question @ qualifying

[peglem]

Hopefully people will be coming back soon... So, I used to be a teacher, but quit at the end of last year to care for my disabled, minor child. We applied years back but were declined because mine and my husband's combined income was too much. So now that we only have my hub's income, I want to try again. We have @ $12,000. in savings and I'm wondering if that will disqualify us. I just don't want to mess with all the paperwork/appointments if I already know going in that we won't qualify. Thanks for your input!

[Prop1]

They don't look at saved money, only wages. You can fill out the paperwork online at your own pace. This is much easier then going to the office. Put an emphesis on how your son's condition has impacted his life and your own. Any supporting paperwork you will be given an address to send it to. One or two office visits to sign something is all it should take. Remember, it's the impact of the condition, not the condition that gets you the SS.

Good luck.;)

[peglem]

I seem to remember last time, they wanted a list and documentation of all assets. Okay, I'll give it a try.

[Prop1]

I seem to remember last time, they wanted a list and documentation of all assets. Okay, I'll give it a try.

Yes, they will ask for it, but it doesn't count against you.

[Don]

Social Security does look at your wages, income and assets if you are filing for SSI. If your are filing for SSDI assets are not an issue only wages. I believe you must have applied for SSI last time and the household income and assets were beyond the allowable amount.

You can go to the Social Security website and see the difference between the 2 programs.

http://www.ssa.gov

Don

[Rycado]

I can answer this since I just filed last week. They will look at your assests and will make you file for both. You will be denied as we were for SSI, but she said it is a matter of formality. She said once you are denied the SSI the paperwork then gets forwarded over to the SSDI. She said we would receive a letter in a few weeks saying we were denied the SSI and not to get upset, just know that it is not the actual SSDI.

I completed the paperwork online and then went into the office for the application process which took about an hour. I was advised not to do it on line, but had I waited and done it in the office or forced the SS worker to do the paperwork we would have been there hours as my medical records and doctors seen is extensive. I felt too that because I was able to do the forms at home on line I could take my time and form better answers to the questions. If you have to answer some of the questions on the spur of the moment it might be a little difficult to explain everything you want to say.

[peglem]

Okay, so if I'm applying for a disabled child- I am not disabled, would I apply for SSDI? I thought that was for people who can no longer work due to a disability. So, if SSI is based on wages and assets- what's the limit on assets? We do not own a home and only have one vehicle. We saved up this money in anticipation of my leaving the workforce- for emergencies.

[ange11]

SSI is a welfare type program for the disabled with very limited resources. Wages and assets are taken into account including your savings and the value of your car. The amount of resources varies according to where you live. Generally in order to receive SSI you can not have more than $2,000 in resources. Being that your husband is employed along with $12,000 in savings, I do not find it likely that your child would qualify for SSI.

Since your child is a minor and neither you or your spouse are disabled, child would not be eligible for SSDI.

[Linda25]

Minors with disabilities and no work history DO get SSI in many cases- this is to help with their care - it's worth applying again

good luck

Linda25

[backless]

Hello,you should take the time and go to a Social Security Administration Office to discuss your childs situation.Children have totally different rules for eligibility,and I have not seen them discussed on these forums much,and though people mean well,they can confuse the issues and give incorrect information. Please click this link ,it will bring to to a point of interest to you. You may also look about the SSA site for more answers. Goodluck to you and your family. http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify10.htm

[peglem]

Thank you, backless- I did notice some conflicting info. I'll try the site and ask her case worker about it too!

[Sammie]

I can speak from experience from when I first applied. I filed for SSDI and SSI. I was denied SSI because we had a substanial savings account. Your assests cannot be more than 3000.00 a month in our state. We own 2 vehicles but they only look at one. They do take a few things out before they consider whether or not you qualify.

Go to the SSA website to read about the childrens benefits...

I don't think you will qualify for SSI with 12,000 in savings no matter the reason you saved it..