M.A.

Hi Amy, The first thing you need to do is actually collect true fact by going to the Hennepin County Dept.   of Human Services and take the time to meet with a worker.It will take a lot of time (possibly several      hours), but it will clarify your options.  After doing that, request a social worker, who will be able to direct you appropriately in the direction which will best fit your needs regardless of the outcome of your             interview with  a   case worker.    Unfortunately, people in general are too uninformed about SSI vs. SSDI. Six years ago this month, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, had my ninety-day short-term              disability, then returned to my job at Medica, where I'd been employed nine years.  Due to optic neuritis,  severe fatigue, and cognitive issues, I lost my job there, then was on unemployment for five months.  My    sister checked with her psychologist and found me one sharp, dynamic social worker, and I applied for SSDI (not Supplemental Security Income, but, rather it's Social Security Disability Income.  Everyone who works and and pays into Social Security receives an annual report showing your work history from day one, and     shows what you'd received "if you become disabled."  Very fortunately, I had good paying jobs even in        college, and later often worked full-time and a part-time job because of abundant energy.  Therefore, I    am better off financially today, than when I paid full rent, utilities,car payments, insurance, upkeep, gas,  and more.  Because of my certified disability, I qualified for low-income housing (it's not Section 8), and    have a beautiful apartment, haven't been able to drive since Dec. , and for the past three and a half       years, have worked as part-time (just every other weekend) receptionist at an assisted-living facility for  the elderly.  So I receive MA-EPD (for employed persons with disabilities).  State law requires one earns    minimum of $65.00 monthly, with taxes taken out, to qualify for MA-EPD.  The monthly insurance premium is dependent on total monthly income.  I work about 17 hours every other weekend, and have been able to   bank that income, and have invested in CDs, and other investments, and have done very well.  My rent is   one-third of my income, and the assets are all figured into it, like my 3M pension which I plan to wait      until  age touxch. is minimal, although SSDI has been very attractive means for a comfortable lifestyle:    able to buy high quality food, buy amazing clothes at local thrift store and Goodwill, get around via friends, family, MTC bus, and Metro Mobility.  Plus, I take a week vacation every fall or  winter.  A positive attitude is a mighty wonderful attribute which has lightened any physical health burdens. Again, please do  not rely on people's hears-say, and go directly to the county downtown Mpls and get the actual facts for  how you may b est proceed.  By the way, I'm on MA-EPD and Medicare due to being diagnosed with a  disability (am not disabled), and my laproscopic NY with gall bladder removal (per my request) had all       been been 100% paid, from the very first appointment, through anything forward.  Best of luck to you Amy, keep a positive attitude, and I sincerely wish you the best of energy and motivation as you proceed!  Hugs   galore, Patti