Those Who get SSI Benefits(Seniors, Blind and the Disabled) Could use an increase in the amount they are able to save up and what's below is an example of course, Note the Blind generally don't drive, But I knew two Blind guys who could, But then they were legally blind with eyesight in one eye at 20/200 good vision in the other, One was an acquaintance and the other was My Dad. Increasing the ability to save from $2000 to $6000 wouldn't cost the tax payers anything, An Increase/doubling($674 to $1348 a month) in SSI benefits(payments per month) would of course cost more(Not too much more as money spent for SSI is less than $46bn a year from what I've read so far), But would be better as then the average Blind, Senior or Disabled person could be an active part of the economy, Instead We're told If You get SSI only and can't work, This is all You get. People who get SSI get $674 a month currently and this doesn't include any SSP amounts if any from any state, Which can range from $0.00 to $171.00 currently, Alaska I think gives more, But Alaska is worse than California and therefore is a more expensive place to live at. California could legally(even if It would be morally reprehensible) reduce Its SSP amount by $15.00 a month to $156.00 total as that's the Federal minimum for California. Actually It would not cost SSA anything for existing SSI recipients, back in 2003 H.R. 743(below) said the following.


H.R. 743 in 2003 wrote:

Increase Resource Limits in SSI. H.R. 743 would increase the amount of countable resources that an individual or couple may own and still qualify for SSI. Under current law, to be eligible for SSI, an individual can have countable resources valued at up to $2,000, while couples can have resources of up to $3,000. (Besides the applicant's own resources, SSA counts resources belonging to others in some situations--to parents of disabled children, and to sponsors of immigrants.) Those ceilings have not changed since 1989. Countable resources include cash, liquid assets, and real or personal property that could be converted to cash. Some items--including the value of a primary residence, an automobile, medical equipment, and certain household goods--are not counted. Resources are only used to determine whether someone is eligible for SSI; they do not determine benefit amounts.

The legislation would increase the resource limits to $3,000 for individuals and $4,500 for couples beginning in January 2004. After 2004, the limits would rise by the annual cost-of-living adjustment granted to SSI recipients. By increasing the resource limits, the act would allow more people to become eligible for the program and reduce the amount of time it takes some applicants to "spend down" their assets to become eligible. It also would affect some current beneficiaries who lose benefits, either temporarily or permanently, when their countable resources grow.

CBO estimates the provision would gradually increase SSI enrollment up to about 18,000 additional people in 2006 and about 21,000 in 2013. CBO based its estimate on information from SSA about the characteristics of applicants and beneficiaries who would be affected and assumptions about how long the current limits bar them from the program. Applicants who are rejected for excess resources are older, on average, than the current SSI caseload; are more likely to have other income that would trim their SSI benefit; and, CBO assumes, might prevail on a second or third application even under current law as they draw down their resources for living expenses.

I found out one place requires a 35-40% down(4891.25-5590.00) on a $13,975.00 car and for Me that's technically impossible due to Congress doing nothing about raising the Limit on how much someone who's disabled or aged can save while their on SSI(It's been $2,000.00 since about 1992, Congress did try in 2003 to raise It to $3,000.00, But there were objections in the House of Representatives, It doesn't cost the Taxpayers anything and people object, How delightful), I don't see a blind person buying a car of course(It's not that they couldn't It's just they'd need a driver and there's no fun there). I'm allowed to finance anything I want as long as I pay for It with 1992 Dollars and It's 2009.


Oh and It's a 2005 Mustang V6 as seen Here. So much for being able to finance anyone.

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

Those Who get SSI Benefits(Seniors, Blind and the Disabled)

I hate to nitpick, but since this thread is young we should square this away.

SSI is not for seniors, blind, or the disabled. SSI is a low-income based benefit. Seniors get retirement, and the blind and disabled get SSDI which is something entirely different.

This may seem small potatoes but there are huge differences between SSI and SSDI in the way they're funded, paid out, benefit levels, requirements, and who holds sway over determination services.

The details in difference between the two involve 5 lawyers, 20 witnesses, and about 10 years worth of time. So without going into it, let's just say that SSI is income based, and the other beneficiaries are circumstance based.

I receive SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits because I'm disabled. Not SSI (Supplemental Security Income).

I hate to nitpick, but since this thread is young we should square this away.

SSI is not for seniors, blind, or the disabled. SSI is a low-income based benefit. Seniors get retirement, and the blind and disabled get SSDI which is something entirely different.

This may seem small potatoes but there are huge differences between SSI and SSDI in the way they're funded, paid out, benefit levels, requirements, and who holds sway over determination services.

The details in difference between the two involve 5 lawyers, 20 witnesses, and about 10 years worth of time. So without going into it, let's just say that SSI is income based, and the other beneficiaries are circumstance based.

I receive SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits because I'm disabled. Not SSI (Supplemental Security Income).

You are absolutely correct here...major differences.

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Those Who get SSI Benefits(Seniors, Blind and the Disabled)

I hate to nitpick, but since this thread is young we should square this away.

SSI is not for seniors, blind, or the disabled. SSI is a low-income based benefit. Seniors get retirement, and the blind and disabled get SSDI which is something entirely different.

This may seem small potatoes but there are huge differences between SSI and SSDI in the way they're funded, paid out, benefit levels, requirements, and who holds sway over determination services.

The details in difference between the two involve 5 lawyers, 20 witnesses, and about 10 years worth of time. So without going into it, let's just say that SSI is income based, and the other beneficiaries are circumstance based.

I receive SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits because I'm disabled. Not SSI (Supplemental Security Income).

You are absolutely correct here...major differences.

Supplemental Security Income wiki wrote:

Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) is a monthly stipend provided to aged (legally deemed to be 65 or older), blind, or disabled persons based on need, paid by the United States Government.[1] The program is administered by the Social Security Administration.[2] Payments are made from the US Treasury general funds,[3] not the Social Security trust funds.

Supplemental Security Income Home Page wrote:

It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

I am Disabled(I do use a cane due to joint and ankle/hip(dislocated the right hip when I fell) problems from when I broke My left leg in 2002, I also gained weight and I suffer from depression, anxiety and concentration, so I've seen a psychiatrist, back problems, arthritis, eyesight, thyroid), Sure I do have hands and I don't use a wheelchair(I do when I go to places like Disneyland, Like back in 2007, I was pushed everywhere and It's a good thing I went as all the lockers were rented out(So were the electric wheelchairs too), So I became their locker), As that doesn't make Me any less disabled. SSI is not income based(as in ones prior income), Not everyone who's disabled was lucky enough to fit within the SSDI 5yr sliding window(out of the last 10 years according to the SSA), Nor was I blessed with Medical information or Medical coverage as I came from a poor family(still recovering from 1929) and so It took Me 6 years to prove that I wasn't making It up, SSA requires solid Medical proof, not a mere diagnosis, So I had to makeup for lost time. But by the time I did SSDI was out of My reach, So all I qualified for is SSI and I had no lawyer. I'm 49 now, I could use an operation to get rid of a persistent rash near My waist, But I'm a bit discouraged as the only Doctor who works on Medi-Cal patients is in Long Beach and He said where I lived made It impossible(Liar) and that If I live 45 miles closer It would be also impossible(Liar), Two of My Relatives had the same operation and had a lap band put in and they live in Victorville instead of Yermo and they had their operations done in Long Beach CA, One of them is an RN of course and both paid cash, So the Doctor I talked to is a liar.

I shouldn't have to justify why I get SSI and I shouldn't be told that I'm not as good as someone who gets SSDI as that is a policy of "Separate and unequal" as It violates My rights to life, liberty the pursuit of happiness, The US Congress supports and encourages a discriminatory policy in this regard.

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

Supplemental Security Income wiki wrote:

Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) is a monthly stipend provided to aged (legally deemed to be 65 or older), blind, or disabled persons based on need, paid by the United States Government.[1] The program is administered by the Social Security Administration.[2] Payments are made from the US Treasury general funds,[3] not the Social Security trust funds.

Supplemental Security Income Home Page wrote:

It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

I am Disabled(I do use a cane due to joint and ankle/hip(dislocated the right hip when I fell) problems from when I broke My left leg in 2002, I also gained weight and I suffer from depression, anxiety and concentration, so I've seen a psychiatrist, back problems, arthritis, eyesight, thyroid), Sure I do have hands and I don't use a wheelchair(I do when I go to places like Disneyland, Like back in 2007, I was pushed everywhere and It's a good thing I went as all the lockers were rented out(So were the electric wheelchairs too), So I became their locker), As that doesn't make Me any less disabled. SSI is not income based(as in ones prior income), Not everyone who's disabled was lucky enough to fit within the SSDI 5yr sliding window(out of the last 10 years according to the SSA), Nor was I blessed with Medical information or Medical coverage as I came from a poor family(still recovering from 1929) and so It took Me 6 years to prove that I wasn't making It up, SSA requires solid Medical proof, not a mere diagnosis, So I had to makeup for lost time. But by the time I did SSDI was out of My reach, So all I qualified for is SSI and I had no lawyer. I'm 49 now, I could use an operation to get rid of a persistent rash near My waist, But I'm a bit discouraged as the only Doctor who works on Medi-Cal patients is in Long Beach and He said where I lived made It impossible(Liar) and that If I live 45 miles closer It would be also impossible(Liar), Two of My Relatives had the same operation and had a lap band put in and they live in Victorville instead of Yermo and they had their operations done in Long Beach CA, One of them is an RN of course and both paid cash, So the Doctor I talked to is a liar.

I shouldn't have to justify why I get SSI and I shouldn't be told that I'm not as good as someone who gets SSDI as that is a policy of "Separate and unequal" as It violates My rights to life, liberty the pursuit of happiness, The US Congress supports and encourages a discriminatory policy in this regard.

SJ-I have to disagree with you here. Mind you my point of view is from a person with a disability who was ON SSDI for a 4-year period in my late 20's due to health issues. Part of my time as a Social Worker was also in working to get people off of SSDI and back on their own earning abilities.

It is absolutely reasonable for you (or anyone) to justify why they need SSDI. If they didn't then anyone could get SSDI which would violate the basic purpose for who it is to support.

The programs are not supposed to be equal--they are for two very different populations.

As to your experience with doctors--there are always different doctors.

As to your mention of attorneys--there are multiple SSI/SSDI-related legal practice firms that are nationwide that I would imagine would be willing to talk to you and help you.

I have continually wondered if you couldn't do SOME work from home--maybe not full time with your medical issues, but something you could earn some legitimate money with. Both SSI and SSDI do allow a limited amount of work. You are obviously well spoken and technically skilled. I'd think there has to be something you could do from home to help yourself out-even just a bit.

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SSI is not income based(as in ones prior income)

It most certainly is. That is the major qualifying factor. If you have earned enough work credits you can get SSDI if you prove disability. If you have not earned enough credits, then you must make under a certain amount per month to get SSI. Therefore, SSI eligibility is based directly upon income, and indirectly upon prior income.

from socialsecurity.gov
SSI
"The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources.

SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. "

SSDI

* The Social Security disability insurance program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

Your adult child also may qualify for benefits on your earnings record if he or she has a disability that started before age 22.

I shouldn't have to justify why I get SSI and I shouldn't be told that I'm not as good as someone who gets SSDI as that is a policy of "Separate and unequal" as It violates My rights to life, liberty the pursuit of happiness, The US Congress supports and encourages a discriminatory policy in this regard.

I hope you don't think I'm trying to get you to justify anything. All I'm saying is that in order to get SSI, you must be under a certain income level, as I originally stated.

Supplemental Security Income wiki wrote:

Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) is a monthly stipend provided to aged (legally deemed to be 65 or older), blind, or disabled persons based on need, paid by the United States Government.[1] The program is administered by the Social Security Administration.[2] Payments are made from the US Treasury general funds,[3] not the Social Security trust funds.

Supplemental Security Income Home Page wrote:

It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

I am Disabled(I do use a cane due to joint and ankle/hip(dislocated the right hip when I fell) problems from when I broke My left leg in 2002, I also gained weight and I suffer from depression, anxiety and concentration, so I've seen a psychiatrist, back problems, arthritis, eyesight, thyroid), Sure I do have hands and I don't use a wheelchair(I do when I go to places like Disneyland, Like back in 2007, I was pushed everywhere and It's a good thing I went as all the lockers were rented out(So were the electric wheelchairs too), So I became their locker), As that doesn't make Me any less disabled. SSI is not income based(as in ones prior income), Not everyone who's disabled was lucky enough to fit within the SSDI 5yr sliding window(out of the last 10 years according to the SSA), Nor was I blessed with Medical information or Medical coverage as I came from a poor family(still recovering from 1929) and so It took Me 6 years to prove that I wasn't making It up, SSA requires solid Medical proof, not a mere diagnosis, So I had to makeup for lost time. But by the time I did SSDI was out of My reach, So all I qualified for is SSI and I had no lawyer. I'm 49 now, I could use an operation to get rid of a persistent rash near My waist, But I'm a bit discouraged as the only Doctor who works on Medi-Cal patients is in Long Beach and He said where I lived made It impossible(Liar) and that If I live 45 miles closer It would be also impossible(Liar), Two of My Relatives had the same operation and had a lap band put in and they live in Victorville instead of Yermo and they had their operations done in Long Beach CA, One of them is an RN of course and both paid cash, So the Doctor I talked to is a liar.

I shouldn't have to justify why I get SSI and I shouldn't be told that I'm not as good as someone who gets SSDI as that is a policy of "Separate and unequal" as It violates My rights to life, liberty the pursuit of happiness, The US Congress supports and encourages a discriminatory policy in this regard.

SJ-I have to disagree with you here. Mind you my point of view is from a person with a disability who was ON SSDI for a 4-year period in my late 20's due to health issues. Part of my time as a Social Worker was also in working to get people off of SSDI and back on their own earning abilities.

It is absolutely reasonable for you (or anyone) to justify why they need SSDI. If they didn't then anyone could get SSDI which would violate the basic purpose for who it is to support.

The programs are not supposed to be equal--they are for two very different populations.

As to your experience with doctors--there are always different doctors.

As to your mention of attorneys--there are multiple SSI/SSDI-related legal practice firms that are nationwide that I would imagine would be willing to talk to you and help you.

I have continually wondered if you couldn't do SOME work from home--maybe not full time with your medical issues, but something you could earn some legitimate money with. Both SSI and SSDI do allow a limited amount of work. You are obviously well spoken and technically skilled. I'd think there has to be something you could do from home to help yourself out-even just a bit.

Technical? Sure I built this PC, But doing It was very difficult and there's no real demand for those skills out here and I sweat like Niagara falls when I do that type of work even when It's 72F in here.

I had more to say, But the PC crashed.

Oh yeah, I remember, This PC was a chore to transplant as I did It at about 72F and then I was sweating like Niagara falls and I had the floor fan on full too, No working A/C here.

My Brother drove a short haul truck(powder train) for a living, I'm pretty good at driving(Class C), But lousy at climbing, Heck I don't know who loads or unloads those types of loads. Just climbing steps to the house is difficult.

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

I've got a problem trying to get financing for a used car loan, It seems one place turned Me down cause My income is Supplemental Security Income and It seems they can't attach anything to that type of income(In case I or someone else stopped making payments, Which I wouldn't and that sucks). Hopefully the place with the 2001 Mustang GT has gotten My 3rd offer(which was a repeat of the 2nd) as the 1st two offers they didn't receive for some reason, Maybe I'll have switch to IE 8.x from FF3 for this, sigh.

The place with the 2001 Mustang GT just called back and I found out something, To finance the car with My lack of credit they'd want $4000 down or $2500 cash plus the car I have now which has a Kelly Bluebook trade in value of $1500, So the car is out of My reach even at $5499 which is what I offered, The asking price is $6499 of course, So that's It, So much for being able to finance anything. And this reeks. :(

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's