Supplemental Security Income (SSI):  The ins and outs of what it means, eligibility, application process, and so much more!

SPEAKER: Amber Lydford, BENEFITS SPECIALIST II SOUTH CAROLINA VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION DEPARTMENT

DATE: Thursday, February 17, 2022

LOCATION:   Zoom meeting link will be provided

 TIME: 10:00 am – 11:00 am EST

REGISTRATION:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ssi-ins-outs-what-it-means-eligibility-application-process-and-more-tickets-245971907597

 DESCRIPTION OF WORKSHOP:    Are you a parent of a child with a disability and have questions about SSI? Is your child currently getting TEFRA Medicaid and between the ages of 17 and 19, and not yet getting SSI? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then this training will help clear the air. This training will focus on how to apply for SSI, how the definition/criteria of disability is different between a child and an adult, and what happens when the child turns 18.

 Trainer Bio:

My name is Amber Lydford and I am a Nationally Certified Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC), otherwise known as a Benefits Specialist II for South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation. I currently reside in Manning SC, however I was born and raised in the upstate area of NY. I have 2 Master’s Degrees, one in Psychology and one in Mental Health, married to a wonderful and supportive husband, and 3 children ages 20, 17, and 10. I moved to South Carolina in May of 2014, with the intention of obtaining my licensure in professional counseling however, it appears God’s intention and plan was much different, as my passion now resides within the work I have been doing for 8 years. Prior to moving to South Carolina, I worked in a variety of residential care facilities, where the title “as all other duties as assigned” truly did exist. While it was one of the most challenging occupations of my career thus far, it was also one of the most rewarding and what has helped me become the person I am today. Outside of being a mom, wife, and working for Vocational Rehabilitation, I enjoy working out 6 days a week, Church with my family, meal prepping/cooking/baking, and advocating for those that are unable to advocate for themselves.

With my current experience, I have assisted numerous individuals and families in dispelling the common myths associated with working and receiving benefits from social security. I have also assisted individuals in applying for Medicaid if they meet the eligibility criteria, and further, understanding the application and/or age 18 redetermination process with social security. I have a strong passion and believe that a piece of paper or medical diagnosis does not define the characteristics or abilities of an individual rather, the individual defines their own characteristics and abilities.