social security
 

We have a close friend who has lost his job and insurance benefits. He has severe pain in both legs and will need an operation to repair. Is it possible he could get social security help or any other help as he cannot hardly walk. Don't know if any of this is possible but figured this was a good place to try. Thanks for any help

There is a company called Freedom Disabilty at www.freedomdisability.com.
He would have to visit the web site or call, (1-866-761-5942), to see if he qualifies.

To qualify for social security disability insurance, your friend would have to prove that he is permanently disabled or will be disabled for at least 12 months, and that he is unable to achieve substantial gainful activity (in other words, even if he can't work at his old job can he be retrained to do something else). He would also need to have worked long enough to have earned enough work credits to qualify.
there is a second type of disability called suplemental security income, but you have to be 65 to be eligible.
His best bet would be to head down to the social security office and talk to someone there.

Having been through dealing with this issue with my wife, I *STRONGLY* suggest that you have an attorney specializing in disability cases evaluate your friends case. They will fight you from now until doomsday.

My wife was successful, but it was not easy. We started out trying to do it on our own until one of the doctors who examined her (and who previously knew her) advised that she get legal help.

Cobra insurance
 

I'm not sure but think he is eligible for cobra insurance when he looses his job for 18 months. He may want to explore the avenue.

Brostholder, you do not have to be 65 to receive supplemental security income (SSI). If under 65, you have to be disabled AND meet income requirements that essentially mean that you are poor. It is used for people over 65 who receive a very low amount of social security (SSA) to supplement the SSA to bring it up to the SSI level which is around $600 a month. The amount of SSI, which is an entitlement program, differs from state to state as the states can chose to add their own supplement to it. SSA is not an entitlement program as it is based on work history for which the person paid into social security.
Hope that this helps.

Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for Cobra and even if he is eligible may not be able to afford the premiums if he has lost his job.

Since working for the railroad the last 35 years, I have never paid, a dime of SS.

But, I do have a brother that is 57 and now receives, disability SS, payments. He did have to get legal help, to get his disability case approved.

Take my word for it - it's a LOT easier if you get legal help. The attorney's fee was worth every dime we paid him !!

Your friend will need to get an attorney. It's nearly impossible to do without legal assistance. The good thing about this is there is a set maximum fee that an attorney can charge. I think it's $1500. Sounds like a lot, but well worth it if it will expedite things. My wife had to go through this process. She was without pay for 3 years. Thank goodness she was covered by my insurance for part of that time.

Took me two years even with a lawyer to get my disability social security. They did pay me back to the time I first filed my claim. So I did get one big check when my case was settled.