A few months back we ran a very valuable poll on the subject of disability allowances.  We wondered how many of our readers actually received some form of disability payment from their governments because of the medical condition.  You can see the results here.

With this blog post we would like to extend the conversation a bit further.  We would like to explore how difficult it was to get payments you think you were owed.  As a point of full disclosure we get Disability Living Allowance in the UK for our son who has autism.  When we were in the process of applying we were advised to get professional help.  This was because the forms were set out in a  way as to make them almost incomprehensible to somebody who was not a public servant.   That being said we did and do get payments for our son so……………

Firstly it would be great if you could take the poll below sharing what you felt was the level of difficulty in getting a disability payment.

Secondly it would be great if you could use the comments box to tell us your story about making a claim for disability support.  Especially if you have any tips you can share with our readers.

Many thanks in advance!

 

Tabbie	For anyone applying for disability please contact your senators office, check online for your local senator and get the email. Tell them how long ago you applied, what your process has been like, the fact that you have no income and they will do an inquiry. My husband applied with a lawyer, got his first denial (almost everyone does) then 6 months later ended up contacting his senator. The SS department canceled his physical exam and approved him within 60 days of him contacting his senator. He got his back pay before his first check (almost unheard of). It may not help you, but worth the time submitting an e-mail.
JessicaTaber	How long after you applied did you get the response? We applied Jan 15th. We went for a psych exam from the state Dr but still no response…
theUnprofound	When went to my screening the Doctor didn’t even know what Rheumatoid Arthritis was, she just did so xrays of my knees, which were not inflammed at the moment. So, knowing that the Doctor was going to decline my request. I wrote Governor Rick Perry in Texas where I live, before my verdict came in, and explained my situation, and he granted me benefits. This was way back during his first term as Governor, and I’ve had benefits ever since. But, it is too bad the benefits don’t cover natural remedies.
AngelaSwanson	It’s not a cancer so they didn’t seem to give a damn
Mser1986	I filled out the necessary papers on line and let my neurologist and primary doctor know that I filed the papers. Let them know every little thing that has changed. From not being able to do everyday things to what you can no longer do with your family. Good luck!
Kkgmudryk	A little late on the reply … I’ve just come across this forum. When I appealed, I sent in copies of actual doctor and specialists reports. I find that depending on the doctor or specialist, if I tell them ahead of time that I’m trying for benefits, they might write their reports a little different. Worded more carefully. When I appealed, I sent in a letter I wrote and 1 letter from a specialist. At the very end of the letter, he wrote something along the lines of ” she is severely disabled and will remain this way” … Or something like that. I got approved. Keep trying. I totally know the hopeless feeling and it can be so hard sometimes. But you have to keep trying. Good luck!
Kkgmudryk	Hi there The advice that I received from specialists and doctors was to not give up. Keep applying. I had applied for AISH as well and was declined quite quickly because my spouse makes too much apparently. Which is fine but we are still struggling. So I decided that AISH was a lost cause. I couldn’t try to appeal as his income wasn’t changing. So I focused my time and energy on CPP. I just wrote a long post about my journey so far …
Kkgmudryk	I’ve currently been off work for almost 2 years due to an accident about 3.5 years ago. Have quite a few issues.. But a lot is unknown right now. I am in canada. So when I first went off work, I did apply for EI disability benefits. I was approved but you only receive 15 weeks of pay. After that, there really isn’t a lot of options as far as benefits. I applied once for cpp disability ( was advised by dr and specialists that it’s quite hard and you usually get declined) so I waited and then got declined. I didn’t appeal at that point. So I actually reapplied this year. I was declined once again. So I appealed and actually got approved for benefits. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s awesome but not at the same time. It’s kind of like all the things drs have been saying about you… Writin in the reports … It’s all true. And you kind of need to go through the excitement of being approved but then it’s like you need to go through all the emotions associated with the reason WHY you’ve gotten approved. For some people, this may not be difficult. But I am 27 and my drs outlooks don’t look great. I know, stay positive blah blah blah. But after what I’ve been through … It hard. So I’m still waiting on actually receiving the benefits. I got the original letter saying I was approved. Then another letter … This one sent really say much. Said you had to wait. And then last week, I got another letter explaining how much I receive monthy, and they are even providing retroactive pay for me. It’s going to help a lot. What I did find annoying was that they provide you with a phone number in case you have any questions. Ok, I call, apparently because they are sooo busy they aren’t accepting calls. So where does that leave me? I need to try and find the time to go to a service canada building. I would say that overall, the process is frustrating. For a couple of reasons. You don’t really get assistance while completing the application. The wait times are kind of crazy. I’ve heard of people waiting months. I guess I just got a little lucky. there aren’t a lot of options for disability benefits I find. I understand, if it was easy to obtain, everyone would try. And I do understand that there are a lot of people with varying disabilities and it’s a case by case kind of thing. I wish there were some other programs that could help you out. So still waiting to receive the benefits. I’m not sure if I have a blank chq on file ( same place that provided my EI payments and that was direct deposit ) and I’ve tried going online to figure this all out, but I couldn’t sign in and you need to request a user code and wait as well. Frustrating. End rant! Lol
LindasueZambach	I was denied as well. Contact Allsup they handle MS cases. They handle all the filing and paperwork. They walk you through everything. When you contact them say I referred you. If you need their website or phone number I can give it to you. You have to submit your appeal ASAP or at least in 90 days. Good luck to you.
LukeBiltonLynn	Based the disability living allowance application on worst days, was honest about support needs and included all possible professional’s details for consideration. Took them 3 months to make a decision but we get some support around both mobility and care for our 10 year old aspie son.
RachaelCox	MichelleHarper  Hi Michelle, my 16 year has Aspergers & we live in the uk. May i ask how you got the pass for the theme parks? XX
MarilynRoberts	SayruhxSays Lawyer.  He gets 1/3rd of that nice big first check, but for some reason judges listen to lawyers, not mere citizens.
MarilynRoberts	RondaShammoStoker Lawyer.  He gets 1/3rd of that nice big first check, but for some reason judges listen to lawyers, not mere citizens.
MarilynRoberts	Diag’d in ’93.  By ’95 MS took away balance issues and made the bathroom need to be accessible in mere moments notice.  Applied for SSDI, turned down initially.  Then lawyer got me approved, but took his 1/3rd of my first big check.  I have gotten raises from SSDI yet I still get less than a thousand per month.  How am I supposed to eat, keep a roof over my head, and keep utilities on that much?
TanyaSwagelHansen	Our son is ASD, has multiple genetic diseases including a bone marrow failure disease, bone deformities and is declared “disabled.” I had to give up my career to care for him full time. We dont qualify fro SSI or any state assistance because according to them my husband makes too much money. We have 5 children, our youngest being the one mentioned above. Nobody takes into consideration how much we must pay out of pocket each month for his care, meds and needs. On top of that we must travel from wisconsin to minnesota and out to seattle for appointments. That is all of pocket…..but nope, not a penny in help for us.
Suz Swanson	SSI for him. Easier to get as a child than as an adult
Suz Swanson	2.5 yes for me
Suz Swanson	Yes, keep fighting.
Suz Swanson	Hire an attorney. It’s hard to get it at recon.
SharonStephensSchaefer	It can affect the ability to own a weapon of any kind. In some places you CAN’T get a professional licence of different kinds I.e. nursing, as a physician, law enforcement because they count as granted for mental instability.
ShanL	I was diagnosed with MS in ’92, and the neuro (In Saskatchewan) I HAD ( had being the operative word) told me I would be in a wheelchair within 3 years. I am still on my feet,  I applied for CPP disability and was turned down… the reason they stated “I had not paid enough into the CPP plan to warrant getting benefits” I worked from the time I turned 16 till 2010……steady……  I then applied for AISH, they denied me saying I can earn a viable living. I appealed as when I was diagnosed I was diagnosed with Relapsing and Remitting MS.  Since then my MS has progressed and have tried Lyrica, and gabapenten, to help with the pain, nothing for the CFS, have 2 discs out in back that will not stay in place, Osteoarthritis, scoliosis, and that doesnt include what they class as the more minor afflictions. I walk with a cane, my balance is really bad. I am having a hard time getting any kind of benefits at all
JulieMon1	had to hire an attorney, so he got 1/3rd of my back pay, took 2 yrs to get in okla.
MichelleHarper	I am in the uk and I was granted disability living allowance first time the only I can give is answer all questions as fully as possible and put down every little detail however minute, also answer the questions as if you were giving a worst case senario because at some point we all have to deal with the worst case side give as much information and examples as possible. I am glad we got accepted as my son now has a years pass to most of the theme parks in the uk and we are off on holiday soon so don’t give up.
davigash	We were not considered until my child was 18. Prior to 18, they count everyone’s income in the household, even other children’s income in the home. That was for SSDI. I put our name on waivers list for Medicaid providers and that took 18 years. Put your name on all available lists, whether you currently need it or not. You never know about the future.
dizzydaniels	I am wondering if anyone knows if I could get my 7 year old on disability and if so will effect him in the future. He has adhd, anxiety, and autism.
JenniferReichner	I applied in January 2013, and was denied twice already , now I’m patiently waiting for my appeal, who my lawyer said can take a year ..
JenniferKempton	ssi i got right away, i’m having issues getting medicaid through the county though.
RondaShammoStoker	I have been denied twice and can not claim being disabled on taxes without being paid by Government.  Is there any tricks?
RondaShammoStoker	I did not apply early enough.  They have denied me twice now.  Waited for children to get old enough then was not able to work because of The MS.  Should I keep fighting?
AmandaMcDougall	Claiming Disability Living Allowance for children under sixteen with brain related conditions A step-by-step guide for parents, carers, support workers and advisers a guide from cerebra i found relly helped well worth a look . http://www.cerebra.org.uk/sitecollectiondocuments/books/dla_guide.pdf