concerned husband,In order to be eligible for Social Security Disability, individuals must fit several qualification criteria put forth by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
First, any potential claimant must be able to prove to the SSA that he or she is “permanently disabled,” or suffering from a condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, more than 12 calendar months. Because of this time guideline, it is important that claimants keep their medical records and other paperwork organized and up to date to prevent any confusion or question about the extent of a disability.
If she has not seen a Medical Dr. in 12 years you may be spitting in the wind here - sorry to be so blunt.
In addition, the SSA will attempt to make a judgment as to whether or not a claimant’s disabling condition prevents the individual from achieving any type of “substantial gainful activity.” The condition must not only prevent the claimant from performing the duties of his or her previous employment, but also make it impossible to find a new line of work due to age, education, or impairment.
There are two federal programs which provide assistance to disabled individuals, one of which is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is funded by the Social Security tax fund, so individuals who qualify as disabled under the above criteria must also have sufficient work credits in order to qualify for payments. Basically, an individual must have paid Social Security taxes on his or her wages long enough to qualify for benefits. Generally, this means that claimants must have a fairly consistent work history, and have worked a minimum of five of the ten years previous to the onset of disability.
In the case of need-based Supplemental Security Income (SSI), there are no work requirements because the program is financed through general tax revenues and not by the Social Security tax. In order to qualify for SSI, individuals must be over 65 years old, by legally blind, or be disabled, and have total family assets amounting to less than $3000. Assets, as determined by the SSA, include income (wages, pensions, other benefits programs, etc.) and resources (stock holdings, real estate, cash savings, etc.). Individuals who meet these requirements may be eligible for SSI payments regardless of previous work history.
If she is the appicant and is able to speak then I would say yes, she would have to talk with a lawyer as well as understand what it is she is applying for. Your best choice right now would be to hire a lawyer.
Good Luck,
Kitt