makes had nothing to do with whether I get it or not. I also want to say that my need for more money is due to all of the bills incurred by this terrible illness. My husbands pay check is garnished by the hospital. They also take out child support payments and the medicines alone are a lot of money every month. Plus we have a high needs child, she is under weight( age 8 weighs 37 or so pounds) so she gets high supplement foods and natural supplements. So don't they take any of this into consideration? Also my brother mentioned state disability. Does anyone know about this????? Thanks for any help any of you great people can give. I love you all and understand all to well this misery we all have to deal with. Hang in there! Raven

Oma · 07-22-2002, 06:40 PM

Raven, Hey Sugar, It's Oma. My sister is on SSD for her back 2 surgerys I think, and also her wrist. Her husband is working. Do you want me to ask her to get on this and find out, or I will find out for you. I think maybe the last will be be the best. I'll get back with you. The money is yours. Your husband did not make it., you did. After 20 years of military. Aughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!There, I feel much better. Oma

Raven · 07-22-2002, 09:45 PM

Hi Oma, How you doing hun? Thanks for writing, anything you can find out would be great! I just can't imagine there isn't any help for me yet my luck hasn't been too good for awhile now. I hope you are feeling better, and aren't as depressed. I am having the worst problem with my 8 yr old daughter understanding. She is so angry and wants me to play with her when I can't and says such mean things, I guess its time to go back to the counselor. I am so scared how thing may turned out, I am calling him to make an appointment tomorrow. Hugs, Raven

SamQKitty · 07-23-2002, 02:38 AM

Hi Raven,
The problem is that you don't have enough work credits for SSDI. SSDI is based on taxes you pay in while you're working (basically, it's your social security taxes), and while you must be qualified as disabled, it doesn't matter how much money you have.

SSI, which is a financial-needs based program, still requires you to be found disabled, but in addition you must meet stringent income guidelines. Therein lies your problem, because SSI is somewhat similar to welfare in that they take into consideration your total household income; thus your husband's income can disqualify you.

This happens to many women who never work. It's a cautionary tale for everyone.

Believe me, I'm very sorry to have to tell you this!

Ruth

Oma · 07-25-2002, 12:41 AM

Raven, How many years did you work? or if you couldn't because of your high needs daughter, then I would not go down to Social Security, I would call them. That's what I did. It was painless, and I can't believe I waited to long. I would ask for a hearing with a judge and have all your income tax and doctor bills. I don't know if it would work, but you would be a real person and not another person writing in like us. OmaI love you and am so very, very sorry.