Hi,
As a recepient of SSD (this is ss benefits for people who have worked at least the last 20 years and they collect out of their retirment account) SSI is for people who don't have a (or have a short) work history, let me explain my experience in applying for ss. I had a nervous breakdown in 1997, went on temporary state disability for 6 months, and immeiately applied for ss. After your last paycheck, go apply for your state temporary disability (you pay into this with your tax money just like unemployment) People told me that it takes years to get approved and that you are always denied the 1st time. I however applied in April and was approved in August! 4 months, that is like unheard of...Anyway, I am on for my depression that I have suffered and treated with since i am 13 ( I am now 44) so my medical records went way back, maybe thats why I was approved so fast. If you have a good Dr. and, or this has been an ongoing condition, you shouldn't have any problems. But if you are denied, keep trying! There are ss lawyers who will take your case and only take their fee WHEN you get your ss award, so get to the yellow pages and find yourself a good ss lawyer. You have nothing to loose! Please let me know how this turns out. As for having the vehicle, ssi is basically a Federal Welfare, so I don't know if you can own anything of great value. Check that out with a lawyer.Your age should not have anything to do with you being disabled. Barb