SSI/SSDI Workshop Summary

@font-face {
font-family: “Courier New”;
}@font-face {
font-family: “Wingdings”;
}@font-face {
font-family: “ＭＳ 明朝”;
}@font-face {
font-family: “ＭＳ 明朝”;
}@font-face {
font-family: “Calibri”;
}@font-face {
font-family: “Cambria”;
}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; }a:link, span.MsoHyperlink { color: blue; text-decoration: underline; }a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed { color: purple; text-decoration: underline; }p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; }.MsoChpDefault { font-family: Cambria; }div.WordSection1 { page: WordSection1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }

The VCU Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders
Center recently co-sponsored a workshop on SSI/SSDI with the Central VA Chapter
of the National MS Society.

Buzz Hickok from Resources for Independent
Living provided an overview of both programs, including the application process
and Social Security Administration decision-making process.  It was an informative evening and we hope to
be able to bring more programs like this to the community in the future. 

SSI stands for Supplemental Security
Income.  This program is intended to
assist with the costs of basic living needs; it was never intended to replace
regular income.  Those approved for the
program receive a fixed amount of monthly assistance, which is currently $674.

SSDI stands for Social Security Disability
Insurance.  This program is intended for
adults with a work history (there is a separate program for children with
different eligibility requirements).  For
adults, the amount of monthly assistance for each person varies and is based on
the amount the individual paid into the program from FICA payroll taxes.  FICA stands for Federal Insurance Contributions
Act tax, which is paid by both employees and employers and funds Social
Security and Medicare programs.

When initiating the application process for
any program administered by the SSA, be sure to:

·     
Take notes – record the name of the
representative you spoke with, the date, time, and what program you applied for
or spoke to the representative about

·     
Ask for copies  - request copies of any forms that you sign
at the SSA office, do not leave the office without the copies in hand

·     
Bring copies – NEVER give
the SSA any original documents that they have required/requested you
provide. 

·     
Follow through – Be sure
to address any requests for additional information in a timely manner/within
the timeframe required by the SSA.  You
will have to start the application process over at the beginning if you miss a
key deadline. 

Buzz also recommended that individuals obtain
a copy of their medical records, from all doctors, to have on hand to verify
any information with the SSA. 

Resources for Independent Living is a local
agency that helps individuals with disabilities take charge of their lives and
live independently.  If you have any
questions about the SSI/SSDI process or need assistance with your application,
please contact Resources for Independent Living and ask to speak with the
Benefits Specialist. 

Resources for Independent Living – Richmond Office
(804) 353-6583  /  TTY (804) 353-6583
htp://www.RIL-VA.org

(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) {return;}
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1″;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));