My dad just moved in with me; he's 67, and we need to get his SSI and Medicare started (he has never received these benefits). He's from WV and had a WV driver's license, but moved to FL to work and never transferred his license over; then, he let it expire.
Shortly after moving there, he developed bad cataracts and couldn't see. Bad move on his part. He recently had a stroke in March and then a prolonged grand mal seizure. He moved here so I could help care for him and didn't want him to live alone.
Now, I'm struggling to get his benefits started because I don't know how to prove residency here in OH, where I live, for him to get a state ID. He does not receive mail here, he has no bills, and doesn't receive benefits yet. None of the required documents to prove residency apply to him. I'm at a loss for what to do.
I can't sign an affidavit for him either, because in OH, that only applies to children or spouses. Has anyone else gone through this and can provide some insight on what to do?
There were a couple of things that popped out of the many that appeared.
1)Homeless Individuals: Several organizations in Ohio help people experiencing homelessness obtain IDs and proof of residence. For example, the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) assists with obtaining documents like birth certificates, social security cards, and proof of residence, often accepting shelter addresses for this purpose. Some organizations may even help with the cost and transportation associated with obtaining these documents.
2)The key is to provide reliable evidence that clearly links you to your Ohio address.
Just brainstorming here with you.
Perhaps having him sign a simple renters contract would be helpful as you start this journey. Might come in handy at a certain point. Not as a fraudulent document. With clear intention when he has the funds he is to pay. This to protect the both of you.
Can you prove he is a citizen of the US?
Do you have a copy of his birth certificate? A copy of his marriage license and then your birth certificate? This to show a paper trail to you.
I know when my DH aunt let her DL expire it took a couple of visits to the DMV before we had enough of the preferred docs to get her an ID card and she had lived in the same county for 90 + years.
Homeland security laws made some things more difficult to access than they were at one time.
Personally I think you need an elder attorney because the decisions you make now will affect future benefits and knowing he is so young this could consume the rest of your life. You will want to pace yourself and not take on more than one person can do. You need legal documents and professional advice.
Google Medicare and Medicaid for Ohio Elders and you will learn about dual eligibility and . “MyCareOhio”.
He has worked, paid into both SS and Medicare, is a citizen and has a young daughter. All that really helps him.
Don’t forget to build in boundaries and protection for yourself.
He is young to need so much help.
You are going to have a good deal more problems with this given that your father has not to this point collected or had history with any of these agencies, and apparently has not on the phone done change of residence with SS, as is required.
I would call SS. I hear the waiting time (about one hour in 2020 when I had to speak with them as regarded my brother) is up to several hours in length, so be sure the cell phone is charged up or use a landline.
You may also want to look up "How to establish residency in the state of ____________. online. You may be down to accompanying Dad with his documents to DMV to get ID, That would be what would happen here in California I do believe. If you see an attorney for POA, then that attorney can also advise you (as well as send a lot of nifty mail and bills to his residence) re establishing residency and making applications. You are going to have to establish an MD, as well. Again, that is bills and proof of address right there!
Does he have a bank account. I use my Statement proving my address. My DH owned the house before we were married. None of the basic bills have my name on them.
Have you gone in person to the SSA office? That might be the answer for getting this set up.
Best of luck getting his mess sorted out.