Husband is on 10 year green card. Having severe mental health issues, may be unable to work. Can he still become a citizen? Can he get Disability?

[mrss13 2]

I'm sorry if this is the wrong forum but I'm at the end of my rope. Long story short he has a severe mental illness. He has been referred to a specialist but there is a 2 month wait. In the meantime he functions, but just barely. I am hoping that the specialists can help and that he can recover, but I am starting to think that he may not ever be the same, and may not be able to work, even just temporarily.

My questions are... will this preclude him from becoming a citizen? Could he get on short term or long term disability if he isn't a citizen? (This is not what either of us want... we believe very much in working for a living but it's getting to the point that he really can't, at least not right now).

I'm sorry if this is kind of disjointed... I'm just completely hollowed out trying to keep everything together for the both of us. I'm grateful for any help or advice.

[EM_Vandaveer 2,408]

He can become a citizen. Working is not required to become a citizen. He has to pass the civics test and the interview, though. I'm not sure what his condition is. Depending on that, the interview might or might not be a challenge.

I've no idea about disability, though.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Disability insurance is a work related benefit , did he pay into it and does the policy cover it ? How long has he been in the US , has he ever worked ?

[TS2014 7]

He will not be able to get social security disability( SSDI) A person has to have worked the 40 quarters to qualify for social security disability benefits.

[RobertM54 36]

Is it possible he would be better off back in Canada?

[Villanelle 4,122]

https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-income-ussi.htm

You are looking at SSI its different then SSDI. Its supplemental security income. And yes, it is possible to get as an LPR or citizen even if you dont have 40Q of work. But it is very complicated in terms of how you qualify. Too much to go over in a simple forum post. I would suggest you look into the docs available at ssa.gov about SSI and also look at this site here- http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/ Its by NOLO and has info on how to apply for disability based on mental illness and get approved with the least amount of hassle. However you should be aware that they have a standard of you must have the condition for at least a year- which can be interpreted as either both my legs are gone so yes they will be gone for the next 12 months and beyond. OR as they often do with mental health- Ive had this for the last 12 months already and its not going away.