My son has never been able to work. We were so hopeful for so long and he had an improvement after IV. Now he is 18 and won't do IV and hates his psych meds. I have started the disability form online. I struggle with what to put for reasons he cannot work and how to rank order them sort of. He has more symptoms than spaces. Also feel like I need to be able to prove the symptom with labs or a doctor. I would appreciate any advice anyone can give. I just never thought I would be in these shoes. The process is so long, I figured I better start it after a horrendous 6 months. Neuro-psych report will be back next week. I meet with his ILADS doc tomorrow and then attorney Thursday. Have I made the right decision? He can't do anything due to physical, mental and neurological conditions. Lyme, babesia, bartonella, toxo, HHV6, hypothyroidism, ADD, MTHFR, HLAB27 etc... Thanks!
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
Disability payments are based on prior work earnings.
If your son has never worked he would be ineligible for disability.
He may be eligible for other benefits such as medicare or food stamps etc.
Does your son live with you? If so, the family earnings may be what would be considered for any assistance.
Bea Seibert
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- SSD is for those who have worked.
However, SSI is for adults who have never been able to work due to illness or disability. This is where your son would fit in, I think as he is coming straight from a childhood of illness and should fit the SSI category, even as he becomes an adult now.
CAll the SSA or see their site for further detail about the differences.
Your COUNTY Children and Family Services may also know just how to guide you - &/or your COUNTY services for disabled adults.
Every UNITED WAY chapter has an information center of sorts where they can suggest certain agencies under their wing who have services or programs that fit your / his needs. -
Posted by kgg (Member # 5867) on :
I don't want to discourage you, but I started as my son was turning 18. Years later he did not get it. Having said that, I would encourage you to try anyway. We are all different. He ended up with a judge that they called the hanging judge. He rarely awards anyone disability.
Go for it.
Posted by beaches (Member # 38251) on :
My understanding is that if you are disabled yourself and collecting SSDI, your child could be eligible for SSDI as well, provided he/she became disabled before age 22. I suggest you check out the Social Security website.
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
If either of your son's parents collects a Social Security check (regular retirement or disability), then your son could also be eligible for a Social Security check as a disabled dependent of the parent collecting Social Security.
If neither parent collects Social Security, then he would have to file for Supplemental Security Income (SSI, or welfare) based on his disability.
If he lives with you, your family income would be considered in determining the amount of his benefit.
You could discuss all of this with your attorney tomorrow.