I'll try to give a bit more information about Social Security and hopefully that will be of help to you. There are 2 kinds of Social Security: Social Security Disability Income ~ To qualify you have to have worked so many months over the last 10 years (work credits),and be disabled as determined by Social Security. If you get denied you can appeal their decision. If you have to wait for a hearing...it can take years to be approved. There are certain "listings" that social security uses and if your DH met a listing...then it might be a lot quicker. Not sure if your DH would be eligible for SSDI if he's only worked "under the table" type jobs. SSDI is really our own money that we've paid in as FICA tax. Employers withhold this from our paychecks. Supplemental Security Income ~ known as SSI, is more of a "welfare" type program. You have to be determined disabled by social security (just like SSDI), then eligibility depends on your household income and resources. Some people that get a very low amount of SSDI, might get an additional payment through SSI to raise them up to a minumum. Amounts for SSDI are determined by wages you've earned. You can request a statement from Social Security that shows your wages and estimates what your payments will be if you become disabled. It will also show an estimate of your benefit should you retire. It will list the age of retirement for your maximum benefit. You can call the Social Security office or go to their website for more information. file:///C:/Users/Olsen/Pictures/GIFs.gif |
