Newly diagnoised and need advice on benefits

[PetraP]

I live in Georgia and have gone through the intake process for the Ryan White program. I'm not working, soon to be divorced...how would I go about applying for Medicaid and ssdi ( if the caemanager suggests it )?

[jkinatl2]

I live in Georgia and have gone through the intake process for the Ryan White program. I'm not working, soon to be divorced...how would I go about applying for Medicaid and ssdi ( if the caemanager suggests it )?

Well, Ryan White is based on income, and while you migh be eligible for SSI, you will almost certainly not be eligible for SSDI until/unless you acquire opportunistic infections that limit/prohibit you from working. Used to be that an HIV diagnosis was a way to "fast-track" benefits, but not sure if that's the case at this time. Even an "AIDS" diagnosis does not automatically qualify a person for benefits anymore. Though it's laborious, there ARE systems in place through the assorted drug companies to receive your medications at a discount (or free) but they require diligent and consistent paperwork.

You mentioned going through the intake process for RW. These questions you have are excellent ones for your case manager, as laws/procedures/benefits differ from state to state, and change quite often.

[Habersham]

Hello Petra - I too reside in Georgia and the wait in Georgia to be approved for ADAP is about a year and a half (the longest in the country I believe). When you say your caseworker was it someone at the State of Georgia office or someone at an ASO (Aids Service Organization)? You may want to check back with them and find out what the estimated wait time is for your application. I know a few people here who applied for Medicaid (took a few weeks or so) while waiting for ADAP. Good Luck!

[BT65]

Hi,

To apply for SSDI, you have to have enough "work credits," and SSA goes by your last 5 years.  You apply for disability online, through SSA's website (ssa.gov).  SSI is a needs based disability program, meaning it's for those who do not have enough work credits.  While it is through SSA, the amount would be based on any other income you have now, or if you have none, the basic amount is something like $700 (at least that's what a lot of my clients get). 

Medicaid is a state by state program, with different states having different "rules."  Where I live, in Indiana, there's like 6 different kinds, based on the person's circumstance.  I don't live in Georgia, so I cannot speak directly to that situation.  I know here in Indiana, a person applies online.  You could always google something like "Medicaid Georgia" and maybe it would pull up the website's link where you could do this. There is also a big office in the city I live in, where people can go in and use computers there to apply.  The workers there can also assist persons not familiar with how to navigate the system.

Good luck with whatever you decide.  You'll need your doctor willing to document your "complete and total disability," which means you have to have a condition that can result in death, and prevent you from earning a living wage.

Betty