Social Security DAC benefits vs SSI - Medicaid concerns when switching programs for adult disabled son

yes u need to list ALL work. even tho SSA can see his earnings record they still need u to fill out that part. just put what u know and attach a note saying 'minimal work history from teenage years before diagnosis, details not available, please see earnings record.' for the medicaid question when ur husband passes - yep the ABLE account is exactly what u want to do! thats how my brother keeps his medicaid with DAC benefits over $2k. just remember there's yearly contribution limits to ABLE. good luck!!

I'd like to clarify a few important points about DAC benefits and Medicaid eligibility: 1) For the work history question - Yes, you should disclose all work history, even minimal amounts from years ago. The SSA needs to verify your son hasn't engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which is a key eligibility factor for DAC benefits. For 2025, the SGA threshold is $1,550 monthly for non-blind individuals. Based on what you've described, his earnings were well below this threshold. 2) Regarding Medicaid after your husband's passing - Your son would likely qualify for what's called the "DAC Special Protected Status" for Medicaid. This provision specifically protects individuals who lose SSI due to receiving DAC benefits. Even when his benefits increase to survivor level, he can maintain Medicaid eligibility if: - He was eligible for SSI before receiving DAC - He would still be eligible for SSI if not for the DAC benefits - He meets all other SSI criteria except for income The ABLE account strategy is excellent for managing resources, but the special protection should prevent him from losing Medicaid coverage regardless of the DAC benefit amount.

my sister went thru this exact same thing last year. the work history part was a NIGHTMARE!!!! they kept sending back the application saying it wasnt complete enough even tho she barely worked in 1997!!! like how am i supposed to remember where she worked for 2 months 25 years ago???? ugh. anyway we had to contact our state's disability rights legal aid group to help us. took 5 months to get it all sorted out. so my advice is document EVERYTHING. good luck.

Important correction to some of the information you've received: The $2,000 resource limit applies to SSI, but DAC benefits are under SSDI rules, which don't have resource limits. Resources only matter for Medicaid qualification. Another critical point: When your son transitions from SSI to DAC, he'll automatically qualify for Section 1619(b) Medicaid protection, which continues even after the Medicare waiting period ends. This protection extends through the DAC survivor benefit transition. For the work question: Always include all work history, even minimal earnings. The SSA examines this to determine if your son has ever performed SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity), which could affect eligibility. The minimal earnings you described shouldn't be problematic, but omitting them could delay processing. Regarding the ABLE account: This is still a good strategy for managing excess funds while maintaining Medicaid eligibility through other programs if needed. Remember the annual contribution limit is $18,000 for 2025.

i went thru similar transition from ssi to dac. definitely answer YES to the work question!!! they will check his earnings record no matter what and if u say NO when the record shows earnings (even tiny amounts from forever ago) they might consider it misrepresentation. just put what u remember or can find documentation for. for the medicaid thing - there's a thing called the Pickle Amendment that might help ur son keep medicaid even with higher benefits, u should ask about that specifically. and YES keep using the ABLE account!! its a lifesaver!!!

I'm going through almost the same situation with my daughter (47, Down syndrome). The work history part was frustrating but we ended up attaching her earnings record printout from SSA along with a note explaining the limited information available. They accepted this. For your Medicaid question - this is a BIG ISSUE that many case workers don't understand correctly. Print out information about the "DAC Medicaid protection" or "1634(c) protection" and take it with you to all appointments. I learned this the hard way when a caseworker tried to terminate my daughter's Medicaid incorrectly. Also, there's a 5-month waiting period for DAC benefits to begin after approval and a 24-month waiting period for Medicare to start (counted from the start of DAC benefits).

one more thing - make sure u keep copies of EVERYTHING u submit!!! i lost my brothers medicaid for 3 months because they "never received" our paperwork (they did). now i send everything certified mail or submit in person and get receipts. the system is a mess!!

I specialize in benefits coordination for adults with disabilities, and there are several nuanced points to consider with your situation: 1) Work history: You must disclose all work, but don't stress too much about details from decades ago. Provide what you have and explain the gaps. The SSA primarily wants to verify your son never engaged in SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity). 2) Medicaid protection is automatic when transitioning from SSI to DAC, but you must ensure the system properly codes this special status. Many beneficiaries lose coverage because of administrative errors, not actual eligibility issues. 3) Important timeline considerations: - DAC application processing: typically 3-5 months - 5-month waiting period after approval - 24-month Medicare waiting period 4) When your husband passes away, your son's benefits will indeed increase to 75% of your husband's PIA as a survivor benefit. This increase doesn't affect the Medicaid protection, but document everything during this transition as it's another point where administrative errors commonly occur. 5) The ABLE account is still beneficial for quality of life expenses and as a backup strategy if there are issues with the protected Medicaid status.

Just wanted to add one more piece of advice from my experience helping my nephew transition to DAC benefits - contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Center for Independent Living. They often have benefits counselors who specialize in these transitions and can help you navigate the application process for free. They're also great advocates if you run into issues with caseworkers who don't understand the DAC Medicaid protections. Also, consider applying for your son's Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) as soon as he becomes eligible, even if he has Medicaid. Having dual coverage can sometimes provide better medication access and lower out-of-pocket costs. The transition can feel overwhelming, but it sounds like you're doing everything right by planning ahead and asking the right questions. Your son is lucky to have such a dedicated advocate!

I've been through this exact DAC transition with my adult daughter who has cerebral palsy. A few additional tips that might help: 1) For the work history section, I created a simple timeline with approximate dates and wrote "Details unavailable due to passage of time and minimal employment" for missing information. SSA accepted this without issue. 2) Request a "benefits verification letter" once your son is approved for DAC - this document explicitly states his protected Medicaid status and can prevent future caseworker confusion. Keep multiple copies. 3) Consider filing the DAC application about 6 months before you actually want to transition off SSI, since there can be processing delays. You can request a delayed effective date if needed. 4) Make sure to notify your state's Medicaid office IN WRITING about the DAC transition and reference the Section 1634(c) protection. Don't rely on the systems to communicate automatically. The peace of mind that comes with DAC's higher benefit amount and Medicare eligibility is worth the paperwork hassle. Your son's long-term financial security will be much better positioned. Good luck with the application!

I'm also navigating benefits for my adult son with autism, and this thread has been incredibly helpful! One thing I wanted to add is about keeping detailed records during the transition period. I created a simple spreadsheet tracking all communications, submission dates, and case numbers. This saved me multiple times when SSA claimed they didn't receive documents or when different representatives gave conflicting information. Also, if your son currently receives any state disability services or waiver programs, make sure to check how the DAC transition might affect those benefits. In our state, some programs have income limits that could be impacted, while others aren't affected at all. It's worth calling each program administrator to confirm before making the switch. The ABLE account strategy you mentioned is smart - we've been using ours for home modifications and assistive technology purchases that really improve quality of life. Just remember you can also use ABLE funds for housing expenses, which can be helpful if you need to manage the resource limits for any reason. This is such a complex process, but it sounds like you're asking all the right questions and getting great advice here. Your son is fortunate to have someone advocating so thoroughly for his long-term security!

As someone who works with families navigating disability benefits, I wanted to emphasize a few critical points that could save you significant headaches: 1) **Documentation is everything** - Create a "transition binder" with copies of all forms, correspondence, and reference materials about DAC Medicaid protections. I've seen too many cases where benefits were incorrectly terminated because the right documentation wasn't immediately available. 2) **Timeline management** - Given the 5-month waiting period after approval plus processing time, your son could be looking at 8-12 months from application to first DAC payment. Make sure his SSI remains intact during this entire period until DAC benefits actually begin. 3) **Medicare coordination** - Once your son becomes Medicare eligible (24 months after DAC begins), he'll have Medicare as primary and Medicaid as secondary. This is actually excellent coverage, but make sure all his current providers accept both before the transition. 4) **Survivor benefit planning** - When your son eventually receives the 75% survivor benefit, that higher income won't affect his protected Medicaid status, but it might impact other state benefits. Start researching those potential impacts now rather than scrambling later. The DAC transition is one of the best moves you can make for your son's long-term financial security. Take your time with the application, document everything, and don't hesitate to appeal if you get any incorrect denials. You've got this!

I'm going through a similar situation with my daughter who has intellectual disabilities. One thing that really helped us was contacting our state's Protection and Advocacy agency - they have specialists who deal specifically with SSI to DAC transitions and can help you navigate the application process for free. They also know which local SSA offices are more experienced with DAC cases. For the work history section, I'd recommend getting a copy of your son's Social Security Statement online (you can create an account for him at ssa.gov) - this will show his complete earnings record and make filling out that section much easier. Even if the amounts were tiny, having the exact years and earnings helps avoid any back-and-forth with SSA. One more tip: when you apply, ask specifically to speak with someone who handles DAC cases regularly. Not all SSA representatives are familiar with the nuances, especially around the Medicaid protections. If you get someone who seems uncertain about the rules, politely ask to speak with a supervisor or technical expert. It can save you months of delays and confusion. The fact that you're planning this transition so thoughtfully puts your son in a great position for long-term stability. The DAC program is really designed for situations exactly like yours!

I'm a benefits specialist who has helped hundreds of families with DAC transitions, and I want to address a few misconceptions I've seen in this thread while adding some crucial information: **Work History Section**: You absolutely must disclose ALL work, even minimal teenage employment. However, SSA understands that detailed records from decades ago may not be available. Create a simple chart showing approximate years, employers (if known), and earnings amounts from his Social Security Statement. For missing details, write "Information unavailable due to passage of time" - this is completely acceptable and shows good faith effort. **Critical Timing Issue**: Many people don't realize that DAC benefits can be retroactive up to 12 months from the application date IF your son was continuously disabled during that period. This could mean a substantial back-payment that helps bridge the waiting period gap. **Medicaid Protection Clarification**: The DAC Medicaid protection (Section 1634) is automatic, but you must ensure your state Medicaid office codes it correctly in their system. I recommend submitting a written notice to your state Medicaid office BEFORE the DAC benefits begin, referencing Section 1634(c) and requesting confirmation that his protected status will be properly maintained. **Survivor Benefit Detail**: When your son eventually receives survivor benefits, he'll get 75% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), not his current benefit amount. This is typically higher than the 50% DAC rate and maintains full Medicaid protection. The ABLE account strategy is excellent for quality of life expenses, but remember the protected Medicaid status means resources above $2,000 won't disqualify him anyway. Use ABLE for things like home modifications, transportation, and assistive technology that improve his independence. One final tip: Request expedited processing if your son has a serious medical condition that could worsen - DAC applications can qualify for expedited handling in certain circumstances.

This is incredibly comprehensive information - thank you so much! I had no idea about the potential for retroactive benefits up to 12 months, which could indeed help significantly with the transition period. The point about submitting written notice to the state Medicaid office BEFORE DAC benefits begin is especially important - I want to make sure there are no gaps or administrative errors. I'm going to create that work history chart using his Social Security Statement like you suggested. It's reassuring to know that "Information unavailable due to passage of time" is an acceptable response for missing details from decades ago. One question about the expedited processing - my son has autism and several co-occurring conditions that require ongoing medical care. Would these qualify as "serious medical conditions that could worsen" for expedited handling, or is that typically reserved for more acute/terminal conditions? Also, when you mention survivor benefits being 75% of my husband's PIA rather than his current benefit amount - does that mean I should be looking at his Social Security Statement to find his PIA rather than just calculating based on what he's currently receiving? This transition feels much more manageable with all the detailed guidance from everyone here. Thank you for taking the time to share your professional expertise!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm amazed by the wealth of knowledge and support being shared here! I'm currently helping my elderly mother navigate some Social Security questions, and reading through this thread has been incredibly educational. The level of detail everyone has provided about DAC transitions is remarkable - from the practical tips about documentation and timing to the specific regulatory references like Section 1634(c). I had no idea about the various Medicaid protections available or how complex these benefit transitions can be. A few things that really stood out to me that might help others in similar situations: 1) The importance of creating a comprehensive paper trail and keeping meticulous records - this seems to be a recurring theme for successfully navigating these systems 2) The value of reaching out to specialized resources like Protection and Advocacy agencies and benefits counselors who understand these specific transitions 3) How critical it is to get representatives who are actually experienced with DAC cases rather than general SSA staff This thread is going to be such a valuable resource for families dealing with similar transitions. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and expertise so generously! It's clear this community truly understands how overwhelming these processes can be and how much difference good guidance can make.

Welcome to the community! As someone who's new to navigating Social Security benefits, I'm finding this thread incredibly enlightening. The complexity of transitioning from SSI to DAC benefits is overwhelming, but the detailed guidance everyone has shared here is making it feel much more manageable. I'm particularly struck by how many different agencies and programs need to be coordinated during this transition - from SSA to state Medicaid offices to various disability service providers. The advice about creating a comprehensive tracking system and maintaining detailed documentation seems absolutely essential. One thing I'm curious about - for those who've successfully completed DAC transitions, how long did the entire process take from initial application to receiving the first DAC payment? I'm trying to help a friend understand realistic timelines for planning purposes. Also, the information about ABLE accounts has been really valuable. I hadn't realized how useful they could be not just for resource management but for quality of life improvements like home modifications and assistive technology. Thank you all for creating such a supportive and informative environment. It's clear this community understands how critical accurate information and emotional support are when dealing with these life-changing benefit transitions.

As a newcomer to this community, I'm incredibly grateful to have found such a wealth of practical knowledge about DAC transitions! Reading through everyone's experiences has been both educational and reassuring. I'm particularly impressed by the emphasis on proactive documentation and communication. The advice about creating transition binders, tracking all interactions with agencies, and sending notifications in writing seems like it could prevent many of the administrative errors that others have mentioned experiencing. The information about the various Medicaid protections (Section 1634(c), DAC Special Protected Status) is something I never would have known to ask about, but it sounds absolutely critical for maintaining healthcare coverage during and after the transition. It's concerning how many caseworkers apparently aren't familiar with these protections, which makes having the right documentation even more important. I'm also struck by how many different timelines are involved - application processing, waiting periods, Medicare eligibility - and how important it is to plan well in advance to avoid any gaps in benefits or coverage. For families just starting to consider this transition, this thread demonstrates how valuable it is to connect with experienced advocates and specialized resources rather than trying to navigate these complex systems alone. The generosity of knowledge sharing here is truly remarkable!