Who Should Apply for SSI? | Autism PDD

Andrew is our only child. He is 5 years old with Classic Autism. He is in an all day regional public school program for autism since end of November, 2006. Since my husband is the only employed parent, our tax bracket has dropped 1 or 2 levels. We haven't had our taxes done for 2006 yet, but with me unemployed and a SAHM and all of our expenses, I don't see how we can owe the government money.

Should I apply for SSI for my son? I am planning (have been for a long time now) to go back to work part-time, but I have not yet been able to do so for many reasons. Things are very tight financially, and the extra money could help me get some extra services for Andrew that we haven't been able to afford.

On the other hand, would applying be opening a can of worms/Pandora's box? Should we just stay under the radar?

I honesty don't think it can hurt to apply. There is a link to Social Security Administration where you can check the income guidelines... can't remember it off the top of my head but check the "search" button. There was a good discussion a few weeks ago.

As I understand it, qualifying for SSI also qualifies the child for Medicaid. I don't know what waiver program Virginia has, but with the Medicaid Tony receives 1:1 after school services which have been so helpful. Here in NC, the waiver is known as CAP Medicaid.

What kind of can of worms/Pandora's box are you afraid of opening? That confused me!

Mary

I would - I don't think that it could hurt. We don't qualify for it or the waiver unfortunately. The medicaid covers the meds - I have heard some complaints about specialists though.

I agree I would apply it's can't hurt anything. It is just a long pain the *** thing to do but if you get it it would be worth it. I waited so long to apply for my oldest I think he was 6-7 it took them over 9 months to decide if he qualified. He did and we got the back pay from all those months but boy was it a journey.

If your family could use it then all the leg work is worth it

Shelley

I would. It would not hurt just to try. Good luck

Thanks for the replies!

Mary, My concern is that I am a family physician, and I don't know how that factors in...Is someone going to ask why I stopped working instead of my husband who makes much less? Are they going to say that I must work and he must stay home if someone has to? Also, can they tell us to sell our house and move into a smaller home, apartment or condo? Our house is not fancy, and alot of people in our neighborhood don't even know that I'm a doc. Will some evaluator resent me for applying because I'm a doc and docs are supposed to have alot of money? Etc., etc.

No, they can't question who is the SAHP or why. They can't request you to get a smaller home either. Whether you are a doc or not means nothing other than you have a MD/OD after your name it shouldn't keep you from providing the attention for your child. It also shouldn't stop you from receiving aid if needed. Someone needs to be at home with your child, correct? That is all that I would say if asked...

I don't recall that they get that in-depth in the application process. I think if you stick with the facts... they primarily ask about the child's disability... there is no need to volunteer the fact about your education, etc. As we all know, money is not always the deciding factor in the choices we make. FTR - I am a single mom of 4 and because of several reasons (some related to Tony, some not) I felt the need to quit my job 1-1/2 yrs ago.

Payne's Mom hit the nail on the head. Besides, when it gets down to brass tacks, does it really matter if some evaluator resents you for applying???

Mary

i just did the ssi process. they dont ask personal why questions so dont worry. its all a matter of income. and it doesnt allow for very much at all to be made. however, it is worth trying. if your child qualifies for even per month he is eligible for medicaid. the application process usually takes at least 4 months and some get turned down the first time around. they will probably have a psychologist evaluate him.....have your ducks in a row, lots of notes, every concern, stim, every way he is less able, and how hard it is and whats involved in caring for him. on medicaid, well you have to do your homework. you usually have a few choices so make a list of questions about doctors, hospital affiliations, call those places and see who takes what. the state covers my sons behavioral anything, and i found the plan where he gets best treatment. it stinks for the gi and allergy to some extent, but his private ots and slts are great, his one gi is great, and his pediatrician and nuerologist are phenomenal. he sees some of the best docs in this side of the state and its free and so are his meds if he needs them. good luck and do try. its done by phone and its like 7am to 7 pm. if you haavent, also contact the county health dept to try to sign him up and do the app for developmental disabilites agency if you have that. they will give you a service coordinator to help with anything. you also may be able to get rolling access funds for things for you son. arc is a good place to start. if you need the soc. sec. # or info on dda feel free to pm me.mbrogue39154.8219907407

they don't ask why you don't work--they assume it's becuase you have a disabled child to care for.

They don't ask where you live, just how much you pay per month for your rent/morgage.

They do consider what you own. You can only own a certain amount in 'stuff', including vehicles. But it's not a small, small amt. You can have a decent car.

Our salary is lower average, but we have four children and two older cars. Smallish savings. We were approved. The money amt is not big but she gets Medicaid too which is priceless.

I applied for SSI for Sandis in January. It was one of the smartest things I’ve ever done. I am a single mom and I make okay money, not a whole lot but I don’t qualify for any type of assistance other than day care assistance, which for my family size I could make up to like 45,000 a year before I lost that qualification. Sandis was approved less than three months after I applied. The additional money is awesome, and the Medicaid is a life-saver. Sandis has several therapies per week and I would be spending outrageous amounts of money on them just in percentages and copays if it weren’t for the Medicaid. Having the Medicaid also opened the door for PCA services. Sandis will qualify for around 60 hours a month for PCA services and the PCA can help to take Sandis to therapy appointments and help him with functional skills at home and in the community. I get to schedule the hours for the PCA for times that work best for our schedule. With the additional money from the SSI we can make the jump from living in a two bedroom cramped apartment to a much nicer 3 bedroom townhome. SSI has truly been a blessing in so many ways for this family. I would certainly recommend anyone considering to at least apply. The worst thing they can do is say no.

Thanks for all of the information! Sorry I'm a little late showing my appreciation!I did an on-line application and then called. I have a phone intake meeting on April 6th apparently to determine if my income falls within the guidelines to receive SSI and if I should continue with the application.

Andrew'smommy,

Medicaid waiver is a good enough reason to apply. I know that medicaid waiver is not determined by income. Talk to your case manager and see what is best to do for your specific situation.

Concernedpa.

We applied for SSI here in Texas and were denied. They said we had to many assets. I don't know if its worthy appealing or not. I know we could really use the SSI for additional therapy and things that Tricare wont' cover.If you qualified other then assets then you could get rid of some of them and get down to a acceptable limit , at least here in MN you have that option

That's exactly what the SSI told us get rid of your assets. Thing is we live in a big city and I'm going back to school this fall so getting rid of the second car would not work for our family. Dh would have no way to pick up the kids while I am in class and if an emergecny were to come up with a vehicle, we always have had two. We have a little bit of money in savings for emergencies, and we are suppose to blow it, I don't think so. I think its wrong for them to limit a family like that, we still need help and we shouldn't have to put ourselves in poverty to get it.