Can my husband apply for disability from SSD even though he already has Medicare?

Shegun, wonderful advice. I will get started immediately. Thank you so very much!

First, if ur on Social Security disability before u turn 65 your amount is higher than if just SS. It was for my Dad and his widow, my Mom, receives more because he was disabled. I am pretty sure once you start SS and become disabled later you can't get more. Call your local office, they should be able to help.

Please Note: This is not a professional opinion but one derived from personal experience with a retired Lifer in the Army. Please consult all suggested individuals to see what benefits are available that cover the veteran himself and may extend to cover the SPOUSE. Depending on the amount of time served and if any payments were made toward veterans benefits, you may be in better shape than you know.

Before you do anything verify what actual benefits he may have through the military. Depending on his time serving his benefits may cover more than you think. Go directly to a local Veterans Hospital representative of the branch he served with and get their input and excellent advice/assistance at getting a complete picture of the benefits that he is due. You may not be aware of things he has coming to him... And this list of unknown benefits may also extend to cover the spouse herself. I had to do this when my husband was under VAMC care and passed away in 2010. Their help is indispensable. Be sure to go ahead and finalize ALL steps necessary to proceed with his death. It may sound cruel and premature, but it will save you much pain later.

In dealing with the Veteran's Administration, the Representative and the military in general, make sure that the spouse and a RESPONSIBLE other relative are given permission by written release to attend medical appointments with him and have all access to his records. I cannot stress the importance of another RESPONSIBLE individual being involved in the case there comes times when the spouse is unable to function as the Veteran's support person. Be sure when you try to make this decision that this is not the time for family nit-picking or partiality---pick the most RESPONSIBLE individual, no matter what their status is... There may come a time where he is unable to remember or even understand what the medical professionals are telling him or doing to him.... This is especially important if there are known hearing issues involved--I can guarantee that 80% of the patients will have some hearing impairment if they were exposed to battle, and the majority of the medical professionals will not make sure their voice is understood.

You military Representative will also be able to steer you to other avenues to discuss other places to seek help.

Do not make any immediate decisions on what some other individual thinks is your best move until you have pursued all exterior support and benefits.

I should clarify. Our daughter thought it may be easier to get us listed as her dependents for housing and other purposes through the Army if we were both "officially" disabled. Hubby is covered by VA/Medicare and all is paid for.

Has doctor prescribed oxygen? Is it not covered under a Medicare program already?

Thanks. Definitely food for thought.

At 68, I would think he is already at retirement age and would therefore not be able to file for disability benefits. Has he applied for Social Security? He would not get more on disability than Social Security. Have you looked into Medicaid where you live - this can help low income seniors pay for medical services and supplies beyond what Medicare pays. Please be aware that if you move in with your daughter and she claims you as dependents that it will affect benefits like Medicaid, Meals on Wheels, etc. available to you and your husband. It will change the calculations of what your household income and assets and program eligibility are if you are someone else's dependent.