Question about Social Sercurity Beneifits for a Disabled Child?

Question

Here is the deal,. My long time Girlfriend and I have been putting off getting married for a couple years due to the fact that here disabled kid would stop receive a social sercurity check each month. I don't know if there is any legal action we could take, but this money is very needed each month,. I mean the kid will never walk, talk, or have much knowledge of what is going on. It;s not like we are filty rich, together we have an annual salary of like 50,000. Any experience or suggestions would be helpful.

Answer 1

She may qualify for SSDI. I would not get it though if your girlfriend can support this child on her own with working. Social Security is bankrupt right now and probably will become privatized in the near future.

Anyways, here is a description of Social Security Disability Insurance and who can possibly qualify:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is wage replacement income for individuals who have paid FICA taxes that meet Social Security's rules for disability. SSDI is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed persons. SSDI provides a variety of benefits to family members when a primary wage earner becomes disabled or dies. SSDI benefits are payable to disabled workers, widows, widowers, and children or adults disabled since childhood who are otherwise eligible.

edit: 50,000 is a lot of money, thats like 4,166.00 a month.  If you can't support yourselves on that, unless you is living in NYC, Alaska, or HawaII, then you need to create a  budget or reduce spending. That alone may disqualify this child from getting benefits.

Answer 2

You should contact your local Social Security office. The child's check will more than likely be reduced, however, some government programs do not count step-parent income. The best idea is to contact a social worker at the office and inquire. There is no legal recourse. The benefits are more than likely based on the parent's income and if that income increases the benefit decreases- it's a supplement.  

Answer 3

Unfortunately, both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) keeps PWDs in poverty.  

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is financial need based.

A child with Disabilities can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits through a parent's Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Disability claim IF one of the parents is Disabled and is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is not financial need based.

I am assuming that you and your girlfriend are not PWDs and not receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). If you was receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the child can switch from SSI to SSDI and you and your girlfriend could marry.

Answer 4

50k a year is a pretty decent income...you won't need SSI. That's for low-income, people who can't afford the basic needs of life.

I can't get SSI because my husband is in the military, makes enough to support the both of us just fine. I could qualify for SSDI, but if we can do all right without it, why take that money from people who -need- it.

Get married, enjoy your new family, and don't worry about SSI. You'll make it; just don't live a "life of luxury." Middle class is the way to go.

Answer 5

nope.  no legal action.  based solely on income.  when he hits 18 he will be able to rec. benefits because won't beable to support self

Answer 6

Fine. Just go ahead and suck away more or my tax dollars you HAVE NOT earned!

Answer 7

you living with her on that income is ground for the child ot to have ssi in most states. where are you in calif? only two states that i know of allow that high of income to even qualify fir medicaid without being on ssi. if you love her and the child then you will not mind loosing hte income. ssi is not that much.

the biggest loss will be if the child looses ssi then they will in most states, give up medicaid as well.

50k is still ok ssi is for low income folks or those who cannot.

www.ssa.gov

call  1800 772 1213

Answer 8

The income you can have with a disabled child is quite substantial. With one child I know it is 42,000 after unpaid medical expenses.

This page has a lot of info regarding how much income you can have. It's complicated - so be sure to understand it before you get married.   http://ruralinstitute.umt.edu/training/p...

(Page was updated for 2008 figures.)

Answer 9

I don't think there is much you can do. It is based soley on income. My husband and I have a severely disabled child, he makes about $45,000/year and we are not eligible for alot of services.