Anyone with both togeather Bipolar and OCD get SSI in NY?

Question

Hi, I earn very little, I was woundering if there is anyone with my situation, and they get SSI or other Disabillties benifits, my wife is in her 20's never worked.

I'm sorry I forgot to write, I am the one thats's working my wife is the one with BP & OCd

Answer 1

If your wife applies for SSI, the Social Security Administration will evaluate her 2 ways, financially and medically.

If you have a very small income and you don't own assets beyond $3000 ($2000 for an individual), she may be financially eligible. Some assets don't count such as 1 vehicle, the house you live in, equipment necessary for you to work, etc. SSA will consider some of your income to be you wife's.

Medically, she will have to prove that, due to her disability, she is unable to earn income for 12 months or more above the "substantial gainful activity" level which was set at $860/month for 2006. It will be easier to prove this if she has up-to-date medical records.

To get information on how to apply for benefits, go to: http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/

Many people are denied on their initial application because they did not provide enough medical information. In this case, I recommend making an appeal. Here is a list of independent living centers in New York. A benefits advocate can be helpful. http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/newYork.html

All the best,
Alana
Benefits Advocate

Answer 2

Hi there...why not apply. Worst case is that the state denies the application and she's no worse off. The tricky part w. SSI is that they say the value of your possessions must not excede $2,000. Most people own more than that, so they do not qualify.

Here's a link to see what benefits she qualifies for. Best of luck! :)

Answer 3

If you would like to receive pro bono (free) treatment for your wife, contact the local universities that grant doctoral degrees in clinical psychology (NYU, Columbia, for example) and ask where their students do their practica. A practicum student does therapy for free due to the learning experience that they are in. They are supervised by clinical psychologists, so the therapy is closely monitored, and this would prevent you from having to file for SSI. Also, with the pro bono therapy, there is no insurance involved and as such the treatment and diagnoses are kept strictly confidential. Good luck!