Can I apply for social security benefits for my Mom who is in a coma?

I'm so sorry for you and your mother. This is awful. I'm assuming that she is under 70 or likely she'd already be drawing SS.

I would do as Pstegman said - look to the county for a pro bono attorney if you need one, which is likely. You may have to be made legal guardian first as was suggested previously.

This is a lot of stress for you on top of your mother's health condition. Please keep us posted on how you both are doing.
Carol

Call Social Security and ask. 1-800-772-1213.

So sorry you have to deal with this. The hospital should have people who can help you with this process. Also talk to her health insurance carrier and her doctor. Let us know how you make out. If you hit snags, often the county has lawyers who will help you pro-bono (free).

One shortcut is to see if she has a Durable Power of Attorney document naming you. If she does, you can transact business of her behalf. If she has a will, she might have also done a DPOA (we all should).

Been through this exact same situation with my mom. It's a journey. My mother recovered and gained her memory back too. She wasn't able to live alone anymore, but that was coming anyway. Hang in! And be very careful about anybody who wants thousands of dollars up front to help you... lost of sharks in these waters ; )

So sorry for this stressful and sad time in your lives. The hospital will have a social worker on her case. They also want to get paid so if she is not on medical or medicare they will start the process. Please keep us informed as to what happens, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Go on line, I did it for my brother. It's a pain. But you can do it. You don't have to have POA, it will ask you if you are filling this out for someone and if you will be helping her, say yes so you can do the phone interview. And if you go on line read up on SSI, that was a great help to me There is a list of diseases that qualify right now for temporary SSI. Give as much details as possible when filling out the info. Don't miss the phone interview because that pushes it back. Good luck!

As one of the previous posters stated "watch out for the sharks." There is no need to give anyone thousands of dollars to apply for social security. There is more than enough information on this site and social security sites to do the paperwork yourself.

The hospital people will help you also. Just stay on them.

Social Security will require the appointment of a legal guardian.

Very sorry to hear you are going through such a tough time and healing and peace sent to your mother.