Questions About Disability...

[Katy Lynn]

I have just submitted my application for disability. I'm trying not to be too negative, but I really don't think I'll get approved. I have been reading on here how many people have to get lawyers before they even have a chance.

I was wondering, those of you who went through a laywer for your disability claim, how much is that?

I don't have much money and so I was considering going to a legal aid center and requesting free legal services. Anyone have any experience with that?

I've found that I can NOT work and go to therapy at the same time. Therapy leaves me too raw and emotionally sensitive to even go to the store during the day. So I haven't been to anything but my PCP for some time. Is that something I need to rectify before my claim is reviewed, or is that something that will be understood: I need to be not going to work in order to seek treatment?

Thanks for any and all advice you can provide.

 

[TLight]

I'd say see a therapist or pschye doc to build your case.
I went through one denial. If you get one of those lawyers who do it for a living, they take a percentage. I had a back log because I hadn't been able to work for several months, so I didn't really even feel it.

Keep working on it, it may take awhile, but when you win they go back to when you first applied and were unable to work.
Plus, check into your work benefits.

 

[catjudo]

I was approved the first time I applied...was not denied, didn't have to go through an appeal process. It can happen, but the more documentation you have the better.

If you are denied, you can appeal without an attorney. Many find that having an attorney makes it easier. Like TLight said, you don't need upfront money for the attorney. If you are denied, you can find an attorney who specializes in disability claims. Upon meeting with them they will determine if your case seems like something that can be won. If they think it can, they will take your case on contingency...it costs you nothing up front but they get a certain percentage of your back pay when and if you are approved.

 

[Phenioxrising]

I was approved the first time also. I would talk to your phyc. as catjudo sugested. Also just filling out the form the first time, and see how it goes. Then decide on an attorney. Back pay helps a lot.

 

[Ted Moen]

I was denied, called 1-800-Call-Sam, was referred to a firm that specialized in SSD, and won the appeal. The amount they charged was reasonable, set by SSA, not a percentage of the total settlement.

Good luck.

Ted

 

[Katy Lynn]

Thank you for all of your responses. It's too easy to lose all hope. It's nice to hear some success stories now and then :)

 

[raven123]

Keep a journal of everytime you have a symptom. Anything. Date, time, duration, what happened. More you have, better it is. Also, write down what you feel that day, how long depression, panic, whatever makes you feel not normal. More you document, better you are. That is how you get disability. Document, document, document everything. Get witnesses (adult like a spouse) to write down their observations of these events, too. Most have to get a lawyer after the first appeal is denied (if it is). But, if you do the document thing, you case will be easy. You might even get approved on the first appeal, which you can do yourself. Submit the 3-4 months you got then and let them know, you do this everyday. Good luck.

A guy had incontinence and did that, he had 365 days worth, and got approved first try. Everytime this guy peed, he wrote it down. He got it because he had to pee 15-20 times a day. Yeah, not kidding. LOL

 

[Katy Lynn]

That's a great idea Raven. I will do that. There's a lot of people around me, spouse, coworkers, friends, family, that are very worried and would love to have something like that to help. I'll reach out to them, and start working on documenting on myself.

 

[quaintpapercut]

I was denied disability benefits and have hired a lawyer to appeal the decision. I paid nothing upfront, but they do take a tidy percentage. There's no shortage of accident/disability lawyers who work on a contingency fee basis , so no worry about that. The tricky part is weeding through all the bad apples.

I hope you get approved though.

 

[raven123]

Binder & Binder is one of the worst I read. Go with a local SS Disability lawyer is the best way cause they know the local legal scene where you will go to court.

 

[DharmaGirl]

I'm using Allsup.com. They have a really good success rate. I'm on long term disability (LTD), and the LTD company makes you sign up for SSD.

 

[BlackbirdSinging]

Binder & Binder is one of the worst I read.

Oh no :facepalm:. I have an appointment with them today. I already felt defeated today. Now I feel worse.