Hello,
I need to introduce myself but,I will do that in the proper VJ forum. I am receiving benefits each month for the past 5 years, since an automobile crash for which I was not at fault. I am looking to gain part time employment for obvious reasons. Will my disability benefits count as income in this situation? If need to, I will gain full time employment but, my income would be less than if I was to keep my benefits and work a part time job.

Just a note: My name is Jeremy I'm 33 from Upstate New York (North of Albany)

My fiance Jean is 26 from the province Aguson Del Norte

Welcome to Visa Journey. You can use Social Security Disability benifits as income. You can not use SSI payments as income. Just send a copy of the new benifits statement for 2008 and the copy of the total benifits received in 2007. I also sent a signed statement that I do not file income tax returns since I had no other income besides the Disabity benifits and child support. I am not sure what stage of the visa process you are at. It will help if you fill in your timeline.

Good luck,
Meriem

Any disability income whether through SS or otherwise can be used to meet the income requirements but you'll need a statement of how long the benefits will continue. SS disability is usually only granted when the disability is considered permanent, so they are deemed to continue to age 65. Private disability benefits I've seen are either 1, 2, or 5 years or until age 65. If yours are part of a settlement then the terms of the settlement dictate the conditions to be met for benefits to continue.

I did the same as Meriem, minus the child support statement as I have no children. That was for the I-134.

Thank you all for the comments so far,


I am still in the beginning stage of the process. This is new to us but, Jean and I are relieved knowing that we have a great community of members to help us navigate the process by answering our questions.
I have already made my trip to the island (January '07). I am now ready to fill in the application. I want to make sure that I have the required information enclosed in the packet.

I am glad to know that the benefits count toward the required amount, Jean is also very happy.



Thanks again,

kano_pinay418

while it is good your looking ahead, you will not need to submit the I-134 with your I-129f. your fiance will need that for the interview in Manila.

best of luck

Can someone explain the difference between SS disability and SSI?

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

Thank you.

I was hoping for a litmus test definition. Maybe there isn't one.