Short Term Disability?

[EvenStrongerNow]

My CBT T says I'm going to need to come twice per week and possibly go to an outpatient program for this process. It's so hard for her to get a base line history from me because verbalizing it causes me to dissociate in session.

It has been suggested to me before to apply for disability until I can re-enter the work force. Does anyone have any suggestions, information, etc about this process? I know absolutely nothing about it.

Thank You.

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

I didn't mean to put short term disability as that would be through the state and I have not worked to be able to receive that.

 

[billie]

If you are from Australia your options are disability or sickness allowance. I try to work every now and then so I am on newstart with sickness cert saying review every two yrs. So it is a way to get sickness without The judgement by the department as it is hard to get dsp. They found it to be easiest to do it that way as cPTSD not in dvm-5. I hope not to be on it by then, but I've been told my condition is perminate by my Drs..... bugga.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Do you mean SSDI? I am guessing that's what you mean as you're not working so it wouldn't be through work and you already said it isn't through the state. I am on SSDI and I can give you some hints and tips if that's what you're referring to.

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

Yes, I suppose I am referring to SSDI then. I would appreciate any advice or tips that you have. I'm all ears. Thank you.

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

OK. I just got off the phone with the intake supervisor there. She said, "Oh so you understand that we can't fill out any forms for disability but you just want the records that state, from our perspective, that you do have PTSD?" I was like "Yah exactly." She was like, "Well we get requests like that and I don't see that being a problem."

Phew! I will just have my new T assess me since she has her doctorate degree and is qualified to do testing just in case.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I was gonna say....if records are requested, they have NO right to refuse to give them out as long as you have signed release forms. (I don't even think it's legal to refuse to release records!) I think what they meant when they said they don't fill out paperwork is that they don't help you with the application process. I don't think any doctors do this, to be truthful, as its something you do yourself or with a lawyer.

I honestly don't remember much of the process itself, but I can tell you what happened with me. My family filled out my forms. My family handled the entire process. The only thing I did was sign the initial disability form and help fill out the supplemental forms that asked me to describe my symptoms and such. I didn't have to go to a hearing, and I was approved within four months. But, from what I hear, this is not the norm. Approximately 25% of people are approved on the first application. The rest either give up or have to reapply.

What helped me get approved so quickly, and on the first application? Well, I had a solid 20 years of psychiatric records dating back to childhood when my trauma happened. I had four major psychiatric hospitalizations, two of which were during the SSDI application process.

Your case is a bit different, as you appear to be at a much higher functioning level right now than I was when I received my approval. I'm not sure if you're aware, but there is a functionality score that is most likely in your records if you've ever been hospitalized. The range goes from 1 to 100. My score was in the 50's at the time of approval. Your score is likely much higher as you're not bouncing in and out of hospitals as I was, you're well enough to attend classes, and have even considered getting a job as of a few weeks ago.

I'm not trying to scare you, but the application process isn't easy. Social Security wants lots of records to back up your claim, and the more records they receive, the better your chances of being approved. Many people are denied simply because they don't have the medical records to back up their claim.

I didn't get a lawyer when I applied. If you do get a lawyer, they will take a chunk of your disability money. I don't think its necessary to get a lawyer on the first try. Many people apply on their own and then get a lawyer only when they make an appeal.

 

[billie]

Wow sorry for your delema I am so lucky myDr oorganized it all for me. :(

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

Thank you

 

[Definitely..maybe]

Hey all! I just wanted to offer some hope to anyone going through this or thinking about it. Like @Solara I did the process by myself, it's been four months now and this morning was informed that I have a favorable decision. I am so grateful, but it reminds me that PTSD is such a real struggle, I never would have expected to be receiving benefits for a disability when I'm so young. If anyone is questioning anything or needs some help- I'm here.

 

[Smile]

@Definitely..maybe & @Solara, I would love some information on this process please!

Is it proper etiquette to ask my T to help me out with it? How do I even begin? How much do they help you out?

Thanks @EvenStrongerNow for this post and hope the process goes quickly and smoothly for you :)

 

[Definitely..maybe]

@Smile feel free to ask any questions and I'll help you to the best of my knowledge and experiences.

For asking your therapist..I've heard conflicting experiences. But I would definitely ask! Your therapist is going to be one of your greatest ways of proving your disability. Disability will contact them and have them fill out information based on your history with them, your diagnosis(s), your medication, the symptoms you have, if they believe it is truly limiting to you. Lots of questions! So they will have to do that information and I'm sure if you're close to your t they will be happy to help you to the best of their knowledge as well.

You're going to need to fill out an application and will (probably) get an appointment set up at a social security office.

Your best bet is to be armed with all your records.
For me that included:
-Doctors
-Medications
-List of all doctor visits, hospitals, tests (I have physical issues as well)
-List of all medications taken that year from my pharmacy
-Letters I had my doctors write for me before disability could even ask them (this way I was able to write a draft and they pretty much signed it)
-Copy of my previous college grades and then copy of all the drops I was forced to do and decline in grades.

Basically anything that showed how seriously my life was being impacted.

After that it was mostly a waiting game. They sent me to their own T who was extremely understanding and I'm sure played a role in the decision.

After that just a phone interview going over money I have coming in and bills.

Then approved!

I would just get as much evidence as you can, even if it seems silly or small to you, OVERWHELM THEM. You can go the route and get a lawyer but it just wasn't worth it for me personally. If I would have been denied once or twice I would have considered at that point most likely.

If you have any more in depth questions or anything- just ask or pm me:)

As a side note I would be careful about money going into your bank account, they will check that.

Another side note- this was just my experience. It varies completely from person to person.