Hi, Larry, I’m 75 years young in 1993 Iwas working on a traffic detail. I was struck in the head by the cherry picker. I lost everything job security not to mention being disabled at 50. Add constant pain and a complete change in life style. That said when ?I applied for SS I don’t know if the agent was having a bad day or what, but he never offered SSI my tax man told me about a year ago that I should be on SSI. I have not worked ever again. I receive $500. A month minus Medicare payment. Thank God I’m alive. I was left with a brain injury. What are my options? Thanks Ed.

Hi Ed. You can still apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, but SSI benefits can't be paid retroactively (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/). If you do qualify for SSI payments the earliest possible month that you could be paid for is the month in which you apply. Therefore, if you believe you qualify for SSI you'll want to call Social Security to initiate filing an application without further delay (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/65older.html).

Best, Jerry