Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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[USA] Update on SSDI. Does this mean what I think it means? (self.Blind)
submitted by blazblu82
Earlier this week, I noticed some changes on my SS account page and called the DDS directly to find out what was going on. Rep told me case was sent to Federal level for final review and it could take a few weeks to hear back.
Well, I just checked my SS account again today and the Federal level has completed their final review and I'll be getting a letter in the mail soon on their decision. Further down the page, it indicates I'm receiving SS Disability benefits, but shows zero benefits being paid currently.
Based on this, does this mean what I think it means???? Am I on SSDI now???? The anticipation is killing me, lol!
Well, I just checked my SS account again today and the Federal level has completed their final review and I'll be getting a letter in the mail soon on their decision. Further down the page, it indicates I'm receiving SS Disability benefits, but shows zero benefits being paid currently.
Based on this, does this mean what I think it means???? Am I on SSDI now???? The anticipation is killing me, lol!
blazblu82 [OP] 4 points 1y ago
I just found my online benefit letter, I am on disability. It's not the base benefit, but not the full blind benefit, either.
I don't know how I'm supposed to feel, LOL!
I don't know how I'm supposed to feel, LOL!
DHamlinMusic 5 points 1y ago
there is not a base amount for SSDI, SSI has a fixed amount of $841 before any modifications for income.
SSDI has a Substantial Gainful Activity limit of something like $1300/mo for nonblind persons that is roughly double for blind persons, that's the amount you can make before you start using trial work period months. As far as I know there is not any difference in benefit amount for blind persons, just a difference in rules around certain limits and ability to deduct expenses in the case of SSI benefits income reductions.
SSDI has a Substantial Gainful Activity limit of something like $1300/mo for nonblind persons that is roughly double for blind persons, that's the amount you can make before you start using trial work period months. As far as I know there is not any difference in benefit amount for blind persons, just a difference in rules around certain limits and ability to deduct expenses in the case of SSI benefits income reductions.
blazblu82 [OP] 3 points 1y ago
I see, I'm not sure which I fall under, yet. I'm sure I'll get a call from SSDI soon and I'll know then.
Thanks!
Thanks!
[deleted] 2 points 1y ago
Well congratulations?
blazblu82 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
I guess? I don't know, lol! I'm still processing this.
trxybus 3 points 1y ago
Congratulations 👏🏼
Do you mind sharing how long you've been waiting since filling for SSDI? I was dx with Retinitis Pigmentosa in January, but genetic testing revealed I actually have Choroideremia, not RP. I applied for SSDI in February.
Do you mind sharing how long you've been waiting since filling for SSDI? I was dx with Retinitis Pigmentosa in January, but genetic testing revealed I actually have Choroideremia, not RP. I applied for SSDI in February.
blazblu82 [OP] 3 points 1y ago
I applied in Feb, also. They pre-dated the claim to November 17th when I couldn't work due to the hemorrhage my left eye had. Supposedly, I'm getting my first payment at the end of the month (4th Wednesday of each month). I don't know how or when the back pay will happen, though. It should be about 6 months' worth.
I was DX'd with prolific retinopathy almost 3 years ago and it's been a steady decline since then.
I was DX'd with prolific retinopathy almost 3 years ago and it's been a steady decline since then.
[deleted] 2 points 1y ago
Yeah, for sure it has it upsides and downsides. You will have some caps or limits and some things will be limiting. Like you can’t work to much or you will lose it. Sometimes for this reason, it becomes super disadvantageous. At least for now you’re getting some money. If you work or make any money you have to report it to them.
BaBaBroke 2 points 1y ago
I forget the time period, but you should be getting Medicare. I think it's a year. It will take about $144 a month out of your disability payment for the premium when it starts. Even if you have a plan like Medicare advantage through your employer or retirement you pay the $144 or whatever the current rate is. There is a limit of $2260 a month in 2022 that you can earn at a job before it affects your benefits like previously posted. It's half that if you are not blind.
Social security told me that there is a working period when there is no limit on earnings. I forget the time period and what it is called.
I will say to anyone going to apply, I made an appointment and went in person and had my tax return, current pay stubs, state disability stub, ID, ss card, doctors report with tests showing my vision and condition and received a letter about a week later approving the disability retroactive. I think having all that paper sped up the process.
I know of people applying for ss disability being denied, then appealing and getting denied and having to hire an attorney and go to court to get it approved, but they did not have vision loss.
Social security told me that there is a working period when there is no limit on earnings. I forget the time period and what it is called.
I will say to anyone going to apply, I made an appointment and went in person and had my tax return, current pay stubs, state disability stub, ID, ss card, doctors report with tests showing my vision and condition and received a letter about a week later approving the disability retroactive. I think having all that paper sped up the process.
I know of people applying for ss disability being denied, then appealing and getting denied and having to hire an attorney and go to court to get it approved, but they did not have vision loss.
blazblu82 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Thanks for the info!
Medicare will should next December in 2023.
What confuses me is that my benefit is more than the 1350, but less than the 2260. I have not received their decision letter which explains things. But, if I were to get a job and I'm already exceeding the 1350, would that indicate they declared me blind? Nothing on my account indicates anything other than I'm on disability.
Medicare will should next December in 2023.
What confuses me is that my benefit is more than the 1350, but less than the 2260. I have not received their decision letter which explains things. But, if I were to get a job and I'm already exceeding the 1350, would that indicate they declared me blind? Nothing on my account indicates anything other than I'm on disability.
BaBaBroke 1 points 1y ago
I was on a leave of absence and state disability fr a full time job because I could not drive which the job required and could not see to do the job properly. I was also collecting a pension from a previous job. Got approved for SSDI. Still collecting pension, work part time, getting SSDI. I was surprised how quick it was but I had all that paper work and reports so they're was no back and forth. How much you get is based on how many quarters you pay into it and then there is a formula to figure your benefit. You should be able to go to the ssa.gov site and see your account.
BaBaBroke 1 points 1y ago
The amount you get is based on how many quarters you paid into the system and your income. The longer you worked and the more you make in salary, assuming you paid into social security, the higher the benefit. There is a maximum amount. They tell me it changes over to social security when you reach retirement age. You can look up what you paid in on ssa.gov
Nikanoru181 2 points 1y ago
Congrats! That is fantastic news!
blazblu82 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thanks! I'm still processing this, lol!
blazblu82 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Well, I just got off the phone with SS and I guess I'm not getting any back pay and apparently, they are withholding this month's payment until July to see if I'm getting any SSI benefits, which I'm not due to claiming unemployment. Kind of bummed about that.
Tasdigo 1 points 1y ago
I’m going to say congratulations in advance! I do hope you get all the funds that you need to live the life you want. I do have a question how do you support yourself while you’re waiting on your disability to be decided? I’ve always wondered about that. Do they give you temporary money while they wait to decide the case?
blazblu82 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thanks! All I've seen thus far is what I'll be pulling each month. Nothing yet about back pay. I filed in Feb, but they back dated to Nov 17th when I couldn't work. Luckily, I've been able to claim unemployment this whole time and been living with my folks. The Fed level doesn't seem to care that I was getting it, but was told SSI (state level) will deny me. I', still planning to find work after I go through school, unless my retinopathy decides otherwise, lol.
[deleted] 1 points 1y ago
[deleted]
blazblu82 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
That's interesting. The reps I've spoken with said the backpay would start from the day I became disabled. I'll find out soon, though.
[deleted] 1 points 1y ago
[deleted]
r_1235 1 points 1y ago
Not a US citizen. But love this system they have got going.
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