SSDI

RetiredTeacher

My DH gets a pension from local government retirement. He worked many years prior to that job paying into SS so he does receive some SS income but it is reduced due to Government Pension Offset. Will the GPO or his pension affect his eligibility for SSDI based on his alzheimers? Thinking about future needs, SSDI could really help when it comes time for MC. Do you have to spend down savings in order to qualify for SSDI? Is it dependent on income and assets? Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I can't fix his diagnosis but I can try to prepare for future needs.

charley0419

they do a 5 yr look back on your spending. But you need to speak to someone every state different

BethL

Call SS office and ask them. The 5 year look back on spending mentioned above relates to Medicaid, not SS.

Belle

I’m not sure about SSDI and the offset rules but there is no family income requirement for SSDI. There is also no spend down requirement or look back. Those requirements are for Medicaid. SSI is different and is income based. They are easily confused. Also if your DH does qualify for SSDI apply now, with a dementia diagnosis applications are fast tracked and he would get benefits sooner. Hopefully someone who knows about the offset rules can help you out but I wanted to clarify about the income requirements.

mpang123

When I applied for SSDI, the amount you get is based on how much you earned from working. You have to get your doctor to write a letter stating that you are disabled and proof of employment. You have to provide what kind of disability you have. For me, I had a mental disability that prevented me to keep on working. Also, I am legally blind, which has not affected employment, but is a valid disability that added more to my SSDI benefits. Once you qualify for SSDI, you will be eligible for Medicare. Many applicants seek a lawyer to help file for the disability and is more successful than applying by yourself. Fortunately, and luckily, I applied myself and was approved the first try. I wish you luck.

JJ401

If he is currently receiving SS, he probably is not eligible to collect SSDI. The rules do not allow collection of both on one earning record at the same time. SSDI automatically turns into SS at full retirement age.

trottingalong

I filed for ssdi when I was 55. There is absolutely no spend down for that. I was receiving a small state pension at the time. Contact your local social security office and make an appt as soon as you can.