Financial help, SSI, SSDI, etc.

Category: Parent Talk

Post 1 by VioletBlue (Help me, I'm stuck to my chair!) on Wednesday, 03-Feb-2010 19:02:25

I haven't seen this discussed here, and have been hesitant to ask, for fear of being lectured, but if one receives SSDI, is there any other sort of assistance available for blind parents?

A friend of mine who doesn't have kids *thinks* blind parents would be eligible an additional check (SSI, perhaps.) Is there any truth to this?

Thanks in advance for any info!

Post 2 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Wednesday, 03-Feb-2010 20:52:52

Well, when I was on SSD for awhile when my consulting business went south, I got some money for my daughter, just had to track it of course - they don't want you blowin' it on a new TV or whatever when it's for the kiddy's shoes.
No lectures here, when I were on that stuff I were workin' six days a week in the Blind vendors program so I totally understand how much that stuff sucks. But that's what I know, and I was on there maybe a year I think? Somebody on here's gotta be the lawyer type and can help, but don't be ashamed to get what your kid needs. I hated it, it sucked, I even took it out on my liver whenever possible but you gotta do what you need for your family.
On the flip side, I worked in an office once where I worked a ton of hours, weekends included, so I could keep the bills paid. People made gotcha for that one too, so go figure. One constant is people - particularly idealists - always complain so just do what you can.

Post 3 by SunshineAndRain (I'm happily married, a mom of two and a fulltime college student.) on Wednesday, 03-Feb-2010 21:34:28

You can sign your child up to receive Cash aid and Food Stamps through AFDC. Don't be ashamed. We're in that boat too. I don't think you can get SSI for your child because that child is not disabled. If they are, maybe you could. But my kids aren't blind/disabled. I used to havereal hang-ups about it, but SSI/SSDI doesn't buy diapers or shoesfor your baby and when you have a child, you've gotta give that child the very best. That means swallowing your shame and pride aand trudging in to the Welfare office if you have to.

Post 4 by Big Pawed Bear (letting his paws be his guide.) on Wednesday, 03-Feb-2010 21:49:42

there is no harm in getting wellfair if you need it because of physical or mental impairment , or are entitled to it beacuse of income. what pisses me off is drug dependants, who use that to get disability and other related benifits, as in the UK, drug adiction is seen as disability, which i believe is wrong, but that is for another discussion.

Post 5 by kristabell (the Zone BBS remains forever my home page) on Thursday, 04-Feb-2010 0:23:55

hey does n e 1 know um my son has sickle cell trait is there any way i can get him money 4 that?? someone help i need help all my money i get goes on bills and i have no extra money 2 spend on my 2 yr old son.

Post 6 by Nem (I just keep on posting!) on Thursday, 04-Feb-2010 6:36:47

I have searched on www.ssa.gov, and I have found an example of a person who was recieveing benifits and the rest of the family was recieveing benifits. After reading the link, I would suggest calling either your local social security office, or calling the national number, 1800 772 1213 for more information. The link I am referring to is: http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/ssa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=459&p_created=974211906&p_sid=djIrMHTj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9ODAsODAmcF9wcm9kcz0mcF9jYXRzPSZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PTEuMyZwX3BhZ2U9Mg**&p_li=&p_topview=1

Nem

Post 7 by VioletBlue (Help me, I'm stuck to my chair!) on Monday, 08-Feb-2010 1:07:33

Thanks, everybody!

And just to clarify, I don't have a child, yet. I intend to, but wanted to know how others of you manage, if you can't work, are between jobs, etc. I am asking so that I *don't* create a bad situation for myself and a child. I do intend to work/finish college, but thought I should know what else might be available, if that job is not forthcoming as soon as needed, since I know quite a lot of other blind folks who are unable to find work...just none of them have children, currently.

Thanks again. I'll keep researching, too.