tdiu Feeling Ashamed, But Must Ask.

[livingrock21]

I'm not sure if I'm posting this in the correct place or not, if I'm not please move to the correct place.

As you can tell by the title, I never thought I'd be asking the questions I'm about to be asking, but am out of options.

Right now, I'm living with extended family, and my family could be on the street at any moment. I'm very greatful for the opportunity that I've been given to live here, but the living situation has been getting worse, and seems to be declining very quickly.

As some of y'all may know, I currently have an appeal in with the VA, and have been hoping that went through. If they'd just adjucate the damn thing like they should, I wouldn't be in this position.

Alright, enough beating around the bush. I'm currently at 40%, and am also recieving SSDI for my service related conditions(only income I have comming in). I've also applied for TDIU, but that wasn't very long ago. If they'd hurry up and adjucate that also, I wouldn't be asking what I'm about to ask.

I recently came across the HUD's rental voucher program. What income(VA compensation/SSDI) do they use as qualifications? I know they take 30% of your income, and supplement the rest of the rent/utilities. I live in PA, I wonder how long it will take. I'm not even sure what else to ask. If there's anything else I should know, please let me know. I'm also thinking about applying for food stamps. My family is hardly living. I know some vets are making less and surviving, but I accumulated bills while active duty(was able to easily pay them then, also I would have stayed active but was medically outed), and now it seems by the time I'm done paying bills, there's no way I could even afford a card board box(there's left over money, but no where near enough to afford a place, and all the bills that come along with it).

Like I said before, it's taken me awhile to come to terms with everything, but the way I figure it. If the government(VA) would adjucate my claim properly, I wouldn't be asking the government for help(HUD).

Thanks for your time, and any info is greatly, greatly appreciated.

Edited April 22, 2009 by livingrock21

[luvHIM]

I know what you are talking about. The total income amount is calculated. So, they will use both your SSd and VA benefit amount to determine what you will need to pay in rent.

I think this is a great thread because not many veterans are aware of the voucher. I know the program (VASH) just began about two years ago through our homeless vet dept at the VAMC. It has been a real godsend to many veterans.

Best regards to you...I do hope and pray that all works out with the VA for you...I really believe that once you get on this program things begin to move more quickly with the VARO's. Guess we'll see...huh?

[rentalguy1]

NO..it is SSD.

SSD is NOT needs based. SSI IS needs based.

BUT, Testvet was saying that VA PENSION is needs based in his post.

[livingrock21]

I wanted to get on here and thank everyone for all of the replies/advice so far! I would have got on here sooner, but I'm really feeling down and out. I think I may have the flu, but I also think everything has finally gotten to me.

Tyler

Edited April 22, 2009 by livingrock21

[carlie]

http://www.ssa.gov/d&s1.htm

We pay disability benefits under two programs:

• The Social Security disability insurance program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
  
  Your
  adult child
  also may qualify for benefits on your earnings record if he or she has a
  disability that started before age 22
  .
  
  
  

  • The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources.
    
    SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits.
    

[luvHIM]

SSD is NOT needs based. SSI IS needs based.

BUT, Testvet was saying that VA PENSION is needs based in his post.

Yeap...I guess I misread or something...thinking too fast or too slow...whichever seems to fit.

SSI is paid out when a disability exists but individual is not eligible for SSD, for whatever reason, making SSI "needs based..."

Otherwise, the individual would just apply for financial assistance through their local welfare office.

Okay...I'm with ya

[luvHIM]

I wanted to get on here and thank everyone for all of the replies/advice so far! I would have got on here sooner, but I'm really feeling down and out. I think I may have the flu, but I also think everything has finally gotten to me.

Tyler

Hope you feel better Tyler.

Carlie...I posted again before reading your new post today. Thanks for the researched info. I tell you its the meds...smile.

But I still say...SSD is "Needs Based" if you're waiting on the VA to finish working you're claim. LOLOLOL

Edited April 22, 2009 by luvHIM