I recently applied for Social Security disability income because of my schizophrenia and other conditions. My mom is helping me out with it and talking to the Social Security people on the phone. I saw on Google that, as of 2016, the average amount that’s one gets from SSDI is around $1166. Then she sent me this text “He says if you are approved your first check would not be until April or May of next year and it will be something small like $235, I said omg that’s nothing, why !??
he said because he hasn’t worked that much so his work money social security portion that is automatically taken out of his checks has never added up to a large amount so we can only give him this amount monthly.” Why is this? The whole reason for SSDI is for people with conditions that need money to support themselves because they haven’t worked in a while and can’t work. How am I going to support myself if I only get around $200 a month because with my conditions I don’t even think I can work because I can barely leave the house. Someone please explain to me why I would only be getting around $200 a month instead of the average, which is around $1166 a month. It doesn’t make sense to me
SSDI is a workers benefit, they calculate the amount based on your two highest years of income. If you haven’t worked much you wont get much out of it.
Yes, SSDI is based on having paid into the system, but you should qualify for SSI instead. SSI is a flat-rate (over $700/mo, last I knew), and even people who have never worked can get it if they are found to be disabled. I recently checked what my SSDI benefit would be if I had to apply, and it’s only up to around $1000/mo at this point. I’ve worked plenty, just never made a lot of money. It’s my understanding, based on my ex who went through a disability case a couple years ago, that you get either SSDI or SSI, whichever is greater. That part could be wrong, though. But yeah, if nothing else you should be able to get that flat-rate SSI.
Also, your first SSDI check, should you be approved, would include back pay. My ex received a check for $30k after a two-year appeals process, more than two years’ worth of SSDI to start her out.
The system of support for disabled persons in the USA is complex and cumbersome.
It is best to get both SSI and SSDI as they compliment each other to a small degree.
While I was awaiting the decision on my SSI case, I was on Connecticut Welfare. That made the State of Connecticut my ally in successfully concluding my case.
When I was on State of Connecticut welfare, I also had a medical card from the state and Foodstamp benefits.
The State and Federal coverage for dental is lacking, so I went to the local free dental clinics.
Because I have SSI, I have a documented disability. Therefore I can get a discount from the electric company and gas company and phone company. One has to apply for these benefits to the utility companies themselves.
Enough?
Jayster
You can use ur parents social security income if ur young enough
Maybe seek legal advice and if you dont know how to go about that or cant afford it then ask for help elsewhere.
I also applied for disability pension but was rejected. again.
They said its cause only one psychiatrist has diagnosed me as schizophrenic from what they know but I have 5 Australian psychiatrsists who have all diagnosed me as schizophrenic but i can not get the medical reports from my gp as he refuses to give it to me although i beleive it is legally my right as it is about me.
I am now trying to get these 5 psychiatrists to give me my diagnosis on paper so i can re apply for pension or object their decision.
I might have to get a lawyer but i would not know how to go about that or afford that so i will ask someone who knows someone for help.
I heard of others on forum who said they needed a lawyer to help them get pension.
I was sloppy or not organised enough n application perhaps but how does someone unwell apply for such and deal with beauracracy when their brain is f*****…
I thought one medical certificate would be enough.
If I have 5 it may be better.
I will keep applying because I feel pension would help me and that way i want to chose to volunteerwork caring for someone (only one person) every day couple hours or so.
But no pressure of employment etc.
Good wishes to you yo. 