Disability benefits for a green-card holder?

[topazfae 31]

I'm disabled - seriously disabled - But I have been working for a company for almost 20 years and I have been a green holder for 10 years, and only one year on US Citizenship.  Before that, I was on OPT, H1b.

 

It really bothers me that those who are claiming that they are disabled - immediately apply for SSI or SSDI because they are disabled.  Many of them are able to work, but opted to not work.  That's my pet peeve.  I have been discriminated, and have been rejected from getting a job based on my disability, but I persisted.  I will not leave my work until I am ready for my retirement.  SSDI is for those who really needs it the most.  

 

In order to get SSDI, you are required to work a number of years in a job before you are qualified.  As for SSI, they will look at your assets and if you are making too much, she will not be qualified.  Try to look into Vocational Rehab (VR) - they may help your wife finding a job that she can do.  Not having GED - making it harder to find a good job - so getting a GED is a good way to get out of poverty and try to go in vocational training so she can get certified - personal worker, caregiver, nurse, - all are good jobs.

 

So - you can go in SSA and ask what you can do but it will be a SMALL amount - maybe 400 dollars or less  - she will be making more money if she's working.

[CEE53147 559]

I am a born citizen and worked for over 20 years; I had a serious illness in college that left me partially disabled yet I worked.  It was only a re-occurrence of the illness and my age at the time that met the requirements.  It took over 4 years and an attorney to qualify for SSDI.  I had over 30  YEARS worth of medical history demonstrating a deteriorating condition. My spouse had a stroke and returned to a demanding job less than 2 months later; he needed assistance with some activities but worked 40 hour weeks.

 

Too many people think that the US taxpayers have unlimited funds to support frivolous claims; there are many of them. If a person was so disabled as to have been able to work for 6 months after entering, it is likely that the problem was hidden at the medical.

 

OP, you sponsored. Many people support disabled spouses, children and parents without government assistance.  You need to adjust your budget to live on only one income. Your spouse needs to get educated; there are work from home opportunities in many fields.