SSI and Medicaid

Social Security Disability Programs   http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

How To Apply for Disability Benefits  http://www.ssa.gov/disability.html

Benefits For Children With Disabilities  http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10026.html

SSA- Office of Employment, The Work Site --Our Mission is to promote the employment of Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities  http://www.ssa.gov/work/index2.html

QUESTION:
AT WHAT AGE DO OUR CHILDREN QUALIFY FOR SSI AND MEDICAID . I HAVE BEEN SEEING LETTERS ABOUT THESE BENIFITS AND DID NOT KNOW OUR CHILDREN WITH FA WERE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THESE THINGS.
--signed FA Parent

Dear FA Parent

You can apply one month before their 18th birthday. Call your local Social Security office. In Colorado when you are approved for SSI you automatically get Medicaid too.

Some things to remember:

1. On turning 18 your child with FA, even if still living at home, will be considered as a separate "household" from his/her parents. Meaning...if they didn't qualify for state assistance before, they may now.

2. Your child can't have more than $2000.00 in any bank account or other securities (in the past 36 months) in their name or SS #.  If they own any valuable collections, that will be looked at also.

3. If your child pays rent or room and board, either to you (the parents) or somewhere else, they will get a slightly higher SSI check.

4. The purpose when applying for SSI is to document WHY your child is not able to work. You have to fill it out with the MOST negative attitude towards your child's future.   Hard to do, but necessary to prove to the state that your child is deserving of SSI.

5. If you have other medical insurance on your child when they get Medicaid, it will become secondary insurance, and your HMO or other insurance will be considered primary and needs to be billed first.

*Update:  After receiving SSI for 3 years while he was attending college, my son with FA (now 24) got a job and no longer qualifies for SSI or Medicaid, because of the level of his income.  Should he be unable to work and support himself in the future he can reapply for assistance.
**Note:  Children under the age of 18 may qualify for SSI, but their parents income and assets would be included in the determination.

--answered by Sue Kittel, FA Parent
This information is based on my personal experience and is not to be considered professional advice.