applying for disability

[minnastarr2]

Has anyone applied for disability. I have hung in for many, many years and feel it is time to apply. Does anyone have any tips to help me get through this process? I appreciate anything. Thanks

[shendricks]

I went to the Social Security office with my mom when she applied for disability about nine years ago. If I remember correctly, it wasn't too much of a wait at the office. We brought documentation from her doctors showing why she qualified. My mom's Social Security worker offered advice on a couple of issues, but I wouldn't expect that to be the norm. I would refer to the website to educate myself and be ready with more questions for the SSI worker. There is a five waiting period.

ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/ssa.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php?p_page=1&p_cv=1.105&p_pv=&p_prods=&p_cats=105

Best wishes!
Susan

[mark67]

i seem to be getting invited to alot of medicals, by the social services, 3 upto now, when do i have to stop proving am disabled, am on 3 month notes from the doctor so who dont they believe, me or a qualified doctor or of course the x rays. i was diagnoised in nov 07, and remember patience to be difficult to keep, as well as not knowing what Melorheostosis is. just been to the medical and waiting for the verdict, everyone fails the test in liverpool, i know this from the welfare officer, get one if you can, mine was spot on, and be prepared for failer, you will win the appeal, if you got ongoing notes from the doctor, then your in the loop, it goes on and on with medicals every 8months or so, this is my life, its ok its just the photo copying that gets me down

best wishes to all
mark m

[bcarlson]

I was on disability when I was a child. I am in the process of trying to get back on it because my pain is so much worse now. Just make sure you comply with all of their requests for doctor's visits, because they'll do anything to deny you. Also if you do get denied, I suggest finding a lawyer to help with your appeal because applicants with lawyers are more likely to win their appeals than not. Unfair, but that's how it is. Good luck!

[michie2420]

I'm a kindergarten teacher and am supposed to work all summer...field trips and what not. I've never really complained about the pain but this year I can't seem to pull it off. The pain is increasing so much that I can't even find relief sitting or putting it up. Are they going to cause a problem if I apply for disability? I've always kept going. I've always worked since I was diagnosed in 96 but I just can't handle it. I don't know what to do. I'm afraid and can't stand the pain any more.

[elbarto71]

MY husband applied for disability last August. We gave all of the consultants details, GP notes scan results etc. My husband received a letter in December telling him that he has to attend a tribunal to discuss his application. He rang the number to confirm that he wanted to continue with his applkication & was told he will have to wait up to 9 months for a date. absolutely ridiculous. I know what you mean about not believing your diagnosis, we are having a terrible time.

[kenhunerdosse]

All these comments are not encouraging. I need to apply but, I know that it is a long uphill battle. I know of a person with COPD that couldn't walk 50 feet and she had to go through all these steps and ended going to court before she got her disability. When in front of the judge, the judge looked the case over and said "Why are we even here? This should have been approved long ago". And that was all to the court case.

I think we will have a difficult time because of the lack of knowledge anywhere. Including Medical personnel. Some of don't have any prominently visible signs like wheel chairs or distortions that help the case. We have a disease that little is known and is not evenly consistent in symptoms.

[kenhunerdosse]

Oh I mean't to add that I know this thread is rather old, and I would be very interested in what has transpired since.