what am I getting and should it be more?

[vermonterlife]

After heart attack # 6 I was left with 23% of a normal heart. I was determind to be disabled by the powers to be at Social Security. It took from Oct. of 2008 to July of 2009 to make that determination. During this period I was told repeatedly my benefit ( based on what I had paid in over the years) was to be $990.00 monthly. Around the 1rst of Sept. I received a check and a statement saying I was eligible for $392.00 a month. The letter said it was due to my wifes income. She had taken a job (close to the hospital I was in and out of) but had given that job up in June of 2009. (two reasons---didn't want me home alone 12 hours a day and after gas and vehichle maint. she was making approx $22.00 a week).She was then and is still a full time student. $392.00 barley pay's the property tax much less expenses. I have tried to talk to a rep. to find out what's going on but am told repeatedly the letter explains it all. Can't even find out what I am receiving--Social Security or disability. HELP!!!!! Vermont

[BL]

You can go down to your local SSA office with the letter and find out what kind of SSA benefits you are receiving and why so little .

You can always appeal the decision ( in the time frame ) .

Get down to SSA ASAP with the letter to explain and have proof of what your wife made .

What type of income does she otherwise receive , besides when she worked ?

SSA can help you file reconsiderations and appeal .

Look at your letter for how and time frames .

If you need to file for other type of benefits SSA will help you .

You can always call the 800 toll free number to find out what type of benefits you are receiving and why the amount , but still get to your SSA local Office in person with the letter and your wifes earnings you speak of .

[TheGeekess]

SSDI is predicated on the number of quarters worked before the disability determination. If you worked up until your 6th heart attack, and they decide that you are disabled from that point forward, then you should be receiving SSDI.

IIRC, also, SSI sometimes is put into effect (temporarily?) before the SSDI starts.
[url=http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10153.html]What You Need To Know When You Get Social Security Disability Benefits[/url]
[url=http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/11000.html]Supplemental Security Income (SSI)[/url]