United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I am filling out some of the paper work for our SSI appt. They ask for medical expenses. Our insurance covers pretty much everything. should i include travel expenses, copays etc? i appreciate any advice.

marlyn

include everything even gas or mileage

Hello, I have a son he is 5 now we never applied for SSI do you think its too late? our insurance also paid everything, execpt gas and mileage for 5 years. I have heard little about SSI I don't know what its for exactly could someone give us info or refer us somewhere?

You can find a lot of information directly from the Social Security website. This link will tell you about eligibility and how to apply.

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10026.html#applying

Nancy Birk
UBPN President

Marlyn -
It is very, very hard to get approved for SSI with this injury. I have heard of some success stories, but many who have not gotten approved for this. Also, make sure you look into everything because if you have a law suit you will have to repay all SSI compensations if you settle or win your suit. Talk to your lawyer if you have one. Get all of the information you need before you apply. We were denied. I can only hope that you do much better.

Yes, I agree with the "GUEST" it is hard to get SSI for your child....also, I think there are income guideline too which dont' help us out at all. Gayle

PLease don't get decouraged. It IS worth it if you are low or border-line low income. Appeal, Apeal, Appeal and get an advocate to assist you & go with you to all meetings from a Disability related Parent-Child Organization of some kind in your Community. Oh yes, list ALL Debts and Bills no matter how small of an ammount. Also some states let you add an added sheet of information to ESTIMATE specific out of pocket costs for 6,8,or 12 months into the future for the child you are applying for SSI.
Please keep us informed of your efforts & progress. Just keep re-applying too as often as you can.
FYI, SSI eligibility is by income and family size.
Hugs all around,
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI

Yes, it is by income and family size, as well as many other things. Just because you may have low income and a larger family along with your injured child means nothing. They may still believe that you do not fit the criteria for the supplemental income. You do have a chance, but it is a slim one these days. Maybe this will change soon. Our children deserve it.

Hi my name is Lisa and I worked for an SSI lawyer in Pennsylvania. Just be aware they base SSI on the income of one or both parents. Here is a little Info:

I checked with my boss to find out if my son Michael would be financially eligible for SSI. I was told it is based on the household income. SO for a family of 4 with only one income, the max gross per mth is $3281.80. That means if your gross income is below that number and they find him disabled, you would be entitled to some SSI benefits. Only problem is if the income in the household went up, then he would lose benefits. I hope this helps and make sure you have any and all medical evidence you can come up with.

Thanks

Our appointment was today. It took about 2 hours. She told us that it would take at most 120 days to hear something. Probably less, becasue of all of the documentation I had. Thanks to all for advice.

MArlyn