Applying For Disability?

[skyp56]

I was one of those who had to fight for it. I was denied 2 times, then got a lawyer. I was denied once more, then waited 2 years to even go to court. Then I had to go through psych tests, and several more months before benefits were approved. Overall, 4 years of waiting. It was very demeaning to explain why I couldn't work. I had a very unsympathetic judge. I applied based on fibromyalgia, and major depression and anxiety disorder. I didn't know at the time that I had PTSD, as well. But, the fight went right out of the judge when he found out I was menopausal. That seemed to do it, for some reason.

It would have helped if any of my drs had been willing to be firm on my condition. So, try to get a dr to give a firm opinion on what you can no longer do, as that is what they base it on.

Even though it was very difficult, I don't know what I'd do now if I didn't have those benefits, as well as the medical coverage.

Wishing you well, whatever you decide.
{{{{{HUGS}}}}}

 

[AmberEyes]

How do you support yourself while you are waiting for this whole process? I have to work to pay the bills and have medical insurance, so will they see that as my ability to work?

 

[sidekick]

I was fortunate enough to get it the first time around back in 2002, I believe. I did have a few jobs in between my last "full time" job that I held and that is what they looked at in my case. The "full time" job and how long that one lasted. The other ones did not last long so were not counted.

I was hospitalized twice for a short time and we were also homeless at time of application. I know that I had a wonderful therapist at the time and other then that I have no clue how I got it so quickly. I too had heard stories of people being denied and waiting years and years.

I know that I am blessed to have gotton it the first time around. It has been a lifesaver to me and my family. I wish you luck!!

 

[SunnyBrookFarm]

How do you support yourself while you are waiting for this whole process? I have to work to pay the bills and have medical insurance, so will they see that as my ability to work?

AmberEyes - herein is the largest issue with the "system". You are not eligible if you make over $900 a month (I think you should verify that amount) - they consider this as being able to work - therefore you are not disabled. Sometimes even if you make less than that - it can be used against you - again they can say you are able to work. In my state - there are no financial benefits if you don't have minor children in your home while you are awaiting the SS's determination. My mom does receive food stamps and was recently approved for Medicaid (which ironically you have to be determined to be disabled for that as well :crazy:) - the Medicaid was not nearly as difficult for her to be approved. I am paying my moms bills - because she has no other income - while she waits. This is why I am so insistent that my children and husband (and myself) accept STD and LTD coverage through their employers - you can normally be approved for that much more quickly and it will provide you with some income in the meantime. Some states do have different programs and resources - so I would check with your local Health and Human Services offices to find out for sure.

But the short answer - is if you are working - especially if you make over the income limit - you will be denied.

 

[clare]

Hi Trapped,

I just wanted to remind you to gather all your medical/psych history before you move. In particular the discharge summary from your last IP. I know it's a pain, but I just went through this for applying for my son to get disability (as recommended by his psychiatrist) and had to round up about a file box full of records.

 

[AmberEyes]

Well, this makes no sense at all. Since I do not have anyone to support me financially, I will have to quit work and lose everything before I would qualify for disablity. I would have to lose my home, everything. I have no choice but to work. On the otherhand if I were married and my partner could pay the bills the whole story would be different. I could get on disability and still keep my home.

My doctor told me that I should not work over 4 hours a day (I have lupus.) She also told me zero stress. :wall: This was when I was 'happily' married. This was what she recommended just dealing with the lupus.

It is a f***** up world we live in.

 

[catjudo]

It is a very difficult and frustrating situation financially while applying for disability. However, if you look at it from the perspective of the SSA...if you're able to work throughout the disability application process, then you're capable of working. If you're capable of working, you don't qualify for disability.

 

[2quilt]

I wrote my story about applying and being awarded SSD. If you do a search on this website for "Social Security Disability" I think you will find it.