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Just starting to try for Disability.....

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Posted 7/30/2009 4:31 PM (GMT -7)

 

 

Hello,

The latest thing going on with me is Disability...Yes I am joining the many and trying for Disability.  What can I expect?  I called the SSA today to start the process and the lady I talked to told me to fill out the paperwork online...then if they need anything they will contact me.  Wouldn't it be easier to make an actual appt. and bring in a filled out application?  I mean, I think nthey want you to feel daunted about the whole thing so you won't do it.  But I am doing it....I haven't worked in 8 years, and I won't be working in the near future.  So, what can I expect?

 

Me.

Posted 7/30/2009 4:40 PM (GMT -7)
I can give you some advice. Be thorough in filling out the questions. Quantify everything like how many feet, how many hours, how often per day. Often it will seem like you are repeating yourself. Don't get discouraged. Get help from a close friend or family member if you can't think clearly. I did and I was so glad I did. I got my daughter to help me fill out everything that I received in the mail.

I started online, then they sent me paper work. Then I was scheduled to be examined by their doctors and that went well too. I followed up with all my doctors and made sure that they complied with sending in that which was required by the social security office.

I recieved my benefits after six months and it was my first and only try. The woman at the office (over the phone), said it was the best filled out paperwork she had ever read. Like I said, be specific and answer thoroughly, even if you feel like you are repeating yourself sometimes. I had been out of work for about five or six years too.

I wish you much success. You can do it!! If I can, then you can!

Lindaloo
Posted 7/30/2009 4:42 PM (GMT -7)
I have no advice on this one but just wanted to jump in and say Good Luck!!!!

Laurie
Posted 7/30/2009 5:17 PM (GMT -7)
Yup!  I wanted to say the same thing.  Good luck!  I hope this goes well and quickly.
Posted 7/30/2009 6:06 PM (GMT -7)
There are many different factors they consider when evaluating SSDI. Each is different so you can not compare stories from Ohio with those from Iowa. I will tell you the SSD website lists diagnoses that top the list. Age is also a major factor for many states. It seems younger individuals are more likely to be turned down initially. My advise - document and save everything. The more information and the more you can document that you are unable to function in a work environment the better. They definately look at whether you can be retrained for a different type of position. Make sure you get copies all of all you medical records so that you know what your doctors have written about you and your condition.

I applied online, provided all the documentation and then was called into the SSD office for an interview. Be very specific about what you can and can not do. Do not generalize.

Good Luck
Posted 7/30/2009 6:52 PM (GMT -7)
It is an understatement to say that you will feel like you are repeating yourself when filling out the SSDI application.

Before you start make sure you have the name, addresses and phone numbers of every hospital, clinic, and doctor that you have ever seen for the issues you are applying for SSDI. Also make sure to have a list of what type of jobs you have held in the last 15 years, and think about EXACTLY what you did in those jobs.

There is no time frame on completing the application so don't get into a hurry. Take you time and answer every question as completely as possible.

Finally make sure to write down all the PIN and ID numbers they give you before, during and after the application.

Good luck, and don't be too shocked if you are denied on your first go. Regardless of what they say most people with non terminal illnesses are denied on the initial application. Most who appeal, especially with the help of an attorney, seem to get it.
Posted 7/30/2009 7:22 PM (GMT -7)
Hi Me,

I can't help you at all, but I also wanted to chime in & wish you the best of luck with your application! From what I hear, it is a long & tough process, but I'm sure that there are lots of people here that can give you some great advice!

hugs.
Skeye
Posted 7/30/2009 8:32 PM (GMT -7)

 

 

 

Wow!  Thank you...everyone.  I know it won't be easy, not easy at all.  But I have to feel that it will be worth whatever hassles just to get it...I really wish I didn't have to apply at all, but I haven't worked in about 8 years as it is.  If it weren't for my mother I would be on the street.  So, I just wish I could do something to help pay my way and make my son not think I'm worthless... So, here goes..I guess I'll take my time and do it right.

 

If I need any advice I'll be sure and ask again...

 

Me.

Posted 7/30/2009 9:49 PM (GMT -7)
Rhonda,
Good luck with everything! I don't know much more about this either, but I am reading a lot on the ssd website. That is helping me to see what I need to make sure my doctors are saying in their reports.

It's a huge hassle, but what choice do we have? None that I can see, unless you win the lotto!

PaLady
Posted 7/31/2009 12:31 AM (GMT -7)
I'm not questioning what you say Mountainman but it was my understanding that a lawyer is paid from the award you receive from Social Security. Normally a percentage up to a specified amount. I don't think Social Security pays them this is why I thought I'd try it on my own the first time so I don't have to pay someone else the money I deserve. If I am denied on the first time I will get a lawyer. There is so much information out there that it becomes mind boggling at times.

Looks like alot of us are in the process of filing at the same time. Let me know when any of you hear anything.
Posted 7/31/2009 1:36 AM (GMT -7)
Me,, You have already been given some excellent advice. I have nothing to add to which you have already been given. Just wanted to let you know I am behind you and wishing you the best. Let us know how it turns out. You can do this. I know it is alot of paperwork and hassle but it will be worth it in the long run. All you can do it try.
Anice
Posted 7/31/2009 4:37 AM (GMT -7)
Rhonda,
I understand you not wanting to give any bottom feeding lawers your $$$ but as I understand it about 99% get denied the first go around anyway, so I figured I might as well let them do the majority of the paperwork because I'm lazy. They are going to charge me 25% or $6,000. which ever comes first. I'll bet if I get it on the 2nd try it will be 25% and 3rd try $6,000 but who knows??? Anyway, good luck to you and between you, I, and PA at least we will not feel like we're alone!
Hugz>
Pete
Posted 7/31/2009 8:38 AM (GMT -7)
 

 

   Dear Rhonda,

 

   Good morning. It is nice to see again. I know nothing of SSD. When it was mentioned to me the first words out of my mouth wernt exactly approiate for public areas... BUT! I do want to tell  you that I hope everything goes well. And if ya need any Muscle just let me know Rawr! Grrrr!  devil

 

   *huggs*

      dani

Posted 7/31/2009 9:00 AM (GMT -7)
mountainman
i believe it is only 2 years of being on ssd you qualify for medicare.

mike
Posted 7/31/2009 9:50 AM (GMT -7)

 

 

I was told that I couldn't get a lawyer if I hadn't been denied already...I also talked to a DA in my county and she told me that once I get denied, it will happen, NOT to reapply...to appeal.  She said that it will also help that I'm not a young chick...and the fact that I haven't worked in so long anyway might not help.  I already have TennCare which is medicare in Tn. so that's not an issue. I also get food stamps.  I have NO income...0. So, I am trying to get in touch with Hospitals that I went to in Knoxville years ago to get dates correct.  I had 2 surgeries and many many procedures over the years so I hope that will help.  I will admit that I am terrified...

 

I don't know what will happen, or how long it will take, but I am in it for the long haul...Thanks to my family here I have enough knowledge to make it....so Thanks...

 

Love ya,

all of you,

Me.

Posted 7/31/2009 10:24 AM (GMT -7)
I started out doing as SSA recommended and filed myself. I quickly decided I didn't want the hastle, and potential small mistake costing me the whole deals so I went and got an attorney - just the first one who answered the phone and who seemed to know what he was talking about.

Did a couple of exchanges of paperwork (I proofed and provided a signature) and that was about it with attorney.

7 weeks later (or there abouts) I got a phone call from that attorney - they had been paid and I should receive my first 'catchup' payment within a few days. I checked the account I had given them for automatic payments and the payment was already there.

My suggestions would be:
Get ALL paperwork completed to them, and have it done when you first file if possible. If it takes a few days to get the paperwork then don't file until you get the paperwork cause it won't go anywhere until the paperwork is all there (DD214 (Military Service Separation and it DOES make a difference), Marriage Certificate, etc.)
Write or type legibly. Make the SS agent's job as easy as you can. If they can match your paperwork up to their paperwork quickly and easily, better chance of the process proceding quicker and easier.
Posted 7/31/2009 10:24 AM (GMT -7)
I started out doing as SSA recommended and filed myself. I quickly decided I didn't want the hastle, and potential small mistake costing me the whole deals so I went and got an attorney - just the first one who answered the phone and who seemed to know what he was talking about.

Did a couple of exchanges of paperwork (I proofed and provided a signature) and that was about it with attorney.

7 weeks later (or there abouts) I got a phone call from that attorney - they had been paid and I should receive my first 'catchup' payment within a few days. I checked the account I had given them for automatic payments and the payment was already there.

My suggestions would be:
Get ALL paperwork completed to them, and have it done when you first file if possible. If it takes a few days to get the paperwork then don't file until you get the paperwork cause it won't go anywhere until the paperwork is all there (DD214 (Military Service Separation and it DOES make a difference), Marriage Certificate, etc.)
Write or type legibly. Make the SS agent's job as easy as you can. If they can match your paperwork up to their paperwork quickly and easily, better chance of the process proceding quicker and easier.
Posted 7/31/2009 11:44 AM (GMT -7)
You've gotten really good suggestions here and I wish you luck.

I'm about six months into my SSDI stuff. My whole case involves proving I've been ill for a certain period of time....so they can go back further w/ my work credits, etc.... I am waiting to find out the date for my hearing. I remain optimistic...

Anyway, good luck...keep us posted.
Tina
Posted 7/31/2009 1:56 PM (GMT -7)
Rhonda,
The attorneys in my area work the same way. They will not take the case until you've been denied the first time. My hunch is this is all about money. But it does seem lawyers in some areas take it off the bat.

There are a couple of new programs SSD has developed or refined; one is for a Compassionate Determination (I think that's what it's called - a CD), and there are a list of diagnoses on the social security website that will automatically qualify you. That's worth a review, as they are saying people can get it within a couple of weeks. However, many of these are serious, life-threatening illnesses. The other fast track program is called QDD, or Quick Disability Determination. As I'm learning (I'm trying to learn more) this is somewhat computer based in that the computer will have some words, phrases, diagnoses, etc. (I'm not sure what) that will lead very strongly to the likelihood of approval, and that social security would be able to verify your statements relatively quickly with medical records, etc.

It's enough to make your head spin!

From all I've read it's a two year period for Medicare, too. That's two years from the date your disability is determined to have started, not the date of your application. Also, I'm not sure how it is in your state, MountainMan (as some of these programs are state funded), you can qualify for programs like LIHEAP (Low Inome Energy Assistance Program) without being on SSD. I received it last year. In Pennsylvania, it's totally income based, and you just have to make sure you apply before the funds run out.

A crazy-making process, for sure!

PaLady
Posted 7/31/2009 3:06 PM (GMT -7)
Mountainman WOW

What a wealth of great information. Thank you for the wonderful postings. I know that if I did not have a lawyer handle my case is would have been sent to the end of the SSD line --- I think that is something like H*ll in the movie Beetle Juice. I was accepted and received my first check within 9 - 10 months. A friend of mine with the same disease tried filing w/o and attorney and was denied. Now she is waiting and waiting and waiting for her hearing. The potential money lost by being sent into SSD limbo is not worth the risk. I highly recommend interviewing attorney's that deal strictly with SSD. Don't screw around and use you neighbor's friend's cousin who specializes in who knows what because you think he or she would be less expensive.

Thanks a million Mountainman. What a fantastic asset you are to our family.
Posted 8/7/2009 7:31 AM (GMT -7)
Always the horror stories.....

What about the good ones. I filed and within 2 months had started getting my first monthly check. Within another month I received an entire years backpay, Meaning I could prove I would have qualified a year earlier but didnt. If you've been out of work for 8 years you'd have a good chance of getting back pay and plenty of it. But there is a limit of how many years you can get in back pay. A lawyer is paid out of your backpay usually. But why start with a lawyer

I never used a lawyer not once, didnt even talk to one. I'm 24 and was 17 when I applied...and like I said I received my first monthly check in about a month or two after filing and about another month or two later I recieved a years back pay. No lawyers, no court, not denials...Everyone doesnt have a horrible time dealing with this...
Posted 8/7/2009 10:09 AM (GMT -7)
StellaMarie

SSA is a FEDERAL program/system. Where the SSA is concerned, everything applies to everyone equally across all 50 states.

SSA sets the amount of the attorney fee that can be charged. No more, No less. So get whatever lawyer you want who will accept the amount that is set. Most larger areas have attorneys who specialize in this. Of course, that doesn't mean they are necessarily all real good.
Posted 8/7/2009 12:29 PM (GMT -7)
 

 

Thanks Chronspatient...I needed to hear something good about applying.  I haven't been able to work in over 7 years, and I already started getting records from where I used to live before.  It's amazing how much you forget as time passes...like dates, times, procedures, hospitals, Dr.'s names.....so I have to get some help with that...so I called the Hospitals in Knoxville and am sending the authorizations needed to get records...

 

I hope I don't have a hard time with this and have to wait for years....

 

Me.

Posted 8/7/2009 12:47 PM (GMT -7)
I didnt read through all the responses, so sorry if this is a repeat.
What matters most is what you cant do, not what your diagnosis is/are. Describe and document what you cant do, like dress self, cook food, walk x feet etc... be very specific.
other things to include on your app are pain issues, fatigue, and depresssion or other mental helath issues, It also helps if you see a therapist. I got it at age 29 which people told me wasnt going to happen.

I also suggest a lawyer. They dont get paid unles syou win. I think my lawyer got $2500.

I also think filling it out your self thoroughly YOURSELF helps. that way if you have cognitive issues it will show up. just my opinion. I think you have to write down who helps you fill it out if you get help. also I believe a lawyer can not helpyou fillit out.
took me 5 months start to finish to get ssdi, and I was denied once in that time.

after 2 years you get medicare. not sure why they make you wait so darn long. I get mine in november.

but thank goodness I did apply. now I can worry more about getting helathy. still struggle for rx costs but what can you do?- good luck

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