ssdi and financial difficulty

[petpuppy]

can i apply for ssi even though i collect ssdi?

i was dx with ms in 2001 and in 2009 i stopped working and my insurance is medicare. since '09 i have been struggling - my cobra balance is over 1,000 and i maxed out my credit card. not sure where to go to apply for someone in my position

[Rich Feingold]

Hi, petpuppy. You might not be able to apply for SSI. It depends upon how much DIB you are receiving monthly. After the first $20, SSI is reduced dollar for dollar by unearned income. What is your DIB benefit?

Also, it may not help you, the maximum SSI benefit for 2013 is $710/month. SSA is supposed to apply claimants for both DIB and SSI benefits when they apply and then issue a denial if one is not eligible for either, or both programs.

You are receiving insurance through Medicare and COBRA?

Rich