"What is Social Security, SSI and SSDI?"

Social Security-This Federal Program started during the Great Depression under Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The purpose was to provide retirement income since the American business system was not set up to fund the retirement of its employees. For information call toll free 1-800-772-1213.
TTY 1-800-325-0778. Website: www.socialsecurity.gov

Disability Payments are made under two programs: 
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Supplemental Security Disability Income)

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) You do not have to be disabled or blind to collect SSI if you are 65 or older This program is run by Social Security that pays monthly checks to the elderly, the blind and people with disabilities who do not own much or who do not have much income. If you get SSI, you usually get food stamps, and Medicaid. Medicaid helps pay doctor and hospital bills.
SSI disability payments are made on the basis of financial need.

SSDI (Social Security Disability Income) Pays monthly benefits to people who are unable to work because of a mental or physical condition. The condition must last for one year or more or be expected to result in death. To qualify for benefits you must have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security.
If you apply for Social Security disability benefits and do not have enough work under Social Security you might qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI last as long as you are disabled and unable to work. If eventually you can do substantial work the benefits may stop.

If you receive SSDI at a payment amount lower than the rate of SSI you can receive both SSDI and a SSI check which will be equal to the SSI state payment.  States such as Ohio have a Medicaid spenddown.

"What is the Governor's Council (GCPD)?"

The GCPD is designed to work with the Governor and the legislature to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities within Ohio.  GCPD is a 21 member council appointed by the Governor of the State of Ohio.  Within statute a minimum of eleven members must be persons with disabilities.  There are four primary committees within statute. 

These committees are Access Concerns, Education, Employment, and Health & Welfare.  Members of the council should represent the geographical, racial, gender, disability types, and ethnicity of the State of Ohio.  Each year seven members are either appointed or reappointed to the council.  An appointment is for three years and a member can not serve more than two appointments.   (Please review mission statement.)

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