Legally able to collect?

[AndreaK 1]

I haven't posted on here in a while, and am not sure the best place to post this, but...

As part of the whole visa process (K1 for me), I know that the US citizen has to provide proof that they are willing and able to financially support the person they are sponsoring; I understand this, as the government does not want the visa applicant to draw welfare immediately upon entering the country, etc, and be a financial drain on the system.

My question is, would someone in my position (getting ready to send in my packet to remove conditions), be legally able to qualify for and collect disability, etc? I came to the US with the full intention of working and contributing financially, but unfortunately I have developed some medical issues that make it virtually impossible for me to work. Just something I've been thinking about lately... I guess same goes for social security upon reaching retirement age; since I (quite likely) have never paid into the system, am I able to collect?

Any opinions or recommendations on where I can look (online) or call to confirm this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

[Spoom 8]

The Wikipedia article on Social Security in the United States gives a good overview of the calculation involved in determining what (if anything) you'd be eligible for upon retirement. Apparently it's based on the average of your highest covered (which I assume means "paying into the system") 35 years of work, with zeroes inserted for the remainder of the years if you haven't worked the full 35 years paying into the system.

I don't know about your other question, unfortunately.

[Malrothien 6]

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/in...s_Tested_Public

SSI is included, so I would imagine SSD is, as well.

[Krikit 1,163]

Moving thread from Canada forum to Moving to America forum. Sorry to hear you are not well, Andrea.

Edited November 3, 2009 by Krikit