Schizophrenia: SSI, SSDI, and Medicare
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- čas přidán 12. 07. 2023
- Hello, Everyone! I'm Stephen. Today, we'll delve into a complex yet critical topic: Medicare for disabled adults based on a parent's social security. This topic resonates personally as we share my journey of living with schizophrenia and navigating through the intricacies of the U.S. Social Security system.
My journey began at 18 when I first qualified for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on my schizophrenia disability. SSI is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people who have limited income and resources and who are disabled, blind, or over the age of 65.
Living in California, I also qualified for Medi-Cal, the state's version of Medicaid. This program provides free or low-cost health coverage for some low-income adults, families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, and others who meet specific eligibility requirements.
When I turned 22, my trajectory within the social security system changed as I qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) based on Social Security's Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefit. The DAC benefit is a program designed to support adult children who became disabled before turning 22. To qualify for this, I had to meet the social security definition of "disabled," which applies to all SSDI applicants. Another crucial criterion for eligibility was that one of my parents had to be retired and collecting social security.
The DAC benefit is a program run by the United States Social Security Administration (SSA). This benefit provides financial support to an adult child who becomes disabled before the age of 22, and it can be claimed on the work record of a parent who is deceased or who is drawing Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE “DAC” BENEFIT ARE AS FOLLOWS:
(1) Disability Before Age 22: The disability must have started before the applicant reached 22. This can be a physical or mental disability severe enough to limit the ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA);
(2) Unmarried Status: The adult child must not be married. However, there are certain exceptions for a previous marriage that has ended or marriage to another disabled adult child;
(3) Parent's Social Security Record: The adult child's parent must be deceased or currently receiving Social Security retirement or disability (SSD) benefits;
(4) Continued Disability: The adult child's disability must continue to exist. The SSA periodically reviews cases to ensure that recipients still qualify for benefits;
(5) Financial Need: Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), DAC benefits do not have a strict income or resource test. However, if an adult child has earnings from work, it can affect eligibility or benefit amounts; and
(6) Dependency: Generally, the adult child must have been dependent on the parent when the parent became entitled to retirement or disability insurance benefits or died. However, if the child was not dependent on the parent, they may still qualify for benefits in some cases.
The Social Security Administration may update or interpret the DAC requirements differently over time, and the information provided here is general. In every case, consulting with a legal or social services professional specializing in Social Security benefits is essential.
Once I qualified for the DAC benefit, this unlocked the pathway to Medicare. However, there is a mandatory 24-month waiting period before one can start receiving Medicare benefits. I qualified for SSDI just after my 22nd birthday and thus will be eligible for Medicare shortly after I turn 24.
Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage for individuals aged 65 or older or with specific disabilities. Introducing Medicare into my healthcare arsenal represents a significant expansion of the support I can receive. Unlike Medi-Cal, which can have limitations depending on the state, Medicare is universally recognized across the United States. This gives me more options when choosing healthcare providers and more flexibility in seeking the best treatment for my condition.
Stephen's journey provides invaluable insights for many families navigating the labyrinth of social security benefits. While it may seem daunting, understanding these processes can unlock significant support for individuals with disabilities. It is important to remember that each case is unique, and the eligibility for these programs can depend on several factors. Consulting with a social security disability lawyer or advocate may provide additional assistance in navigating these systems.
We send out a message of encouragement to others like Stephen - your journey matters, and there is support for you. Keep pushing forward, educate yourself about these benefits, and don't hesitate to seek help. You are not alone; your story inspires and educates many around you.
You two gentlemen really encourage me . I appreciate everything you share with others.
Hey Steve, I'm so proud of the growth of your channel. 😊 I wish you success in all your future endeavors.
Thank goodness for the NHS. Your system sounds very complicated. 😮 Steven you are doing so well, it takes courage and determination to come as far as you have. Steven you have achieved so much already in yr young years. You are a guiding light. Keep going. 🎉 all the best 👍
You don't rely on the government, but the state, which is all of us. And I very gladly pay my part on the taxes so that people like you can benefit. Those are some of the best money I ever give.
Hey Brother,
Sorry I haven't been active on your channel, I've been in the hospital; but I just want to congratulate you on everything you've done since you had 70 subscribers. You're truly an advocate for those who are often forgotten or shunned due to illness.
So congratulations my friend, you've come a long way in a short time. I'm sure you and your family are elated. You deserve all this success and you've handled everything with such poise.
Remember this is only the beginning.
God Bless 🙏💯💚✌️
Thank you very much. I’m glad you are out of the hospital. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Lovely comment Wish you well ❤
So happy to find your channel. My son is 28 with schizophrenia, he's a disabled adult child. He looks well but can't function mentally to work. My son must have a Rep. Payee. Because he's a DAC he has two yearly reports. This is becoming overwhelming for me.
GOD BLESS YOU I HAVE A 24YO with schizophrenia and and tried to get through this for him. ❤
I was fine basically I was exposed to a great deal of chemicals lead in old home there were some insolences I went through life ok seventeen there was some events but I was a christin girl easy going then at thirty plus some real disappointments tragedies but rolling along in faith always worked etc but enjoyed it .. some marital real shockers but you know all good strong rolling but then as I got to be forty five the increase of events more and more less support more piled on then overworked heat exhaustion and people keeping me from sleep … someone drugged me with something at work and then …by the way I don’t drink etc ever …. Then a robbery attack a fall at work … now I have … many dev things brain things halusinations skizophrenea
This video give me wonderful information which my son-definitely need it thank you, You are changing peoples lives
Hi Stephen and Steve, that was so much interesting information. I'm really glad Stephen has such a wonderful support from parents in navigating through "the system", and I'm also glad the US has such opportunities to obtain help. Here in Bosnia I get coverage for my meds and regular psychiatric control appointments, and to be honest, given the rough economic situation in the country, I'm content with that (thankfully for me my parents are pretty much financially secure and I'm grateful for that). I don't know what else to add, I guess choose your options for the future wisely Stephen, I'm sure your parents will advise you well for that, and best of luck :)
Hi dear.
You and your dad is amazing. My son will definitely take advantage of this privilege. You are doing a great job. My love i and prayers are with you.. God Bless you and your family❤
Thanks for sharing! It really help me to understand the system better. ❤
Thank you!!! I just found you. My son's symptoms started when he was 13 he is now 40. Sadly he would not stay in his recovery. About 8 years ago he said he wanted his freedom and has been missing many years 😢 he was found then took off again 😢 He also got involved in drugs 😢
You are very blessed to have such wonderful support. I tried but it was not received 😢
I never give up hope and my faith keeps me going.
Your story and journey gives so much hope! You are absolutely making a difference! Thank you so much for sharing with and encouraging us! Beautiful family ❤
Steven this is a very helpful video. I think you are a great guy!❤
This information helps my son and I so much. We will apply. Thank you.
I did not know about this potential for SSDI. My disabled son (schizophrenia) is receiving SSI and he is now 24 yo. He lives with his mother (we divorced some 15 years ago) about 90 minutes from me here in SC though I am his lone advocate as his mother has medical challenges of her own. I drive him to his appointments for his medical and dental care and look after his rental home (cleaning, maintenance and upkeep). I'm now wondering if when I turn 62 and begin to receive my Social Security retirement benefit can my son then pursue SSDI (50% of my retirement amount)? If so then, if I understand this correctly, when I die he would then receive 75% of my retirement income? Sound right?
Also, is there any requirement that he must live with me (and be my dependent) in order for him to apply and receive SSDI upon my retirement at age 62?
Thank you both (Stephen and Dad) for what you are doing in helping us parents that are out here trying to navigate our healthcare system, the insurance-based system, while trying to keep up with Social Security administration forms and mailings in order to retain what benefits we've be able to receive. All this while dealing with the new way of life and realization of what comes with a schizophrenia diagnosis.
Hello, This video is very insightful. 😊
I'm on the Ticket to Work program and am very happy with it!! I am a consultant so have worked for many, many months at a time and gone back and forth, but am hoping to gain more steady employment or at least reliable freelance and/or consultancy work. Fingers crossed, I will be able to successfully graduate from this program & be self sufficient all the way until retirement. Kudos to you, Stepthen, and best of luck with your career and your self sufficiency goals! :)
My grandson has schizophrenia and did show signs as early as five years old. One dr said he had the diagnosis but it was my fault with the understanding seeing and hearing things I think or she thought i was putting this in his head.. I was never acused of any abuse and took on his medical educational and physical needs which required nine totl surgeries. His records followed him so the issue followed us kile anybody abusing a child would go to profesionals continually with concerns and those profesionaly would neer get child protective servises involved though voicing the blame., That aside the take I got from your video is pricless.The headaches and memory issues are so spot on I am sitting here w my mouth open. We are currently trying to make our way through getting some help with Social Security and your information gives me new hope.
We were told since he made around 1000.00 for one month working with his uncle they would got back to then. what I think I am hearing is one month of a job he couldnt keep gong does not as far as SS is concerned does not take away his disability qualification... He is 24 and applied a year ago with your knowledge it sounds like he should qualify under his parents income and not his spotty at best failed work history, Any insight would be much appreciated if this sounds correct.. He definatly has medical records before he was 22yes old.
Very informative. Supplemental Security Income is not a social security program though. It is a federal welfare program for disabled adults and children that comes with Medicaid. In 1974, the federal government required local social security offices to take these claims for convenience purposes. Payments come out of the general tax revenues. Although SSI is a federal program, state offices make the disability decisions. The non-medical criteria for the program will then need to be verified to determine if one qualifies for payments. This can change monthly depending on income, resources and living arrangements. Disability is not sufficient to determine eligibility. Social security disability and DAC benefits are entitlements that either the individual or the individual’s parent has paid for-they are insurance programs funded by taxes paid into the social security trust fund. Steven’s earnings CAN affect his DAC benefit. Earnings aren’t counted as income in the way they are for SSI, but they are looked at for something called “SGA” or substantial gainful activity. This can, in time, negate the disability requirement for the DAC benefit. If benefits stop and he becomes to ill to work at a later time, look into “expedited reinstatement”.
Stephen and Steve - Thank you for this informative video. It has been very helpful. My name is Kevin and I have a son who is also 23 and also suffers from schizophrenia. We currently live in Colorado but have a daughter in the LA area. I often travel to the LA area for work and typically extend my stay to spend time with my daughter. I would really like to meet you both, if you are open and available. Best of luck to you, Stephen, with the CZcams channel.
Thank you both for another well presented and informative video. Your lived experience in all its iterations gives valuable insight and knowledge to your ever growing community. Amazing! I just wanted to share that a lot of young firemen I know are in a very similar situation as regards to the very complicated world of Social Security rules and regulations. A lot of them have young families and are forced off the job because of debilitating injuries or even PTSD. Sometimes they get a disability pension but that’s fixed for life and after five or six years of inflation it’s not enough to live on. I think some veterans are in the same position. So thank you both again for shedding some light on this important and complicated topic. By the way, Japanese health care system is much more straightforward and accessible. On a lighter note, the commercials I get on your channel are in Japanese and advertise Japanese products. So I get to watch your fantastic videos and practice Japanese at the same time!
Thank you. What a careful explanation. I love the support system that you have. I'm schizoaffective and was approved for SSDI on my first application, which is rare , or so I've heard. Many many people with mental health issues have a very difficult time navigating the whole process and I think I just had some grace with help from professionals and my illness was obvious and well documented. I'm sure those circumstances helped me to not have to appeal after my first application, but man, I'm telling ya, I know so many people would be better off if they had such love and support the way you do. It was sweet when your Dad called you a genius and said he was so proud of you. Keep it up 💪 I'm rooting for you to be a positive voice, and I'm glad you're doing well today🤗🫶
No, it is totally proven that people with mental health issues benefit a lot from a strong social network.
Unfortunately, the social network is not a given for many...
Thank you for that information.
My partner of 27 years has schizophrenia , it has been difficult but with love and medications when taken properly. He's ok. I'm a new fan Steven
Thank you so much and for your support on my channel!
amazing info thanks for sharing
Another excellent solution provided that will help others navigate through a very complex process. Thank you for sharing❤
I have a lot of questions but unfortunately I can get a reply from you guys. Sooo all I can say is "God Bless you two'
Hi Stephen. I just wanted to tell you how brave and strong you are to share your story and experiences. You are helping thousands of people who hear your messages, and not just other people who have schizophrenia. You've helped me understand what it is and how it manifests. And you are truly amazing to live with it and change the world with your perspective!
That's good news about your youtube channel. You can definitely do it Stephen. 😊
Thank you!
My son was diagnosed at 25, but meets all of the other requirements. He’s been on SSI and would rather be on SSDi.
I was just diagnosed recently what way was your son pre diagnosis?
@@Slidehhy In kindergarten he was diagnosed with add, in 1st grade he was put in special education, and in high school drs thought he had depression and tried medication for that.
My Son has the same illness , and we are presently going through the SSDI process. Very stressful !
Thank you for sharing and for watching.
Thank you both for this. Our son was 17 at onset, he is 25 now. Its a daily struggle. I wish there were more resources out there. For whatever reason, we are rolling onto year three waiting for SSI/SSDI. We passed our last hurdle/psych interview last week. I think California is probably the best state for support. I think they are more integrated with support. Social Security tells me they are still running behind on cases post Covid.
how is he doing now does he take medicines or not??
Great video Steven! Keep it up
Have you guys ever considered writing a book?? Like a parent guide that covers all these topics! I know families would really benefit from all of your information, collected! ❤
Yes we have! Thank you! Your suggestion of a parent guide is excellent. I have discussed it with my Dad and it is something we have planned! Have a great holiday season!
I'm soooo glad! You'll be able to reach even more families! And continue to end the stigma that surrounds schizophrenia!!! Wonderful!!!
Stephen, I belong to several Facebook groups about Schizophrenia. May I suggest your Channel & videos on that platform?? I really think you would be an asset to these groups!!!
I am so happy for you and your family Steven you’re a Bless and you have a amazing person who has a beautiful heart and soul keep up the good work
Hey Stephen, I just wanted to say thank you for your videos. I honestly find them comforting. And I'm enjoying following you on this journey of life. And just wanted you to know your videos are helping people....even people without mental illness. You and your father just have a good spirits.
But just wanted to let you know. Hope your having a happy and healthy week. Appreciate you guys.
And congrats on the subscribers count. How fast your channel is growing shows my previous comments are true. Keep up the good work bud. Thanks
And you 2...Steve, Stephen Dad 😆
I have Crohn' s disease and was forced to apply for disability at age 38. I had to resign from my job as an EMT due to multiple surgeries, hospitalizations, and my ongoing illness. It was a really difficult decision, but I had no choice. Navigating the system was really difficult as I had no one to help me through this really complex government program. I made it through and was granted disability. It seems as though the process is unnecessarily difficult. Thanks for being so open and brave about your struggle with mental health! I wish you the best and may God bless you and your family!!!
Very interesting Stephen and Steve. Thank you. Is there any way that you could do a video on the nuts and bolts of setting up a trust fund? Is there a template?
So grateful that you and your family are helping so many with sharing your journey with us.
Thank you very much!
Thanks so much. Appreciate the useful information.
You are so welcome!
This was such an informative video! Great information my mom and I really appreciate it!.
Thank you for watching!
You two are the best. Great information. God bless you both and your Mom, too.
Thank you so much!
Yeah SSDI is so much better. I'm on SSI and the rules and restrictions are stressful. This was a great video. It should be helpful for many. Edit: You are probably aware because your father is an attorney, but you can apply for an ABLE account so that you don't lose your medical while on SSI or waiting for Medicare to kick in. Any money directly put in that account is not counted towards the asset limit. Obviously look into this yourself and talk to someone qualified. I'm just a random person on CZcams. haha
Thanks for Best comments, Love from Pakistan.
Yep , an Achieving a Better Life Experience account is a great idea .
Stephen I wish you the best❤You are an amazing human
Hi Stephen! You are so brave to be raising awareness around schizophrenia! Just curious what month were you born?
Thanks for the informative vid. Similar analogies in the uk but differences of course. I would recommend however that you don't put out more personal information than you need to. Details of specific locations for example. Just safer i suppose
Toward the end you mentioned that you do not have a Special Needs Trust, I would suggest that you will still want to put one in place, at least if you as a parent want to leave any assets for you child with disabilities. My understanding is that Medicaid (and I assume MediCal) has clawback provisions that once a recipient or former recipient dies if they have any assets then those assets can claimed by the state to reimburse the state for any coverage that Medicaid provided during his life. A 3rd Party Special Needs Trust can protect these assets so they don’t need to be paid back to the state. The 3rd Party Special Needs Trust is relatively easy to set up through a lawyer that understands trusts, it can be set to were it does not actually have any assets until the parents die and then their assets are forwarded to the trust instead of directly to your special needs child.
Hi guys-has Stephen had IHSS? In home supportive services? Mainly curious as we have had that for the last 5 years. My son is on the severe/nonverbal side of autism. I am super grateful for all that you and your dad are sharing Stephen! It is SO helpful for a billion reasons!
Great information. Thanks for sharing!
Stephen you are so smart! Great chanel ❤
I'am so glad you are making progress unfortunately in the south government money spent on mental health is the least amount spent on health mental health is the last thing in their budget
Just for the record- now that Steven is receiving SSDI, he isn’t living off the government, he is receiving income that you ( his parents) earned and have paid in. ☺️.
Don't worry Stephen Bro you'll be Okay Jesus Loves you 🙏
Working on this but my son who is 27 was just diagnosed in July and he's now refusing to go to the doctor and started refusing the Abilify a month ago. I had an appointment for him to see a regular medical doctor today but he refused to go. He's delusional again. It's so frustrating. I don't have the money to support him but he's holed up practically barricaded in a room in my house and I can't get him to do anything. He barely eats, he's either angry or mute. I am at my wit's end.
Great channel!
Your Dad sound realy smart. Kinda sounds like a doctor not gonna lie
could you please talk a little bit more about how K-12 schooling went for stephen? thoughts about college with schizophrenia?
Thanks for the info it helps😊
Thanks!
Thank you very much Laurel! I really appreciate it. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
@@SurvivingSchizophreniahey I wanted to ask u that if anyone has schizophrenia and they see visual hallucinations can it make them suicidal 😢😢😢😢
I am a believer!
What is the difference between schizophrenia and ocd?
I've seen interviews with people describing their ocd and it's very similar to schizophrenia.
Pardon my ignorance but if your not of sound mind as if you were ill, how could they except the signature? For ssdi i mean. Is it because he was already diagnosed. I am confused. My daughter is autistic and not yet 18.
I was sound of mind at that time
Takk!
Thank you very much! I really appreciate it!
@@SurvivingSchizophrenia 😁
does the 3 year recovery period include DAC and enable you to get back on DAC if you fall back?
My son just turn 18 he is special child can we apply for him dac while his parents still working?
DAC is not linked to whether a parent is still working, but instead it is if a parent is receiving SS, so either a parent needs to be disabled (and thus receiving SSDI themselves) or have reached at least 62 and have began receiving their SS benefits. This does not prevent the parent from continuing to work, however if the parent earns above the limit allowed by SS (around 21k in 2023) then their own benefits will limited.
Does the Dac benefits convert into retirement
DAC will continue as long as the recipient is still alive (and has not lost qualification by no longer being disabled, getting married, or exceeding SGA), the recipient will receive 50% of the PIA of the higher earning parent as long as the parent is still alive, and then once the parent dies the recipient will receive 75% of the PIA of the higher earning parent. So it is not really retirement, but it is a continuous benefit.
Hi stephen should i apply for ssdi my son is 17 with schizopherinea with cantoia is hard to do
Thank you for asking, but I am sorry I can’t give legal advice. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day.
They've recently found that patients with schizophrenia, dont process glucose correctly, in the same way that epileptics are affected. You need to look up the research reports on line. My husband died at 39 was diagnosed at 27.
Glucose is the enemy of epilepsy and schizophrenia and they've now found, other psychiatric conditions, that are also caused by this inability to process glucose in the brain correctly.
Have you done DNA testing to see if he is l- methylfolate reductase mutation? There are different levels and depending on the severity he could benefit from taking Deplin. What is ur contact info so I can pt you to the research?
She is hard to understand with a slight echo... But I loved to hear what she had to say.
Need to show being disabled between ages 18-22
Oh boy, your father is a little bit overbearing 😊
No, he’s helpful. Couldn’t ask for a better father
He is informed and interested in helping his son and others, the man is all heart.
I can speak from experience, and honestly, this kid needs a job outside of the home where the focus on youtube and self made videos takes a real breather. My first ever job was at a restaurant, and while it didn't pay much, it gave me the experience that I needed, a little bit of income, and allowed my brain to learn from real life experience outside of the home, which at that point in time happened to be a sort of Christian halfway house. I had a few episodes at work where my brain just flicked a switch and I felt like I was in third person or something, but I dealt with it, and as you get older, you don't experience these episodes nearly as often.
There needs to be a legitimate game plan on when and how to give up the meds. When I left the mental institution (minny binny), the first question I asked myself was the only question that truly needed answering. The psychiatrists, therapists, etc had no sort of conversation of ending a life of medications, and yet I knew that this was NOT acceptable, even though I was still nursing a self inflicted gunshot wound. A relationship with God and prayer was essential. Now I'm one of those that could never swallow a pill, and let me tell you that psychotic meds and anti depressant meds are some of the worst tasting things you could ever put in your mouth. The side effects included claustrophobia, weight gain, lethargy, significant mood swings, and my favorite of all, the many bugs I would see crawling up walls that weren't there. There were other side effects, but those were the worst that I can recall.
Years later I would find myself working a different job in a different state, and I was working one late night when I visited a web forum where a bunch of UFO enthusiasts from Utah posted. These enthusiasts were also a group that was into the "you know what" ranch that's now famous in Utah and has its very own reality show two decades or so later. I never speak the words out loud any longer what this ranch is called. I quickly became involved in discussions with these individuals, and almost immediately began experiencing weird stuff again. Lights and tv would turn on/off by themselves, I would feel the presence of someone around me often, but the best part? Dozens of times I saw these creatures crawling around, sometimes on the wall, and a few times on me. It finally became so frequent, that I would laugh as I couldn't believe it. Finally, I said a prayer to God (yeah, the dude does exist), and just like a switch turning off, I no longer had these occurrences, and believed that whatever portal I had allowed to open had been closed.
Humans aren't perfect, and there isn't a good one among us. Without God's help and saving grace, we're swimming in an ocean that is filled with so many dangers, with no ability to reach shore. Being medicated isn't living, and giving up Schizophrenia and all of our other mental disorders and giving them over to God is the first step towards healing and recovery.
@@frankjamesbonarrigo7162 Not even our Father in heaven?
Only through our heavenly Father can we give over our mental health issues, get OFF the PRESCRIPTION MEDS, and begin a true healing process. Been there and done that, and really don't care to return to a life of being medicated. Of course, the secular doctors that racked up the huge hourly rates would disagree! I can recall as a kid visiting the psychiatrist's office, and how my mother was all up in arms after two visits in a row where they got billed as me having seen the psychiatrist, even though all I saw was the psychiatrist's assistant. These so called medical "professionals" reap the rewards of keeping everyone medicated with absolutely zero plan of getting off the meds.
Thanks!
Thank you very much! I really appreciate your kind support! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your kind generosity and support! It means a lot to me. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Steven your youtube channel is definitely a job and what you have to offer people is extremely valuable. My best wishes to you, I care for a non verbal autistic girl who we believe may be going into psychosis presently. Your channel has been very helpful to me and her parents.
Thank you very much. I really appreciate your support and encouragement. Thank you also for sharing.