OT: disability

[Guest guest]

Could anyone who is currently on SSI or SSDI email me privately regarding the application process. What kind of proof you and your doctor(s) had to provide? Were you employed at the time you were diagnosed, but unemployed when you applied for disability? Do you work part-time now while you're on disability?

I've had scleroderma for almost 20yrs now. It's been a very slow degenerative process. So slow, that I've always adjusted to my limitations without really considering them limitations. I live by myself, dress myself, drive myself, etc...but my hands and wrists are getting more thick and stiff over the past 5 yrs and fatigue has made it nearly impossible for me to get to work on time everyday and stay effective for 9 hrs. I always got a kick out of watching doctors' jaws hit the floor when I told them how independently I live--apparently, I'm an anomaly. But now I'm wondering if I've just been pushing myself harder than I need to be. If I weren't working full time, I could concentrate more on improving my health. On the other hand, I have a ton of bills to pay (old debt, college loans) and I also want to keep doing my IV treatments, which cost money and are not covered by insurance. Nasty little catch-22.

I've never considered myself "unemployable." Although I look like a fragile little skeleton, I'm stronger than I look and my mind certainly hasn't lost anything! But if the laws say that my illness qualifies me for help, then I would like to avail myself of the money that has been ripped out of my paychecks all these years.

Any help is appreciated: books, personal accounts, website links, lawyers/public advocates in the Philadelphia,PA/South jersey area.

Thank you!

Celeste