Mrs. Trello has been receiving Social Security disability benefits since February
1989; as of 1/91 her benefit is $300 per month.
Mr. and Mrs. Trello filed for SSI as a couple on February 1, 1991.
Mrs. Trello's SSI claim was approved effective February 1, 1991. Mr. Trello was found
not disabled (for both title II and title XVI).
Mr. Trello's claim was reversed on appeal in November 1991. Mr. Trello was found to
be disabled for title II and title XVI as of February 1, 1991.
The case is a title II offset situation. Mr. Trello is due a retroactive SSI payment
of $2,030 ($3,300 is due the Trello's as a couple for 2/91 through 11 /91 less $1,270
already paid to Mrs. Trello as an eligible individual).
Mr. Trello is also due $4,500 in retroactive title II benefits ($450 x 10 months)
which will be offset by the $3,300 SSI benefits paid, leaving a title II retroactive
amount of $1,200 after offset.
He will receive a total amount of $3,230 in SSI and title II benefits; whereas if
he withdraws his SSI claim, he can receive $4,500 in title II benefits. There is no
continuing SSI eligibility because of the couple's title II income.
In the absence of other considerations such as Medicaid, it will be to Mr. Trello's
advantage to withdraw his SSI application.