Cash Resources

[freelilbutterfl]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Ohio

I was on SSI Disability. My husband passed and they ,at first, refused to put me on SS Disability. I filed a Reconsideration and of course they found out that I was on SSI Disability for two years. I met the criteria for the two year waiting period. Before they changed me, I was receiving Widow Benefits. I do not get anymore money now. It stays the same but I do have Medicare at 63.

Every year I have to go to Jobs and Family Services and take in all my paper work. I do not understand any of this but they also have me on Medicaid. They still treat me as though I was still on SSI. It makes no sense to me. When I received more money I contacted them immediately.

I have Life Insurance and the cash value cannot be over $1500. Last year I was a little over with money in my checking account. I had checks outstanding. The woman said that she would let it slide. When I came home I printed a new copy of my checking account as the checks were processed. I had talked to my Case Worker a few months ago about the money that may be sitting in my checking account when I have to come back in this year. She told me that they do not count that money. I find that hard to believe.

I go in next month and now I have a new Case Worker. I am concerned as it is the beginning of the month. There is no way to empty that money out of my checking account. My bills do not all come at the beginning of the month. The state pays my Medicare Premium for me. That one, I still do not understand. If I am over with the Life Insurance and the money in my checking account , I will be " done ". One Case Worker tells you one thing and another Case Worker tells you a whole different story. I am worried sick.

My daughter was living with me and my granddaughter. She didn't want to help pay anymore. I told her that no one lives for free. She packed up and left. I live in a mobile home and I can't afford to pay everything. Now is not the time to sell as the economy is bad. I won't even have money for food.

My question is , how do I handle all of this as far as cash resources? As I stated I am being treated as if I was still on SSI . I don't understand how the State does things. I cannot afford right now to loose the help from the State paying my Medicare Premium.

Thanks to anyone that can help me with my situation. It seems like Jobs and Family Services changeCase Workers everytime I turn around. It is always a different story too.

 

[BL]

If you receive Medicaid you should qualify for Food stamps too .

Those would be the reasons for review .

All that said , Just do not keep over the limit in the bank account .

If your bill amounts are consistant each month , buy M/O's ahead of time .

Those folks do not know how much you have at home .

 

[freelilbutterfl]

BL, The thing is with the Life Insurance and the amount of money in the checking account that I receive each month, would put me over $1500. One Case Worker says that we don't count the amount of your check as they know it is for bills. Then another Case Worker will end up counting my check. I can't just go and withdraw the money. Then they would ask what I did with it. My bills do not all come at the beginning of the month. They still have me covered with Medicaid with a spend down. I just don't understand the whole situation as I do get more money from the husband as he passed. Like I said they changed me from Widow Benefits to SS Disability. For some unknown reason the State pays my premium for Medicare. I will barely be able to pay all the bills without money left for food. At this stage I can't have things messed up and have to end up paying my Medicare Premium now. It is like you don't know which Case Worker to believe, unless I try to make the appointment later in the month. Thank You

 

[freelilbutterfl]

BL, Let me clarify----I get more money now than when I was on SSI Disability. I am on SS Disability. I wouldn't have enough money if I had to pay my own Medicare Premium.

 

[BL]

The State believes it saves them money on Medicaid by paying your Medicare premiums , which is true .

I understand your dilemma , by one token your SSDI does not have any limits , on the other hand the State imposes them to be eligible for the other programs .

I'm not sure how spend downs work .

If you are eligible for Medicaid , you should also be eligible for food stamps .

Try looking up some agencies in your area to call and check around .

Our phone book has a section of agencies and organizations .

Perhaps there's a number in there to refer you to the right place for your needs .

Try private message to OhioGal .

 

[freelilbutterfl]

BL, I sent the message. I believe I did it right, but I haven't heard anything. Like I said, if they take my cash resources from my Life Insurance and count my SS Disability check-----I am going to be over the $1500 limit. There is no way to get all of my bills paid befoe the appointment. Plus I took some money out to have a new hot water tank put in. Would I be penalized for that. I didn't have the cash on hand nor did I want to create a bill. That was a necessity especially with a baby in the home.

I am just so overwhelm right now. I can barely pay everything without any money for food. I can go to a Food Bank. I can't afford to have the State stop paying my Medicare Premium. Thanks, BL

 

[BL]

BL, I sent the message. I believe I did it right, but I haven't heard anything. Like I said, if they take my cash resources from my Life Insurance and count my SS Disability check-----I am going to be over the $1500 limit. There is no way to get all of my bills paid befoe the appointment. Plus I took some money out to have a new hot water tank put in. Would I be penalized for that. I didn't have the cash on hand nor did I want to create a bill. That was a necessity especially with a baby in the home.

I am just so overwhelm right now. I can barely pay everything without any money for food. I can go to a Food Bank. I can't afford to have the State stop paying my Medicare Premium. Thanks, BL

I really don't have any answers except what I posted .

Might have to think about selling / renting , or public housing .