Anyone familiar with SSI law?

[Akoto]

I have been trying to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for a very long time, due to a disabling chronic pain condition. I'm only 25, so I didn't have the work credits necessary to go for full disability.

This has been a very long process. My first application was denied, and so was the appeal, which seems to be standard process. I then had to go before an Administrative Law Judge in person, to explain my case and why I was disabled. It took a year to get a date to see her. Since then, I've been waiting for a ruling.

Today, I finally received a letter from SSI concerning my case. I do not know what to make of it, so I'm excerpting the confusing part ...

We need more information to decide if we can pay you SSI. Therefore, it is important that you do the following:

* We will call you on <date>. Please let us know if this telephone number is wrong, or if this is not a good time for you.

If we have asked to talk to you, it is because we need to discuss your disability claims. We were recently notified by the administrative law judge that your disability claim was medically approved. Therefore, we need to update your SSI claim before any benefits can be released.

So, on one end, they say they haven't decided if they can pay me SSI. On the other end, it says I was medically approved by the ALJ. Am I receiving SSI or not?

I don't know whether to be thrilled or sad. :crazy:

[Silver Swan]

1. It means that you were found to be disabled

But because SSI is a needs based payment, they need more information to determine your financial eligibility.

[Akoto]

2. So it's good news, then.

I was hoping so. :)

[MilesColtrane]

3. Just don't tell them you're taking the call on your satellite phone from your...

diamond encrusted yacht carved out of 24kt gold.

Seriously, good luck to you. I have a friend and his wife who are going through the same ordeal.

In their zeal to make it as difficult as possible to deter the perpetrators of fraud, the government makes good people who need help go through hell to get it.

:hi:

[Lil Missy]

4. IT means you were approved. And will likely get retroactive benefits.

[Akoto]

5. Thanks so much.

It has been over three years. Nice to know that the end is in sight, and I will have some small measure of security in my life!