I am disabled. I have not worked in 11 years, i am only 31. I won SSI but not until this past December and they went back two years for disabled date. At 18 i was rear ended as a passenger in a car. My back is majorly messed up and thats when the fibro started. I worked for 2 years after that yet then had to give it up. I am widowed so life off of VA widows benefits because it pays slightly (barely any though) more than SSI. My husband was a 21 year veteran in the army. I struggle to pay bills, i live in low income housing, and i am on disability medicaid. It sucks but i do what i have to do to get thru. Some months are harder than others. I also have severe depression, bipolar, etc. It is not easy at all......

I'm a single mother who doesn't work. I'm on disability in Canada what barely gives me enough to make it by on. I got my family helping me out but I don't want to ask much from them.

AngelaJo
Wow, you're 31! I am 42 and have had this for 7 years. I am so sorry you are a widow. How hard this must be for you. So far I have medicaid, so that is good, and food stamps. How long did it take you to get ssi disability? Thanks j

CanadianQ

Thanks for your reply. My dad did help me out immensely, but he passed away in January, I miss him so much! I feel like I have no one and nothing to fall back on, it's all so hard. j

once i got a lawyer it took 3 years, before that i coulndt get it.

In 2006, my lawyer at the time told me single parents and especially if those single parents are also at risk of losing housing are moved up the waiting list - I dont know if that ever was true or still is. You would have to ask a disability lawyer or social security or both.

It took me about 3 years to get SSDI . I was married then with a child and we struggled financially big time on one income. It was scary and stressful.

You will need strong medical evidence proving that you can't work doing jobs in the national economy becasue you are under 50.
It doesnt matter if you can get a job doing any of these things, they just have to exist. Do you need help with your activities of daily living? Who helps you care for yoru daughter ? Have you discussed these things with your dr ? Has he written them down in your medical records?

All income that you receive, earned or unearned, will be deducted from $733 a month SSI, if you are approved. The soonest that you can be approved is the month after you file your SSI application. SSA will also want to see a copy of yor bank statements. If your have more than $2,000 in resources, you aren't eligible for SSI. If you are in danger of being homeless and you have to request a hearing, submitting a Dire Need Request may move your hearing up a little, but not a lot. It usually taken 12-24 months to be scheduled for a hearing. To receive an answer on your initial application it can take at the least 60 days or up to a year. It depends on how far behind your lical office is. You can also submit a Dire Need Request with your initial application, but that doesn't mean that it will speed things up. It is best to submit proof of eviction, utility cut off notices, ect with your Dire Need Request.

Work which exists in the national economy.-
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-1566.htm

Evaluation of Fibromyalgia-
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/di/01/SSR2012-02-di-01.html

AngelaJo
Thanks, 3 years...I'll be homeless by then. Such an unfair system, in my opinion.j

Milily,
3 years just seems terrible, but it is typical I am hearing. So discouraging but better to know for sure. Thank you for replying. j

ItsJustMe,
How does anyone in our condition have the ability to do all the necessary things? It seems like if I could do that I could work...ridiculous. Sorry I am just frustrated, seems like the system works against us, not for us. Thank you for all the information, I will look it up. j

Got nothing to add but suppportive vibes.

What state do you live in?
Have you explored HUD, and other agencies?

I haven't worked at my regular job since 1999; did go through a state vocational rehab program (I suggest that, and it also looks good later, if you have to apply for disability). I couldn't find something I could do, due to severe physical limitations.

I was a renter, so I got on the HUD waiting list and got a wonderful little apartment and I paid 30% of my income (and income was decreased by medical type bills).

If I had been a homeowner, I would have had to rent out some rooms in my house to make ends meet, or sell, and get on the HUD waiting list, barring meeting Prince Charming.

Good luck!

Shakota6,
I think the renting out of a room idea is definitely something to explore! Thank you for the idea! What a prospect...hope.

Julie

LeoX3,
Thanks for your supportive vibes, need all I can do.

Julie

Almost all the waitng lists for HUD housing are long. It is best to get on an many waiting lists as possible. I have put a link below to some of the resources you can check out where you live.

Rental Help: Virginia-
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/virginia/renting