Thank You Hadit Members Who Suggested Ssdi!

[kymike]

Hey guys, I just want to thank all the hadit members that suggested I file for SSDI. I was awards SSDI benefits in Nov. 2011. Based solely on my VA medical records for my service connected lumbar back problems. Date that disability Mar. 2009. Took about 2 months. No exam or other hassle. I was without internet access at the time of my award, or I would have thanked you all then. I was approaching the five year mark since my last employment. IF you guys hadn't gave me encouragement, I might have missed the deadline.

Some tips I would give to others applying for SSDI benefits are these:

1. Obtain all your VA medical records ahead of time. The VA told Social security that it would take at least 90 days to obtain my medical records.

2.Do not apply for SSI without asking if you qualify. I didn't understand SSI and applying for it by mistake delayed my SSDI by about 120 days because the had to determine if there was on offset.

There are other do' s and don't, that other hadit members are more qualified to chime in on. Do not hesitate to ask! Again thanks everybody.

Mike.

[Chuck75]

"Do not apply for SSI without asking if you qualify. I didn't understand
SSI and applying for it by mistake delayed my SSDI by about 120 days
because the had to determine if there was on offset."

???

Anyway, SSDI can be applied for if you have the medical and work records to back up the claim. SS retirement can also be applied for at the same time, if you are 62 or older.

Look at things this way. Even if SSDI is denied and you go into the appeal process, the SS retirement is paid in the interim. When/if the SSDI claim is approved, you will be paid the difference between the "early retirement" amount, and the full retirement amount. At 65, the SSDI payment changes to the full SS retirement payment. (A paper change, does not change the payment amount.)

Something else to consider is that when you apply for both together, the odds, for whatever reasons, are slightly better in getting the SSDI awarded without a large hassle.

There is another consideration, in that at age 62, with medical conditions bad enough to be eligible for SSDI, your life expectancy is shorter than if you didn't have them.

Waiting to apply for SS retirement at the usual retirement age can easily be against you, due to a shorter life expectancy, assuming that SSDI was not approved for whatever reason, or you go into an extended appeal process.

[kymike]

Hey Chuck I think there is a misunderstanding. By SSI I meant Supplementary Security Income. I wasn't sure about it so I checked the box for SSI on the online application. When they did my telephone interview, the told me I was ineligible.I was like okay, I didn't know.If you get 50% VA disability or more you make to much money. But checking that box held up my back pay for SSDI for 4 or so months till SSDI could make sure that I hadn't received any funds from SSI. Confusing right?

Mike.

[Pete53]

Unlike the VA Social Security has a time limit although in some cases you can still win by asking for date when you were no longer able to work. Also unlike VA Social Security will often times help you with your claim.

[john999]

If you have a spouse the age she/he applies for SSA may be important if she/he applies for SSA survivor benefits one day. If you have to apply for SSD so be it, but the longer your spouse can wait to apply for benefits (FRA+66 for most of us) the better. If non-disabled spouse can wait to apply until full retirement age there are all sorts of things you can do that will get you more money than if spouse takes SSA at 62. Actual break even age for 62 vs 66 retirement is 77.

John

[kymike]

Unlike the VA Social Security has a time limit although in some cases you can still win by asking for date when you were no longer able to work. Also unlike VA Social Security will often times help you with your claim.

You are right on both counts Pete. I forgot to mention that you really have five years from date Social Security deans that you became totally disabled. Both the SS folks and the state disability determination case worker were nice and helpful. They granted my claim about two weeks after I sent them My VA medical records, they were having trouble obtaining from the VA. Even though they have a record sharing agreement.