Question
I am currently an active duty soldier in the Army and am stationed in Texas. My mother is in Pennsylvania and receives SSDI and medicaid. However, I also send her money every month for support. I still list PA as my state of residence and am the cosigner on my mother's lease. The money I send her basically covers her rent plus a little extra. If I claim her as a dependent, will she still qualify for medicaid and SSDI?
Thanks!
Answer
Hi Katie
This is too complicated to be done by e-mail. There are too many factors to be considered.
Making her a dependent would make her eligible for Tricare, and that would complicate things. On the other hand it would provide some benefits for her, and may give you a tax break. Also she could get her meds.
Go to Benefits.com, enter her information, and see what benefits she might be eligible for.
Almost all States have some special regulations regarding persons on SSDI. Especially regarding insurance and health benefits. You can check with her social worker.
If she is over 65, or has been on SSDI for more than 29 months, she would be eligible for Medicare, If so, a check with Social Security office would get her on the EXTRA HELP program getting her cheap meds. While at the SS office, get a copy of MEDICARE AND YOU 20010, it has a wealth on information. In the center of the back cover is the phone number of the SHIP office. If she calls them and meets with a counselor, they will walk her through any Medicare benefits she may have. She would then also be eligible for a Medicare Savings program, probably QMB.
John
