I have applied for SSD I was getting payments but then I was denied and my check & Medicaid stopped. I am 53 and suffer from Neuropathy, Fibromyalgia, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Depression, Bi-polar, ADD, chronic pain and swelling. I was told that I didn't have enough work credits to qualify for SSD, can you please help me with any answers. My husband is 65 and he only gets a VA pension check & his medical paid he was also deemed Disabled. Is he able or eligible to claim his SSI as well with his VA. How will these effect us.

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your health problems.

In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), you must meet an insured status requirement (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.02/handbook-0207.html). This generally means that you must have worked and paid into Social Security for the equivalent of at least 5 of the 10 years leading up to when you became disabled.

No earnings requirement is involved for eligibility to payments under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which is a needs based program administered by the Social Security Administration, but which is not funded by Social Security taxes. SSI is designed as a last resort income supplement for people who are disabled, blind or at least age 65, and who have very limited income and resources. If your husband's veterans benefits are high enough, they could prevent either you or him from receiving SSI payments, assuming that the two of you are living together. Generally, if a couple has more than around $1,100 per month in income or more than $3,000 in available assets, they aren't eligible for SSI payments.

If you think that your husband may be insured for SSDI, or if either of you might qualify for SSI benefits, you should contact Social Security in order to apply for benefits. For more information, refer to Social Security's website: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/.

Best, Jerry