disability payments

32 Comments Posted on October 2, 2019October 2, 2019 Patient Talk

Disability Benefits – How difficult was it to get disability benefits for a medical condition? Now updated with new tips and stories!

Disability payments

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

43 Comments Posted on February 25, 2019February 25, 2019 Patient Talk

Disability Benefits. Do you receive any disability payments for your health conditions? Now with over 40 new stories added

Across the developing world social security and disability benefits have undergone massive changes.

What is a learning disability?

changes.

We thought it would be useful to find out a bit more about the experiences of our readers.

Firstly it would be great if you could take the poll below.

Secondly would you be able to use the comments box below to tell us more about your experiences apply for disability payments. Both the good and the bad. Any tips for other would be really useful.

As a point of information we receive a payment for our son with autism

Many thanks in advance

LiesaSchramayr	I was diagnosed with MS in early 90’s remitting relapsing now stage 2 secondary. Use a walker and cannot do the things I used to. My husband is self employed with no health benefits. I was finally approved for Trillium funding for prescriptions, but too little too late! I have been approved for CPP disability but turned down for Federal as they say my spouse makes too much money! Ha! Two kids in Rep Hockey and Competitive Dance, how do I tell them now we can’t really afford either. They have been part of it since they were 5 and 7 now 12 and 15! With a mom that can’t work! A little Federal compensation would have been a huge asset! I go without so my kids can enjoy what they do! Most days I live in brain fog, can’t walk let alone be reliable enough to get a job as fatigue is my best friend! If anyone has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate them! Thank you!
ShirleyFleming	Kkgmudryk Hi Dont know if you got the last message I just wrote as I may have pressed the wrong key but I just wanted to thank you for taking the time out to reply to my comment, I am sorry it has taken so long to reply but as I said in the last message ? (where ever it went ??) I have not been too good for the last few day’s have been very tired and my eye’s have been so very sore, stinging and watering all the time as well as bad headaches and aching all over but when I go to bed at night I can not sleep !!!! hope you get this message babe x
Kkgmudryk	Hi Shirley I’m newer to this group as well and have found it helpful. In regards to your post about medications .. I’m located in Canada first off. I am on a ton of medications. Can’t even count. I have coverage, 80% of the prescription. Even with that, I’m still spending 100’s a month. It’s ridiculous. There are some meds that are just to expensive so I talked to my Dr about it and she gives me samples. It sucks because it takes away from monthly income. Which I barely have as I’m on disability. I would ask your Dr for samples. Mine has also has given me ” cards” from the drug companies that allow you to get the brand name drug for the cost of generic. You just bring them into the pharmacy. I don’t think there’s much that you can do especially since you need the medications. Hope this helps and good luck!
ShirleyFleming	Hi, I have just recently come across your page and am finding it very helpful, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2014 but the previous year was diagnosed with Polymyositis which I am still undergoing treatment for, I have been given a new drug to try (Azathioprine) they say this will help the pain and I will be able to reduce my steroids( this I was thankful for as my cloths are now all to small for me ) however I have been on these new drugs now for 14 weeks and there does not seem to be any difference apart from being more fatigued and gaining more weight?? I have to go to hospital every 2 weeks for blood tests in case the Azathioprine is affecting any other organs (thankfully up to now all is ok). My Husband has been wonderful and works all the overtime he can to boost our savings as the amount of DLA I recieve is low and I even have to pay for my own prescriptions?? I am on 9 different meds daily and each one costs £ 8.16 per item every month this comes to nearly £50 a month so how can they tell me that my illness is not eligable for free scripts ???. Sorry if it looks like I am ranting on but I felt the need too. Thank you for your page it is very helpful and it is good to know that there are others feeling the same as me and it’s not all in my mind xxxx
Kkgmudryk	I agree on this! But I do also understand why it is so hard to receive benefits. If it was easy, everyone would abuse. Very frustrating as all of my illnesses can not be seen. Unless I just look totally like crap from exhaustion and pain ( which is more often then id like) My spouse is military, and they have a disability benefit. I tried enquiring about it and spoke to someone on the base and they said it’s probably one of the hardest benefits to receive. It’s not a monthly thing, it is a 1 time payout (6 figures) and that’s it. This woman that I spoke with, she said she’s been doing her job for like 20+ years and have seen soooo many people try for it and get declined. She told me of a woman that had MS who was wheelchair bound. Could not walk. Couldn’t go to the bathroom without help. It was bad. And she got declined! It’s so frustrating because we are already dealing with all the crap of being I’ll and the emotions and then to add the stress of finances. It almost feels like too much at times. I guess all I can say is to keep trying… When I finally got approved … I bawled and bawled. I couldn’t stop. All I could say was ” someone finally listened”
Kkgmudryk	Hi there. I am in canada as well. I’m just wondering what exactly did you apply for? Is it LTD benefits through your work or CPP disability benefits?
Kkgmudryk	Can totally relate! Would love to chat more with you if possible … We have some similarities and love meeting new ppl that can understand me.
susanswim	Hi, I receive cpp. I just wanted to get some things of my chest. Life is hard enough with out having medical problems. I have M.S. I know all the tax breaks but I’m tired as I went from a good paying job with goals and dreams. And was getting things done. Life was good I just divorced 9 years before my world came to an end. I had just finished paying his bills off and was planning on buying a house , I had been to the bank and was so happy. Then M.S. struck I lost my job and my hopes and dreams went up in smoke. Now here I am trying to live on my $843. a month , its hard . Now I’m depressed and broke . So it’s been 16 years for me being broke and depressed and I even get up set when I see people shopping and laughing and driving cars and going on vacation. Cause I got punished for getting M.S. it’s not right , I think we should be getting enough to live. Welfare lady up the road has it all a car goes on vac. etc. Well I want a car and I want to go shopping and I want to go out for dinner. I’m tried of counting pennies. 2 days ago I cut my hair in the bathroom cause i didn’t have the money. But the goverment don’t care. OK I’ve done my time I want to live and enjoy life not count the days till I get my CPP. $843. God I hope you are listening.
JudyBorawski	I receive Social Security Disability. After leaving my last job, it was getting very difficult for me, I decided to apply. I filed online and never had to go into the office. Had a couple of phone calls and a physical and and five months was approved. I have had arthritic knees for over 25 years but with over the counter anti-inflammatories I kept it somewhat under control. I then developed degenerative joint disease in both of my thumbs and was also diagnosed with dupetryene’s disease to both hands. I was diagnosed with thyroid disease at age 16 and was diagnosed with anemia after the birth of my second child 41 years ago. At one point I was hospitalized and received two units of whole blood because my hemoglobin was 4.7 even though my body was functioning somewhat normally. After a year of tests and receiving iron infusions the doctors got my levels to somewhat normal but still needed to take three iron suppliments a day. At age 55 I was sent to see a rhuematologist because I had full blown osteoporosis. He was the one that actually diagnosed my Celiac Disease. I have had the thumb joints to both of my hands rebuilt and just recently received a total knee replacement to my right knee. My hands are getting worse as the arthritis has hit them badly. I am now taking Celebrex which helps immensely. I am also fatigued all of the time. I do not know what more information you would need. But this is my story.
pippin2005	I have a severe and aggressive form of Crohn’s Disease and when I could no longer work 5 years ago, I applied for SSD with the help of a well known lawyer. I was approved within 3 months. Now I just got my 5 year review, which is now done by an outside agency. They have determined, based on “reports” from my PCP and Specialist, that I am cured and my SSD will stop next month. I immediately dug into what little I have left in my savings and retained the same lawyer. He sent me to my local Social Security office to file an appeal and request my benefits continue during the process. After spending all day there, I finally got to my caseworker, who spent an hour with me taking my info while constantly falling asleep. I then went to both of my doctors and lo and behold neither was contacted by Social Security nor sent any reports in. My lawyer is waiting for the supposed report, but has not received anything yet. This review was full of blatant lies! Besides, there is no cure for Crohn’s. I am 50 and have had it since I was 19, have undergone 13 massive surgeries including 2 on my larynx where the Crohn’s has spread (very rare). Most of my colon, half of my small intestines, my gall bladder, appendix, a falopian tube and much of the muscle mass in my upper right leg have all been removed. I am constantly in the hospital. I will be in there again Wed for the first of 3 iron and blood transfusions. I spend most days in bed sleeping, in pain and living on a high dose of Percocet, in addition to the other 32 pills I take every day. Treating sick people this way is a travesty, and once it is (hopefully) resolved, I plan to take legal action against this new outside agency. For me and everyone else they are screwing over and fabricating reports about. SSD is my ONLY income and my stress is through the roof because of this, which is only making me sicker! But something has to be done about this. If anyone else is having similar problems and reviews with false reports and are interested in taking legal action, contact me at maryjosimunovich@gmail.com.
GraveyardWalker	TonyAyers May I ask, how did you find out about being able to earn & how much in the state of Florida?
TonyAyers	I do not receive anything at this time. Stress being a big problem at work will get me someday, but I take my medications, and hope I can stay healthy as long as possible. I was told by a friend who files SSI and Disability claims, I’d need to start thinking about applying around the age of 55. Also, in the state of FL you can earn up to $1,000 while receiving Disability. The benefits will not be enough to live on, so I’d have to find something flexible enough to supplement my income. It’s very important to keep moving when you have MS, even if its wheeling yourself to the local Publix. We must keep on keeping on………………
CarolineWilliams	It was hard work initially had to appeal their decision. Though have been given the lower amount. Actually in the process of filling out another form so will be interesting to see the outcome as its due to end in July this year. Its a real shame we have to fight for this.
cinno2	DixieMileyFrederick yes I just got the same response, we are going to try an On The Record Review since I have new information for Neuro Rehab and Neuro Psych.
memelupie	I was denied the first time. I appealed, denied. Appealed again, denied. I got a lawyer, denied. Was told I’m young enough to learn a new trade. And that my autoimmune diseases were not disabling enough. Went to trade school before I applied the first time. No job and unpaid student loans is what I got. Appealed judges denial with a lawyers doing, he dropped me due to student loans. Wasted 6yrs of my life. Can’t apply now because I haven’t worked in over 10yrs. Thanx government.
memelupie	I was denied the first time. I appealed, denied. Appealed again, denied. I got a lawyer, denied. Was told I’m young enough to learn a new trade. And my autoimmune diseases were notDid that before I applied the first time. No job and unpaid student loans. Appealed judges denial with a lawyers doing, he dropped me due to student loans. Wasted 6yrs of my life. Can’t apply now because I haven’t worked in over 10yrs. Thanx government.
memelupie	I was denied the first time. I appealed, denied. Appealed again, denied. I got a lawyer, denied. Was told I’m young enough to learn a new trade. Did that before I applied the first time. No job and unpaid student loans. Appealed judges denial with a lawyers doing, he dropped me due to student loans. Wasted 6yrs of my life. Can’t apply now because I haven’t worked in over 10yrs. Thanx government.
CorinneTeKanawa	i live in New Zealand and our application process is simple. our local work and income office (where people recieve a benefit when they cant work or due to age/injury you cant bring in enough money to live on etc) gives us a form to take to the specialist to sign off, then we provide evidence of the condition (notes) or they call to confirm that everything is legit. i went in on thursday afternoon and by that night it was approved and arrears paid and in my account. i will recieve $91.33 every tuesday fortnight (every second week) and it pays for whatever is needed…trips to specialist appointments, medicines if needed, anything extra you need to buy for their disability…etc. it is really helpful but there is a certain criteria to meet but as my daughter is low functioning she fit into it. every few years it gets reviewed so they send you the form again for the specialist to sign off on again to say “so and so still has such and such disability with little or minimal improvement”. i also have one for my son who was born with a club foot. helps with extra trips to the hospital for him and the crazy amount of shoes we have to buy him every year. good luck to everyone that applies though, wherever in the world you are 🙂
MarilynRoberts	The typical process of application is that nearly everyone is rejected the first time they apply. However to be approved on appeal, you usually have to have a lawyer. Now your first check will be for all the months since you could not work. That lawyer will take his fee of 1/3rd of that nice big check. From then on you get ONE little check per month, which you are supposed to live on! Usually you need a lawyer to win your disability hearing. And that first big check goes to the lawyers office, not you! You get those bitsy monthly checks starting month 2 after you are court approved.
DixieMileyFrederick	I was turned down the first time and did an appeal in Nov 2013, just called them and they are telling me it can take 15 months! That is awful what are we to do with no money coming in? Does anyone else have this issue?
Yopapipa	In Russia I get $200 from State. Walking with cane not more then 400 meters. Because of corruption there are a lot of fake invalids in Russia, who get money from State.
kuhlkees	Get a lawyer before you even start – they will prevent you from making mistakes that can hurt your claim. Also get a doctor that will work FOR you and not against you. Mine basically said I was just “nuts” and that was the end of my 3 year fight for help. His assessment was based on the fact I wanted to be an informed patient and would not just “do” whatever/whenever he wanted without asking too many questions. Also if you have a court date try to look like shit that day and act very slow/tired – I just looked too “normal”.
everything	For autism? For a child? I don’t think children can get SSD. If you are extremely poor you can get SSI up to about $700
CraigNJenniferBlewer	I went to vocational rehabilitation and they said i needed to apply for ssd. I was approved.
RonLehnerJr	No I was denied and appealed and was denied I have been waiting 30 months now for an administrative law judge hearing for me. I have a heart that pumps at 20% with a bad LAD artery, seizure disorder and no use of left foot My son does not receive either and he has autism (non verbal), SPD (sensory processing disorder), ODD (oppositional defiant disorder)
JillianMatthews	Was repeatedly denied for several years until my local hospitals attorneys filed on my behalf they too were denied on my behalf and then filed for appeal went before a judge and was immediately approved the judge was enraged with how the people from the disability office handled my case and told them so he was practically yelling at them. I received retroactive payment going back 6 years and didn’t have to pay the attorney as the hospital that was originally treating me paid the lawyer’s fees for me.
majobrien	I think I am one of the lucky ones.I applied for Long Term Disability June 28,2012 (I’m Canadian). I received notice on July 6,2012 that I was approved.I was 49 years old. I was on sick benefits from my work until Aug.3,2012 and received my first disability cheque Aug.28,2012. I was assigned a case worker that walked me through the whole applying process.It was a lot of paper work,forms to fill out and gathering reports from different doctors but it was worth it.At that time,I was deemed disabled for my ‘own’ occupation and would be re-assessed at a later date.In the fall of 2013 I received notice that I was deemed disabled for ‘any’ occupation. I will receive LTD benefits until age 65, at which time my regular pension will kick in.My employer (which is the Nova Scotia government, I’m an X_Ray Technologist), will continue to pay my pension credits as long as I am receiving LTD benefits.Personally, I have no complaints with the system in Canada. I am sure there are horror stories out there but thankfully, I don’t have one. Good luck to you all and God bless!
ShandiKDews	called the SSA, set an appointment. The lady called, asked a bunch of questions…SHE filled out the forms, and requested all the necessary documents. I got a call a few months later, saying that my son was both medically and financially approved. Got a backpay deposit that day, and his first regular payment the first of the following month. It was the easiest thing I have ever filed for.
MarilynRoberts	Make a few phone calls to various lawyers first. There are some that specialize in this. Be aware, you will receive a check (when you are approved) from Social Security for the weeks since you first applied. A lawyer usually gets the case approved. If you do the application alone you 98% of the time are denied. However that first big check you get is sent to the lawyer and he takes the standard one third, and his office sends you a check for the remaining two thirds.
Sunny9552	In reply to GraveyardWalker.GraveyardWalker Sunny9552I went with a company call Quality Disability Services – http://www.qualitydisabilityservices.com – My rep, Christina, used to work for the SS office so she had a ton of experience in knowing what kind of info they needed to approve a claim. They’re located in Minnesota but if you’re somewhere else, maybe they can refer you to some one in your state. I’ve been diagnosed with RRMS, depression, PTSS and back problems. We focused on MS symptoms like vision loss and cognitive dysfunction. She sent me to a neuropsychologist to actually measure/quantify to cognitive loss. Going to a psychologist regularly may help to demonstrate depression, plus they can send reports/letters to SS office too. In the meantime get some financial assistance from your county or state. THAT’S WHAT IT’S THERE FOR!!! To help get through tough times until you get things worked out. I was on food stamps (now called SNAP) for 6 months until I got my disability. It’s not much to live off of, but it helps. Also, tell your creditors that you’re waiting for your disability and some times they’ll work with you.
GraveyardWalker	In reply to kathleenmitchell.Sunny9552 GraveyardWalker Thank you for the advice!! May I ask what you received disability for specifically? Who was the group you used (was it local or national)? I WISH I had started all of this in July…. <groans> I’m just completely sick about it. I am so completely destitute & backed up on bills right NOW that I can’t manage to do anything else but try to get money. Not very effectively either (major MS cognitive fog + medication side effects making me so distractable that I don’t know what I’m doing!!). <pulls hair out>
kathleenmitchell	In reply to GraveyardWalker.GraveyardWalker A lawyer will only see a judge if you’ve been denied benefits and denied your appeal. Hopefully you can avoid all that by getting approved for disability benefits! I personally would not recommend a lawyer because in my experience they don’t do anything but fill out the paper work and then sit back and do nothing else. They are the lowest of the low when it comes to lawyers. I suggest finding a disability advocacy group that will work with you. They know the laws and process as well as a lawyer but (again, this is just in my experience) do it with a lot more compassion and success. They are much more involved – a lawyer will file your case as is, where an advocacy group will tell/suggest what you may all do/get to help your case. They cost the exact same as a lawyer, since the law determines how much can be charged for this type of service. Of course, much depends on your personal case but they will meet with you and discuss all that with you. I was approved on my first try with this type of help. Best of luck to you!!
GraveyardWalker	So I have a question. I have thought about getting a lawyer BEFORE I file…to help file FOR me to begin with. I’ve read that local attorneys can be really great because they KNOW the local judges & basically know what they want to hear/are looking for. I wasn’t entirely sure that you CAN even get an attorney, if you haven’t filed yet. Anybody have any insight/stories about this?
DandyWalker	Four years ago I had a surgery that left me paralyzed on the left side of my body I applied for disability and was denied. I then lawyer-up and was able to start receiving payments almost two years after the surgery and another one that ruined my vision. Someone commented earlier about how it is not enough money to live on and I have to agree. I feel like I am being punished for having had the surgery that without it I would have died.
DandyWalker	In reply to Ojibajo.Ojibajo Your right it is hard to get benefits. I got turned down the first time and I was paralyzed on my left side and couldn’t take care of myself or walk without assistance. Approved upon appeal after I lawyer-ed up.
lindawing	My gp refered me to a pain management doctor to help get the disability, but I was also 60 sp my age helped. and Denise is right…have all your dates and meds and hospitalizations documented
DeniseKean	Yes, I do get benefits from the U.S. Gov. My first (1st ) tip is to have all the documentation about every major and some minor illness you have… All the doctors name. Phone numbers and address……; 2nd tip: keep these organized in a file with many multiple tabs that are in current year going back to went you first got sick; 3rd tip: make sure you bring a strong friend meaning, someone with a good spence of self-worth with you who hopefully has seen you during your times of pain or surgeries or knows your life history – I forgot to say that This can also apply to parents getting it disability for their child or children which I have had to do for both of my daughters , my husband and myself – all at different times in my life…. Or bring an Advocate from a state funded advocate group or hire a professional if you have the money 4th tip; if you are going to be at this meeting for a while, set it up with refreshments and healthy snacks… this helps to put everyone at ease;
Ojibajo	I recently left my job and have ever intention of returning to the workforce but I am absolutely terrified that I will get a job and I won’t be able to keep up due to fatigue or cognitive issues. I just hope and pray that I find a job that is low stress and that I can manage even if my symptoms get worse because I hear it is next to impossible to get approved for SSDI.
Ojibajo	In reply to im1namlyn.im1namlyn How can one be a waitress with only one working hand and foot on top of bladder and bowel issues? That’s maddening. It’s stories like this that make me afraid for the future!
GraveyardWalker amyr_74@yahoo.com 98.230.67.113	This is so frustrating to hear! :-/ I’ve got secondary-progressive MS, and was dx’d almost 13 years ago. I’ve sweated it out in my most recent job for 11 years….the last few under just tortured pain & fatigue…& I was working from HOME!! Eventually I just knew that if a job from home wasn’t working…then NOTHING was going to work (good luck telling me I can be a waitress, huh?). So anyway. I filed for short term disability with my employer…with the idea, after conversing over a couple years with HR people, that I would transition to long term disability through them, & THAT way I could keep my excellent health insurance. Sometime during all of this, I would also apply for SSDI, and the greatest thing would be if I got them both! 😀 (ha…) Yes, well…I was approved for benefits for TWO MONTHS only. This after them seeing a very recent MRI with my usual brain lesions plus a brand new one in my cervical spinal canal! I asked for reconsideration. I presented 118 pages of medical records, on top of all the previous records & forms filled out by TWO of my specialist dox. They still denied me. 😐 so now I am appealing…but scared to death! FMLA is LONG gone….and if this appeal fails, then they will HAVE to terminate me (job long gone too)…and there goes my insurance which has basically kept me ALIVE all these years. But the thing that makes me crazy, is how EVERYBODY….I mean EVERY-BODY (even MSers!)…says to me, “what? they denied you? that’s crazy! YOU HAVE MS.” <smh> yes, i do. is a shame someone won’t tell the insurance company for me!! Yeesh! So I’ve been too terrified to even try to apply for SSDI yet….I know it’s ridiculous & I NEED to get the process started. But I can’t stand being put on a pedestal and being expected to PROVE that I am sick (“but you don’t look sick!”…something like that….). Why is it that with these damn invisible diseases, that, even with conclusive, objective medical PROOF that you have at least something not RIGHT with you….that people/companies refuse to accept it?? I dream of the day when people with these chronic illnesses will no longer feel the need to justify or prove their illness or degree of it to anyone BUT their doctor. If my neurologist and pain management doctors, who have a combined total of 8 years of medical school and 8 years residency…and BOTH have been in practice for years and years…., if THEY believe me, then THAT should be enough. THEY are the medical professionals. NOT the insurance company (or even their dox who are probably just general physicians and not specialized….) or the government.

Leave a comment Posted on February 6, 2018February 7, 2018 Patient Talk

How Much Will You be Paid from SSDI or SSI?

I get these questions from 99% of my clients and for good reason. Social Security does not make it easy to calculate how much you will get. The calculations Social Security uses to determine exactly how much you will get are unduly complicated – without access to a great deal of raw data, it is almost impossible to make manual calculations. Your “mySocialSecurity” account (https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ is a good place to start but often those figures are not up to date. In this video, I hope to offer you some perspective – what do I generally see in terms of monthly benefit payments and lump sums in both SSDI and SSI claims. Your payment will depend on factors unique to you but I want you to have some idea about what is typical.

Leave a comment Posted on October 16, 2017November 7, 2017 Patient Talk

Social Security Disability: Some easy mistakes to make when applying! Some seriously good advice!

Getting Disability Payments

Social Security Disability: What NOT To Do.

If you need to apply for any kind of disability payments then we do suggest you watch this video now!

For more tips check out our previous blog here.

Leave a comment Posted on February 15, 2017September 13, 2017 Disability, Patient Talk

Litigation and disability benefits – advice is that you need to lawyer up because of an illness or medical condition!

One the course of the last decade disability benefits have become harder and harder to access.

Many people, now find themselves in the unhappy position of having to contact lawyers to help with with their claims.

We found this infographic very useful in explaining a few of the issues around consulting a lawyer. It is about fibromyalgia specifically but much of the advice with be useful for autism and multiple sclerosis for example.

For more information on getting disability payments please have a look at our previous blog post here and here.

Fibromyalgia Litigation Chart - illustraion

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