Ask Larry

Is There Any Way To Increase My Benefits In My Situation?

I currently receive SSDI (from my Dad's working record when he became disabled in 1993) and SSI benefits. My SSDI benefits is an adult child benefits because I was diagnosed with Autism when I was five years old. (Reference Number is C3) My SSDI amount is currently $516 a month and my SSI amount is $236 a month. I also receive Medicare, Medicaid, Section 8 housing, and SNAP benefits. I also have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depression, and Impulse Control Disorder. The only work I ever done was at a sheltered workshop but I quit going to that sheltered workshop. I can't work because of my Autism, Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Impulse Control Disorder. Is there any way to increase my benefits in my situation?

Hi,

Probably not. It sounds like your combined Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) amount is already around the maximum federal rate. It's possible that your disabled adult child (DAC) rate could increase if your father dies or his benefit rate increases or if you could qualify for a higher DAC amount on a different parent's record, but any increase in your DAC rate would also reduce your SSI rate dollar for dollar.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Apr 27 2018 - 7:26am
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