Health Care Part 2

As part of the second edition about Health Care and programs available to help you, I would like to include an excerpt about Social Security disability.  This is not a health insurance of any type, but it does provide an income for those who are unable to work.

 There are two different disability programs available through the Social Security Administration.  One is SSDI (Social Security Disability Income) and one is SSI (Supplemental Security Income).  Both programs provide an income, but they are a little different when it comes to qualifications and eligibility.  I will briefly explain each one.

SSDI is full disability income.  In order to receive this type of program benefits you have to have worked enough in your life and earned enough income credits.  Income credits are earned each year with a maximum of one per quarter.  Your income check is based on your work history.  There are no income or resource limits required to be eligible to receive benefits.

SSI is a supplemental income program for those who don't have enough work history or have none at all (such as newborn babies).  There is a maximum payout for this program.  Each year that amount changes.  This year it is around $672.  There are also income and resource limits that have to be met (like Medicaid) in order to receive benefits.  These limits are almost identical with Medicaid and if you have SSI will most likely be eligible for Medicaid benefits too.

The eligibility process takes several steps and I will lay out the basics.  One thing you need to keep in mind is in order to receive disability you have to have a condition that is going to prevent you from doing any type of work for at least 12 months.  Here are the steps.  These include ones you have to do and ones Social Security does.
1.  The first thing you need to do is call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to set up an interview for disability benefits.  When prompted ask for agent service.
2.  Once you have set up your interview, you can fill out some forms online at ssa.gov.  You will also receive a packet of forms to fill out and sign.  Make sure you do everything and return anything that is requested to be returned.  This is a lot of paperwork, so don't be discouraged.
3.  You may have been told of some verifications you need to have together.  Make sure you get those together.  Also get as many medical records related to your condition as possible.
4.  The paperwork is just one part of the process.  You will be assigned a claims representative.  Make sure you get the name and number.  Your case will be sent to DDS (Disability Determination Services) for a medical decision.
5.  Once the medical decision has been made, it will get sent back to your claims rep, where he will finish up the case.

Now this is just the basic steps.  A lot more goes on and the process can take over a year to finish.  Most cases are denied the first time.  Don't be afraid to re-apply or appeal the decision.  You have the right to do so. 

 So that is Social Security benefits in a nutshell.  I would like to provide a few resources to help in this process and with Medicaid:

• Social Security website - www.ssa.gov  (very resourceful)
• There is no one website with social service sites for all states, but it is quite easy to find them.  Just type in your state or county name and "department of social services."

Feel free to post any questions you may have, and I will help.

Helping you get the upper hand,
Peter Bunn
Rising Leader

Want a more stress free life and be able to be home with your family? Learn how to empower yourself with this experience:
www.PeterBunnHasFun.com