Applying For Disability?

[trapped]

Has anyone here in the US applied for disability? What are the requirements to apply? How difficult is it and how long did it take?

I'm thinking about applying... I never liked the idea before, but I have been trying for a while to find a job, and haven't been able to. My last job I quit a couple months before I went to the residential center, because I couldn't handle the noise and all the triggers (plus was getting really ill from the ED ontop of it all). I haven't been able to find a new job to provide steady income. I can't afford to keep seeing my therapist much longer (though we've come to the conclusion she isn't a great fit for me, so not like that matters a ton) AND I'm going to be moving to MA soon, where I'll get fined if I don't have insurance (which I don't) and someone told me I may want to look into applying for disability or something.

 

[Mommy to 2]

Disability

I was placed on disability in November, last year, by my psychiatrist. I'm on "temporary" disability and I didn't "apply" at all. The doctor filled out the paperwork and put "depression" as my cause. I wasn't too happy about that, because of the so-called "social stigma" associated with mental illness. But, here it is, almost a year later and I'm still receiving EDD disability payments.

I also applied for and was approved for Victims of Crime compensation. They help with the co-pays and cover doctor bills not covered by my insurance. My ex, "Dick", receives his counseling through the same program and it's paid for entirely, because he has no insurance.

I don't know if that helps, but it's just my experience.

~Mommy to 2

 

[Grama-Herc]

All I have ever heard is how hard it is to get on disability. In my case, not so.

My doctors filled out all the papers and within a few months I was approved. Now, realize there are a lot, and I mean A LOT, of people who have tried many times to get disability and been denied. I have never been able to understand the guides lines if there are even any guide lines.

My diagnosis on paper is as follows along with list of meds.

Severe Clinical Depression.-----PTSD-----Panic/Anxiety Disorder-----Agoraphobia and Suicidal Ideation. I am on 200mg of Zoloft daily and Xanax 0.5mg 3 times a day.

I had some forms to fill out and questions to answer and I think if my memory is correct, my mom and a neighbor were mailed questionnaires about me. I'm not real sure about that part as it was in 1997.

I don't know what my doctors put in my paper work, but I remember my reaction when my approval letter arrived. To quote my reaction "Holy crap, I really am sick"!

I don't know if this helps you or not, but good luck and "Go For It".

 

[frangipani]

Hi trapped,

I applied for SSD in Sept. 2006 and was approved in Aug. 2007.

Although I've heard about it being extremely difficult for others to get approved, it was quite easy for me.

I was able to do my interview by phone and gave them a thorough history of my employment and treatment; the Social Security Administration handled all the follow-up.

I don't exactly know about the requirements for applying but I did know that, given my illnesses, I wasn't able to work and needed to try to get whatever benefits might be available to me. I was afraid of applying, knowing that most people get denied, but thankfully my case worker encouraged me to see the process through. "What do you have to lose?" are, I believe, what her words were.

I think what helped with my approval was a documented history of both trouble staying employed and getting treatment.

I'd really recommend giving it a shot...and as soon as possible. (There's a five month freeze of benefits during the app process...i.e., I applied in Sept. 2006 but my benefits started from from Feb. 2007.) You really do have nothing to lose. I'd also recommend going over the SSA website and learning all you can about the disability process (keeping in mind that the determining factor is whether or not you're ABLE to work).

Hope that helps! And good luck!

 

[Blessed84]

I applied for SSD in March of 2009 after realizing my illness was not improving to the point that it was feasible for me to work. My diagnosis are Major Depression - recurrent- severe without psychotic features and PTSD-Chronic. I was approved in July of 2009 and began receiving payments shortly thereafter. I mainly filled out an extensive form online, had a phone interview, and then signed releases so social security could obtain all relevant treatment information. I too was hesitant at first and had heard it was a difficult process but that wasn't the case for me. The list of exact requirements is on the SS website. Hope this helps and good luck!
Jen

 

[UConnclar]

Hi Trapped,
While I don't know anything about disability, I do live in Massachusetts. There are a number of really great, and cheap, health insurance options out there. Commonwealth Care is one as well as MassHealth.

I hope that helps take at least one stress away. Good Luck!


-Meg

 

[TLight]

Hi Trapped;
So good to read that others have gotten disability much easier than me.......unfortunately, I was one of those cases who took nearly 9 years, and it was a horrible journey because I was truly desparate.

But I started with Fibromyalgia as my main diagnosis, and at that time no one believed it was real. I was suffering greatly, not sleeping, no where to turn..........had to keep going.

There was one time I saw a counselor and so it was buried in my records that I had CPTSD and Major Depressive Disorder and Dissociative Identiy Disorder.........but I was pretty tough and managed to somehow not get it at the time and plugged along, trying to 'succeed in life.'

A few years later..........well, I was seriously off whack. Been denied three times and denied after a hearing even........tried to keep going, really sick.......then blew up at work and ended up with two really serious suicide attempts. I managed to apply again and got denied twice (the usualy routine) and then a hearing.........I had the same judge and he said; "I know you are making an obvious effort to work and you need help." I was finally approved and what a load off.............

I know it is easier if you are older 55 and above........I was living with a bum, ex-alcoholic who applied and got it within 3 weeks...........he was having a grand ole time in life, just didn't really want to work, Mommy sent him money.........and I was absurdly in pain, not sleeping, psychotic, suicidal...........truly desparate and near homeless........and denied repeatedly.

So, be prepared. It was a horrible experience for me. I had to beg, had no one to turn to to just rest...........I truly truly needed it and was beaten down repeatedly.

I hope it goes well if you decide to do it. Have plenty of medical records.

 

[SunnyBrookFarm]

My mom is currently in the process of filing for SSDI. Her diagnosis are: bipolar with pyschotic features; generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, eating disorder and suicide ideation. We applied in December '08 - she was just denied on the second level appeal and now we wait for the hearing. Although her lawyer is sure that she will be approved at the hearing level - it will take at least 1 year and possibly 2 for her to get her court date.

I only share this with you to let you know that it could take awhile to get approved. I have no idea why some people are approved more quickly than others but it is just how the system works. (My mom has several doctors fulling backing her on this by the way).

If you have STD or LTD through your work that is normally easier to get initially and will provide you with some income while you wait for the Social Security Administration to make their decision(s). Unfortunately, my mom did not have either of these benefits.

I don't want to discourage you - if you can't work then you should apply. Just be prepared for the fact it might take longer than you anticipated.

 

[SunnyBrookFarm]

I know it is easier if you are older 55 and above........I was living with a bum, ex-alcoholic who applied and got it within 3 weeks...........he was having a grand ole time in life, just didn't really want to work, Mommy sent him money.........and I was absurdly in pain, not sleeping, psychotic, suicidal...........truly desparate and near homeless........and denied repeatedly.

TLight - my mom is 61 - yet another sign that there is no sense to the system at all. I've heard sometimes it can depend on where you live but not sure if that's true or not. (Of course, this gives me some more hope that she actually will be approved at the hearing :think: )

 

[trapped]

Thanks for the responses everyone! It's great to hear all the stories.... I have been thinking about applying for a while, but I think the main reason I never have is because I heard how difficult and confusing and time consuming it was, and heard things that made me figure that I would just get denied anyway. I think I will try it tho- even if I get denied, I can at least say that I tried.

 

[SunnyBrookFarm]

Trapped -

The most important thing to remember is if you get denied - make sure to file your appeal (there are 4 levels) within the time frame (60 days). Otherwise, the process starts all over again.

 

[cynelena]

Good for you Trapped! You have nothing to lose since you already are going without:think:.

Keep us posted. Hopefully we'll have another positive story to share....and sooner than later:wink:!