Do any of your kids receive SSI?

Hannahs Mama · #1 05-27-2010, 10:26 AM

Hi,
Maybe this has been discussed before but am just wondering if being with a SN child qualifies him/her to receive SSI?
A nurse mentioned to me that we should be receiving some supplemental Income for our child becomes she is "disabled". Has anyone applied for SSI in their state and how did you go about it? requirements?

Thanks a bunch!

twintotwin · #2 05-27-2010, 10:32 AM

Again, like the WIC, your income has to be super low to qualify for it in NJ. Did Hannah get institutional SSI? Once she is out she won't get it unless you are under the maximum yearly income.
My boys got about $30/month when they were in-patient only. Once they were home and considered in our care we lost it. Not that $30/month will be missed.

I can tell you there are things you're eligible for in NJ. Your DDD rep won't offer it up- you have to request it.

A cash stipend and respite cash. Also there's CIF who will buy you a van that is modified if your child is disabled. They will also refund any money you spent on Hannah's care over a year, as long as you keep receipts and it meets a certain percentage. Let me know if you want this info.

LKN · #3 05-27-2010, 10:36 AM

It is a complicated issue. There is a link somewhere in the parent resources on this.

It depends on the state you live in, but it is based on income and the nature of the disability. My son qualified based on his birth defect but did not ever receive it because in our state our income was counted as his. Some states have waiver programs for this purpose, but in our state the waiver was not good enough.

There is a lot of paperwork to fill out. You can find info on the social security website and your state disability website. Sorry I can't be of more help.

bryantem · #4 05-27-2010, 10:41 AM

According to the SSi website, having a trach does qualify a child for SSI, however you have to be within the income limits as well.

Hannahs Mama · #5 05-27-2010, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twintotwin

Again, like the WIC, your income has to be super low to qualify for it in NJ. Did Hannah get institutional SSI? Once she is out she won't get it unless you are under the maximum yearly income.
My boys got about $30/month when they were in-patient only. Once they were home and considered in our care we lost it. Not that $30/month will be missed.

I can tell you there are things you're eligible for in NJ. Your DDD rep won't offer it up- you have to request it.

A cash stipend and respite cash. Also there's CIF who will buy you a van that is modified if your child is disabled. They will also refund any money you spent on Hannah's care over a year, as long as you keep receipts and it meets a certain percentage. Let me know if you want this info.

Wow!...only 30 dollars a month??...that cant even buy diapers for a month! I know you really have to research to get information and benefits over here no one is willing to give it just like that...you wonder what these people get paid the big bucks for.

twintotwin · #6 05-27-2010, 11:14 AM

I don't know how Hannah is developmentally but after age 3 medicaid covers diapers...no matter what your income is. See, there's so much a new parent won't know unless they network. Which is exactly why I promote networking between special needs moms!

Niff · #7 05-27-2010, 11:17 AM

$30 is the NC medicaid standard for inpatient SSI benefits as well. Like others have said, income is the big factor. Mackenzie medically qualifies, but we make too much.

Madeline and Molly's Mom · #8 05-27-2010, 12:03 PM

It's my understanding (in Mass anyway) that SSI applies only while in-patient... unless you qualify under the income level once she comes home... I think it will go away once she's home.

The case manager at my nursing agency was the one who mentioned diapers to us... I have no idea if we'd even qualify, but I was taught a lesson in that. Find someone, anyone... that knows the system and can be your advocate.

ericnrosesmom · #9 05-27-2010, 01:08 PM

We're in Indiana and we qualified under the income limit for SSI. DH works for his dad's tree service. We get $606/month from SSI and it's an absolute lifesaver! You should definetly apply, the worst that could happen is they could turn you down but it's worth a try.

Hannahs Mama · #10 05-27-2010, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twintotwin

I don't know how Hannah is developmentally but after age 3 medicaid covers diapers...no matter what your income is. See, there's so much a new parent won't know unless they network. Which is exactly why I promote networking between special needs moms!

free diapers?? you kidding!..... well she is only 15 months but wow!...i will definatly look that up. maybe i can ask my social worker about it. or who is best for this?
Hannah is not delayed developmentally though but i'll try and see what she can get.