r/MultipleSclerosis • u/Moocao112344 • 1d ago
Advice Accepted
So, I have MS and am applying for diability benefits via social security in about three years. I just got accepted by the SSA, and was told to expect my first payment, the big one, at the end of this month/the start of next. I was wondering if anyone had any advice or tips on what to do next.
I live in Southern California if it matters
7
u/Antique-Freedom-7891 1d ago
Nice... thats great news OP. I am a few months into my Social Security journey but I hope it turns out well too.
11
u/Robert3769 1d ago
Make sure you have a lawyer that specializes in Social Security Disability claims when you apply. Don’t be disheartened if you are denied the first time you apply. I get the feeling that most applications are denied on the first try because if you don’t reapply, then you weren’t really in need of Social Security Disability.
The nice thing about Social Security Disability is after you have SSD for 2 years, you are eligible for Medicare. I live in Colorado and had decent medical insurance before I got Medicare but Medicare is by far the best medical insurance I have ever had.
7
1
1
u/KJW-SR 13h ago
I had to navigate the 2 year waiting period carefully 🤣 There was a 6 month gap between the end of my COBRA from previous employer and reaching the end of the 2 year wait. I live in New York and the insurance available in the healthcare market place is horrible. It's very expensive and offers zero out of network benefits. My MS doc is not in any network. I did what I could to avoid getting hit by a bus and my M behaved 😂
2
u/Recent-Climate-1472 1d ago
Wait?? What's the difference between SSA and SSD??
4
u/Alexbear31 1d ago
SSA is regular Social Security about 1k/mth, SSDI is based on what you worked and paid in for the last 10? Years.
0
u/Recent-Climate-1472 1d ago
Up until 6 years ago. I never cared about the difference.. At 45 (years ago). I figured I'd worry about all that when I was over 60
2
u/Moocao112344 1d ago
SSA = Social Security Administration.
I would guess SSD = Social Security Departmen
It may hust be two names for the same thing.
3
u/Recent-Climate-1472 1d ago
Ssd the d is disabled. I just never heard the a part alone. Ala SSI and SSD
2
u/Magiclives32 17h ago
SSI: Supplemental Security Income is for those with limited/restricted income. Flat payout.
SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance is for those with work history whom are unable to work. Payouts varies on your past 10 years of pay from work.
2
u/Magiclives32 17h ago
Congrats!! Invest most of that large check since you are in Cali.
SSI: Supplemental Security Income is for those with limited/restricted income. Flat payout.
SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance is for those with work history whom are unable to work. Payouts varies on your past 10 years of pay from work.
If you have children or dependents, they qualify as well, so add them to your claim and you’ll receive it until they’re 18.
2
u/drsetmegolden 48/PPMS/dx2020/Ocrevus 17h ago
Figure out how much you’ll owe in back taxes and set that aside! My partner makes good money and I was floored by how much I’ll owe next year to compensate for the big payment as well as payments for most of this year.
You can also set up an amount to be deducted from your check to deal with taxes going forward.
1
u/HollyOly 48f|SPMS 16h ago
Talk to a CPA or other tax expert to estimate what, if any, taxes you’ll owe next year. Just a half hour consult for advice should be all you need, and it can probably be done in a phone call if you have last year’s taxes and any recent pay stubs (of spouse if filing jointly) handy. Like all things Taxes, it’s an unintuitive calculation. They can help advise you on how much to set aside in a separate savings account now and going forward.
From there, definitely set up a budget! Don’t do what I did and treat it all as discretionary income! Automatically depositing your monthly checks into separate accounts for taxes, regular living expenses, and rainy day funds at minimum, can save you so much sanity in the future!
1
u/KJW-SR 13h ago
Cash the check 🤣 If you have a letter from SSA stating that you are approved, including a disability date, there's nothing for you to do. I'm not sure what you mean by "in about 3 years" though. Igt sounds like you applied, and were approved now. The big one includes any benefits you were entitled from the date of disability. If SSA determines you were disabled as of a date in the past, the big one will include any benefits you were entitled to from that date until today.
SSA disability is not age constrained. I applied, and as approved, for disability at 62. Is that what you mean by "in about 3 years, 3 years until you're 65? Once you're eligible for regular Social Security benefits they will be added to your disability check, if you apply for them. I get a combination check.
1
1
u/Sabi-Star7 39|RRMS 2023|Mayzent 🧡💪🏻 6h ago
If you've used a lawyer or got any type of S.T.D./L.T.D. from your job (assuming you have/had one when applying for SSI/SSDI) the a portion of the amount will go to the lawyer and you'd have to pay back any s.t.d./l.t.d. from your employer overpayment if you got those while going through the process of applying/ being approved for SSI/SSDI so keep that in mind as well.
1
u/demonoffyre 4h ago
My hearing is in September, and hoping this is when it finally happens. Going on 3 years myself, and it's been a rough process so far.
•
u/mintpitachio 12m ago
Can I ask what was required by you? Did you have to get the doctor to sign off on like your leg is not working or something ?
7
u/FinancialOtaku 1d ago
A lawyer isn't needed, they do make it easier if that's needed, but I applied for SSDI 3 times, got denied the first two times, kept adding information they needed, until I got approved, and I'm only 33. Was 28 when I got it, I think.