My mom retired early at 61 and began her benefits shortly after. She is now 63 and disabled with a concussion (may be curable). I read online that early retirees are eligible for both benefits under specific circumstances. She really needs the extra income so she can get help during the day while I'm at work rather than pestering my friends and family.
Has anyone here had both benefits at the time?
Disability benefits are available for those who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. The fact that she retired first probably changes things.
If your mom is claiming social security benefits now, she cannot claim disability benefits. You can’t get both. There is an early retirement exception but social security has to agree that the disability began before she retired.
To qualify for SSI, she has to have limited income and low assets. If she’s single, she can have $2,000 in assets. The income limit is $771 a month BUT if she brings in more than that per month, it doesn’t meant she won’t qualify for SSI because not all income counts.
Mom will get Medicare and Medicaid on SSD. So at 65 she will already have Medicare. At 66 she can get full retirement SS benefits.
Then, also check w Medicaid and other agencies for seniors/aging benefits in your area to see what mom qualifies for in way of assistance. Also, Meals on Wheels may be something that would be of help to her.
Ccatholic and Lutheran Social Services are both amazing sources of help for elderly and disabled persons, whether it not you are if their faith.
I know it can be overwhelming maneuvering through all the bureaucracy, I've done it for several family members and now am doing it for myself. I wish you all the best.
My understanding is one does not gets SSI just for being disabled. It is because one is disabled and unable to work. If the person is already retired - they aren’t working as it is. So, no. No Social Security along with SSI.
Also playing into it is being disabled and low income - likely due to not being able to work or if able
to work - only very few hours and/or at a job that pays so little the individual falls under the allowable income received to still qualify for SSI.
And of course there is being disabled due to illness, long-term injury or permanent disability due to injury - and being low income and unable to work. Medicaid can be pursued in some circumstances and without receiving Disability.
Hope that that made some sense. It’s late...
"Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes):
It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and
It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter."