Social Security Disability

[freelilbutterfl]

What is the name of your state? Ohio
My former husband passed in February of this year. I was on SSI Disability and now I collect on the former husband's Social Security. My case worker from SSI had me fill out paperwork for Disability. There was some confusion from the main office. They said that I was not eligible. My case worker told me to get the paper work back to her. She told me that I should get it and this way, I would not have to wait for Medicare until I am 65. I would get it 1 and a half years sooner. I am 62 right now. The first time I was denied and I filed for a reconsideration. It was all confusing to me. My case worker from SSI told me that the main office didn't know what they were talking about. It will be five months at the end of October since the paperwork was filed. Can this take a very long time to reconsider? Will I have to obtain Legal Counsel ? I know that I could really use the Medicare coverage now. What difference does it make for 1 and a half years sooner? Don't get me wrong------I had one super terrific case worker for my SSI and she did a lot for me. I wanted to send her a thank you card but she went to another office.

I would also like to ask a question about Disability. My friend told me that if I get approved for Disability that I would receive more money. I told her that I doubt that very much. I am so thankful to be receiving what I am. It is so much better than living on the dollar amount from SSI.

Thanks if anyone can answer my questions. I appreciate your time.

 

[BL]

look through here :

http://www.ssa.gov/ww&os2.htm

 

[freelilbutterfl]

Yes, I have already been to the Social Security site and that page you listed. The main office told me that it was too late to file Disability and that I would have had to do it, by the age of 50. That is why, all of this is confusing. I did not have enough of my own credits. My SSI case worker told me to file the paperwork. She must have been right as the papers are being reviewed. I hope that I am approved so that I may receive Medicare sooner than the age of 65. Disability and more money-------I do not know that answer.

Thanks anyway

 

[BL]

The main office told me that it was too late to file Disability and that I would have had to do it, by the age of 50.

Doesn't sound right for survivors benifits .

A disabled widow or widower -- as early as age 50

 

[freelilbutterfl]

Tell me about it. I know. The main office tells me that I can't file for Disability and my SSI case worker tells me not to listen to them and has me file for a reconsideration. She got transferred and another rep called me about it all. She was confused and then she caught on to what my case worker was doing for me. Damn if I know what is going on. I called the office today and a decision hasn't been made as yet. The first time, I was turned down. Then I was told to file the paperwork for reconsideration.

 

[lya]

Tell me about it. I know. The main office tells me that I can't file for Disability and my SSI case worker tells me not to listen to them and has me file for a reconsideration. She got transferred and another rep called me about it all. She was confused and then she caught on to what my case worker was doing for me. Damn if I know what is going on. I called the office today and a decision hasn't been made as yet. The first time, I was turned down. Then I was told to file the paperwork for reconsideration.

When was the last time you worked a qualifying "quarter" of a year?

 

[emilymarguerite]

i recently got approved for disability and medicare, and it took me 2.5 years from the date of filing. most of that time was spent waiting for a hearing.
so the whole thing about 1.5 years might not be worth it.
HOWEVER, if/when you get approved for disability, you will receive backpay starting 6mos from the date you filed.
i don't know if this would be worth it for you or not.
i'm also kind of confused about one thing. if you honestly are disabled, you can file for disability anytime you want. i guess i don't completely understand what you're asking, and it looks like there are other people on this thread who do.
so i just wanted to share my experience as far as how long it usually takes.

 

[freelilbutterfl]

Hi, thank you all for the replies. I have not worked since 1991. I kinda figured that it would take quite a while for the Reconsideration. My SSI case worker wanted to help me as much as she could. The way that I feel about it is, what does it really matter if I get Medicare at 65 or a year and a half sooner. I wish that I had the health coverage now when I could really use it. I have a lot of health issues. I can't even get my own health coverage as I have pre-existing conditions. All I can do is to take one day at a time. I am receiving widow benefits and I do not know if I would get more if I was found to be disabled. My friend tried to tell me that I would receive more. I am very happy with what I am getting now. I am just confused about the whole situation, about filing for Disability. Like I stated my former SSI case worker said that I was eligible.

Thanks again

 

[lya]

I have not worked since 1991.

That's a problem you can't overcome. You only have ten years from the end of the last qualifying quarter in which you worked.

Your application is 6 years too late.

 

[freelilbutterfl]

Hi, I don't even have enough quarters. My SSI caseworker knew this. That is why I was on SSI Disability. I did not work that much through the marriage due to back problems.