Ssi

Jess5895 · #1 01-08-2009, 08:14 PM

What is the typical amount of time before benefits begin after applying for SSI? Today, I took care of medicaid and ssi and it was exhausting and frustrating! I never knew how cruel and mean government agencies could be. I had to get all of this done because everything has to be in place before my baby can be discharged from the hospital next month. He will be 4 months by that time! OMG enough!

Kate · #2 01-08-2009, 09:20 PM

I don't know the answer-I'm guessing every state is different. I'm sorry you have to go through this. I get frustrated everytime they send me papers to fill out. I think my blood pressure raises just seeing the envelope!
Good luck-it does get frustrating!

Baby1107 · #3 01-08-2009, 11:49 PM

The standard line here is it takes about 120 days. But we got ours started in about 24 days once all the paperwork was in and I did the phone interview. I hope it is quick for you too!!

My little figther · #4 01-09-2009, 07:13 AM

After the phone interview - gathering all the paperwork to be filled out - sending it to them - then having to give them more information it took about 3 months to see the first check.

Michelle

Mom2TwinsPlus1 · #5 01-09-2009, 08:09 AM

It depends on the state and the disability I think. I did the quick phone interview, had an appt the next week, and a check within 2 weeks. It went over into a new month and they sent me a check for the previous month as well, backdated.

We never did apply when Emma was in the NICU, as a matter of fact she was on her vent and everything by the time we applied, probably around age 7 months or so. I heard it was a nightmare so I was afraid to apply really, and wish we would have earlier now, because we were some of the lucky ones it was easy for.

We get max benefits and a letter once a year that asks if anything has changed, and that is it. No going in to requalify etc. But Emma does have permanent brain damage, CP, mental retardation so they don't expect much to change.

TommysMommy · #6 01-09-2009, 08:22 AM

We applied while Tommy was still in the hospital. Our caseworker sent us preliminary paperwork with lots of release forms for the hospital. I also went and got Tommy's complete medical records copied and brought with me. We were approved in a couple of weeks and got his check soon after. Make sure you report to them the second he's discharged because you will only get about $30 a month as long as he's in the hospital and the full amount once he's home.

KJKK8437 · #7 01-09-2009, 12:02 PM

We never qualified. I couldn't get a sensible person at SSI to speak to me. Alex's disability was never a qualifier, despite his Medicaid, as far as they were concerned. We made "too much money" to EVER qualify, so they told me.

Now, I KNOW that isn't quite right. I've been told that 1000x by the social workers here, but no one can tell me how to get the right answer.

So, this is my way of saying that I hear ya about how mean the agencies can be and how frustrating it is. Hang in there.

Baby1107 · #8 01-09-2009, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJKK8437

We never qualified. I couldn't get a sensible person at SSI to speak to me. Alex's disability was never a qualifier, despite his Medicaid, as far as they were concerned. We made "too much money" to EVER qualify, so they told me.

Now, I KNOW that isn't quite right. I've been told that 1000x by the social workers here, but no one can tell me how to get the right answer.

So, this is my way of saying that I hear ya about how mean the agencies can be and how frustrating it is. Hang in there.

I was told the same, even as a single mom I made too much. Every one just about laughed out loud at the mere "idea" of me qualifying for anything!! However when Austin was 7 months old I quit my job to stay home...and the flood gates opened. I was SHOCKED at how easy it was to qualify and regretted listening to the hospital sw & financial counselors for so long. It is not EASY, it just wasn't as hard and arduous as I had feared.

jschug2 · #9 01-09-2009, 08:51 PM

Getting on medicaide was a NIGHTMARE. Sydney was sent home from the NICU in November, and I don't think we were on medicaide until May - and nurses cannot get paid without being on medicaid!!!

Gretchen(Celia's mom) · #10 01-10-2009, 10:01 AM

Hold on to your britches, you will run into that alot. You can do it!!