SSDI

[Guest guest]

God Bless You, Danita. You have gone through all that I have but you

additionally learned to accept yor changed life for what it is. Thats what I am

trying to do right now. Instead I am slightly suicidal in that I havent yet

accepted my severely changed physical limitations. I cant golf, hike, camp,

bike,

work, walk like I used to and it is hard to find a different way to feel worth

something. But I will make it, just as you have and life will again be

grand!

[Guest guest]

I applyed in January, but a got a form letter that stated I should hear

from them again in approx. 120 days, so I am hanging in there.

Elaine

[Guest guest]

Elaine, it is a waiting game for sure. They re-evaluate you every 5 to 7

years. I was re-evaluated last year with no problem.

.... Florida

[Guest guest]

I want to thank everyone who replied to my question. I will

definitely have to make a decision about work fairly soon. I don't

want to quit working altogether, but since health insurance is a

major concern I am looking for a way to work approximately 20

hours/week and still have health insurance. I don't know if this is

possible. My employer has a long term disability program, which I

have began to research. The plan is very unclear about specifics and

seems difficult to fully understand. I will do some more research,

but SSDI will probably be the best eventual solution for me.

Rob

[Guest guest]

, as long as your Doctor's have your problems documented in their records

you should be ok. They have forms to fill out and well send them back to SS.

So check with your Doctor to make sure it's in your files.

Elaine

[Guest guest]

June,

It is amazing to read that list in a sort of way isn't it. I never realized

I had so much trouble with things till I had to sit and list my disadvantages

for Social Security. It blew my mind I tell ya. I just wanted to help

others to get their forms filled without missing anything.

Hope it helps them. I bet there are a few things I didn't list that someone

else has problems with. And the main thing is they need to make a list of

their own and make sure their Doctors are very aware of them and make sure it

goes into their files. So when Soc. Sec. sends their paper work to those Drs.

it's all documented. And so very very important.

Perhaps if anyone else out there has problems that are not listed they would

be kind enough to list them so we can add them to this list for others.

I know CMT affects so many of us in so many different ways to different

extents that can cause so much confusion at times.

Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi ....

That's true....

I was a single mother and took care of my daughter by myself. I worked all my life and lived paycheck to paycheck. I remember that I needed help for groceries and applied for food stamps but was declined because I made $5 a month too much.

I was a divorced mother and had the toughest time getting any support from my first husband. My daughter and I were on our own from the time she was 3 till an adult. I didn't get married again until she was out of the house.

It's very hard. The person who sent me an application for SSDI said that my record was good because I worked since I got out of high school until I married in 1988.

It's tough to get anything anymore. Even with my good work record and even though I worked all my life till I couldn't...I sometimes feel that some people look down on you because you're on medicaid. But I can't worry about that.

I agree..it's tough.

a

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone- Just FYI. If you have a job and you have RA or think you have it, be sure to pay in for short and long term disability. Also if you can, start putting aside money in a safe bond fund or treasury note so that five or ten years down the road, you can cash it in and live on it if you need to

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Of course none of us have a crystal ball, but you should invest in your own future with regards to health. Talk to an investment broker with this objective in mind. Living on a dividend from investments plus SSDI or Social Security can make all the difference. Hugs, Deborah.

On 3/29/06, paula delarosa <pdelarosa@...> wrote:

Hi ....

That's true....

I was a single mother and took care of my daughter by myself. I worked all my life and lived paycheck to paycheck. I remember that I needed help for groceries and applied for food stamps but was declined because I made $5 a month too much.

I was a divorced mother and had the toughest time getting any support from my first husband. My daughter and I were on our own from the time she was 3 till an adult. I didn't get married again until she was out of the house.

It's very hard. The person who sent me an application for SSDI said that my record was good because I worked since I got out of high school until I married in 1988.

It's tough to get anything anymore. Even with my good work record and even though I worked all my life till I couldn't...I sometimes feel that some people look down on you because you're on medicaid. But I can't worry about that.

I agree..it's tough.

a

[Guest guest]

After fighting since September of 04, I am supposed to get my first SSD payment on April third. It took a lawyer ,2 appeals, and finally a rheumy who believed I should get help and was willing to say so. During this time I had move in with my sister, not do any kind o work to make ant money, no bank accounts, and go on food stamps. In WI you cannot get monetary or healthcare unless you have children or go into the job learn program. Well, I have no children just a feline baby ( which my sister let me keep) and the who problem is my health won't let my keep a job. I actually said to my caseworker at one time, so what am I supposed to do go live in my car, ans she replied I can give you a list of shelters!!!!!!!!!! Just so you know getting SSD is a long up hill struggle, and you MUST have a lawyer. Their are many SS law firms that will take your case for a percentage of your settlement, if they feel you have a good case, that

is what I had to do. Yes is did apply for SSI and was denied that also for some dumb reason, and I appealed that also, so now I get two years of back pay from them, it sure would of helped to have had it during the last two years. But also their are ways to see a doctor and get medicines if you are brook they are not easy to find, and certainly not advertised but they are out their. ALL my medicines except sleep aids come from medical asstiance programs and I take humeri, mobic, ultrcet,lexapro and others, sleep aids my rheumy gives my samples! So remember when you file for SSD you cannot have any income for three months prior to filling date, ask around fro the programs to help you, ask your doctor and nurse, ask at the hospital, at church ask friends, I feel right now as if I can finally begin to start my life again, in WI <catdelouise@...> wrote: You know what I don't get about SSDI? That you have to be practically broke and homeless before you get it. Most people in this country live paycheck to paycheck and can't imagine going without.>> Hi Marcia....> > I'm sorry that you're having all these problems. If you do file...make sure> that you get a letter from everyone that has seen you for your problems.> > I decided to file for myself. I made a huge mistake because I quit work in> 1989 when I married because I was having so many problems at that time with> walking. But I could do things l just not as well as before. My hubby told> me to file for disability and I thought..no, I

probably won't get it. Which> could have been true..you never know. Then, down the road, we divorced and> I was on COBRA for a couple of years and that was going to be running out. > I couldn't work and decided that I needed to do something to get $ and my> medications, etc. That's when I filed. By this time...my hands were> showing deformity pretty bad and my feet... I don't know if I would have> gotten it if I filed in 1989 but should have tried. Except I had such a> hard time getting approved in Ohio..I sort of doubt it. > > Anyway...it can't hurt to file....get it started. If you aren't approved> after jumping thru the govt hoops..you will still have the records on file> and can file again down the road. I know when I was approved, Ohio> medicaid wrote in a letter that I would have to be

reapproved in a year or> two because I could get better... YEAH!!! RIGHT!!!! But I did hear that> some say you go back in 7 years to get approved...and boy do I have the> hands...knees...and feet to show them for Show and Tell... I am much worse> now... First...talk to a disability lawyer...they will really help you.> > Hope this helps you....get the ball rolling....keep all paperwork, xrays,> etc.> > > Hugs...a>

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[Guest guest]

Dear - The retroactive reward you get, is it considered an asset. I remember giving half of mine to my dad who took care of me for the two years before my award. Remember that if you are getting anything from the state financially (welfare SSI) you have to pay them back. I found that out afterward. I got a bill from the state for the emergency aid they gave me for two years which added up to quite a bit. After that, I had very little left, but what I did get, I shared with my dad. Perhaps you could have your sis invest some for you since you arent allowed any assets for a rainy day. I wish I had done that. You deserve every penny and I do think the entire process depends on having not just a lawyer who sees the dollars and cents but a patient advocate. I was so lucky to have found a patient advocate who had arthritis herself. She went before the law judge herself with my paperwork and I was awarded right away. Its the people who are familiar with the system. I was 33 at the time. Now get this. My Girlfriend in CA got SSDI in 6 months on her first try. Why? Because she had an expert in workmans compensation and disability also. She is due to get a settlement of huge proportions specifically because she had the best advocate/legal eagle. The squeaky wheel does get the oil. Will you get a place of your own or get a roommate. Let us know what your future holds. Hugs, Deborah

On 3/29/06, susan smith <bizzare48@...> wrote:

After fighting since September of 04, I am supposed to get my first SSD payment on April third.

It took a lawyer ,2 appeals, and finally a rheumy who believed I should get help and was willing to say so. During this time I had move in with my sister, not do any kind o work to make ant money, no bank accounts, and go on food stamps. In WI you cannot get monetary or healthcare unless you have children or go into the job learn program.

Well, I have no children just a feline baby ( which my sister let me keep) and the who problem is my health won't let my keep a job. I actually said to my caseworker at one time, so what am I supposed to do go live in my car, ans she replied I can give you a list of shelters!!!!!!!!!!

Just so you know getting SSD is a long up hill struggle, and you MUST have a lawyer.

Their are many SS law firms that will take your case for a percentage of your settlement, if they feel you have a good case, that is what I had to do.

Yes is did apply for SSI and was denied that also for some dumb reason, and I appealed that also, so now I get two years of back pay from them, it sure would of helped to have had it during the last two years.

But also their are ways to see a doctor and get medicines if you are brook they are not easy to find, and certainly not advertised but they are out their.

ALL my medicines except sleep aids come from medical asstiance programs and I take humeri, mobic, ultrcet,lexapro and others, sleep aids my rheumy gives my samples!

So remember when you file for SSD you cannot have any income for three months prior to filling date, ask around fro the programs to help you, ask your doctor and nurse, ask at the hospital, at church ask friends,

I feel right now as if I can finally begin to start my life again, in WI <

catdelouise@...> wrote:

You know what I don't get about SSDI? That you have to be practically broke and homeless before you get it. Most people in this country live paycheck to paycheck and can't imagine going without.>> Hi Marcia....> > I'm sorry that you're having all these problems. If you do file...make sure

> that you get a letter from everyone that has seen you for your problems.> > I decided to file for myself. I made a huge mistake because I quit work in> 1989 when I married because I was having so many problems at that time with> walking. But I could do things l just not as well as before. My hubby told> me to file for disability and I thought..no, I probably won't get it. Which> could have been true..you never know. Then, down the road, we divorced and> I was on COBRA for a couple of years and that was going to be running out. > I couldn't work and decided that I needed to do something to get $ and my> medications, etc. That's when I filed. By this time...my hands were> showing deformity pretty bad and my feet... I don't know if I would have> gotten it if I filed in 1989 but should have tried. Except I had such a> hard time getting approved in Ohio..I sort of doubt it. > > Anyway...it can't hurt to file....get it started. If you aren't approved> after jumping thru the govt hoops..you will still have the records on file> and can file again down the road. I know when I was approved, Ohio> medicaid wrote in a letter that I would have to be reapproved in a year or> two because I could get better... YEAH!!! RIGHT!!!! But I did hear that> some say you go back in 7 years to get approved...and boy do I have the> hands...knees...and feet to show them for Show and Tell... I am much worse> now... First...talk to a disability lawyer...they will really help you.> > Hope this helps you....get the ball rolling....keep all paperwork, xrays,> etc.> > > Hugs...a>

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[Guest guest]

I have a case pending and that is not true for SSDI. Keep in mind that there are two different programs.

SSDI is based on having worked enough quarters to qualify and have a disability. SSDI you get medicare after a 24 month waiting period. You may also qualify for medicaid as well.

SSI is purely income and assets based. So if you meant SSI you are correct. If you have too many assets you will not qualify. So SSI is for those that have either never worked or did not earn enough quarters for SSDI. They also must have a qualifying disability. My daughter has been on and off SSI since she was born. So I am very familier with the program. Most the them when she was off SSI it was because our family income was too high. SSI comes with medicaid in most states but not in all.

Now with SSI there are some things that they do not count such as you first vehicle or the house you live in. After that the rules vary somewhat per individual case. Meaning if you are an adult applying if you have other children in the home, they count ALL other income.

So Many people are VERY confused over the two DIFFERENT programs. I would encourage everyone to read up and learn the differences.

www.SSA.gov

Toni

In a message dated 3/30/2006 8:16:51 A.M. Central Standard Time, Rheumatoid Arthritis writes:

Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2006 18:27:58 -0000 From: "" <catdelouise@...>Subject: Re: SSDIYou know what I don't get about SSDI? That you have to be practically broke and homeless before you get it. Most people in this country live paycheck to paycheck and can't imagine going without.

[Guest guest]

Deborah,

That is so true!!! However its very hard to tell a young person to pay into short and long term disability because they feel its a waste of money and some thing they will never use!!!!

I paid into both and I have been on LTD now for over two years!!!! It was the best thing I could have ever done. I also used STD until I maxed it out!!! The the benefits FARR out way the cost. I think they were both costing me a few dollars a month out of my paycheck.

Another tip..

When you do invest into short and long term disabilty. Ask for a copy of the policy. They are required by law to provide it when you ask. Be familier with the rules before you use it. Also learn how the income is treated. My short term disability was just like my regular paycheck and taxed the same way. However my LTD is like an insurance payment and NOT subject to income taxes...essentially its tax free income. Why the differences? It has to do with the fact that STD was paid for 100% by my company for the regular...I bought into 100% income protection for the first 6 months....so that was the part I paid. So it changes how its taxed.

LTD I paid for myself...so since there was no contribution made by my employer it is treated like an insurance payment and not subject to income taxes.

Toni

In a message dated 3/30/2006 8:16:51 A.M. Central Standard Time, Rheumatoid Arthritis writes:

Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2006 16:25:18 -0400 From: "Deborah Bargad" <dbargad@...>Subject: Re: SSDI*Hi everyone- Just FYI. If you have a job and you have RA or think you haveit, be sure to pay in for short and long term disability. Also if you can,start putting aside money in a safe bond fund or treasury note so that fiveor ten years down the road, you can cash it in and live on it if you need to**An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Of course none of us havea crystal ball, but you should invest in your own future with regards tohealth. Talk to an investment broker with this objective in mind. Living ona dividend from investments plus SSDI or Social Security can make all thedifference. Hugs, Deborah.

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

Just thinking about the future and that I too may need this one day.

Does anyone know if you are allowed to have money in savings or a 401k

plan and still receive SSDI? I will have both, but with the cost of

meds, it all could be eaten up in a very short period of time.

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

There’s SSDI and SSI that are two

different programs. SSDI is based on your earnings and has nothing to do with

other finances. SSI is based on need and not related to your earnings but is

limited by your other finances. I’m not an expert but here’s the

official link. God bless.

http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/38/11/1050

From: Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of pretty24355

Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2006

10:48 AM

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Subject:

Re: SSDI

Hi all,

Just thinking about the future and that I too may

need this one day.

Does anyone know if you are allowed to have money

in savings or a 401k

plan and still receive SSDI? I will have

both, but with the cost of

meds, it all could be eaten up in a very short

period of time.

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

Thank you again, Harold,

>

> There's SSDI and SSI that are two different programs. SSDI is

based on your

> earnings and has nothing to do with other finances. SSI is based

on need

> and not related to your earnings but is limited by your other

finances. I'm

> not an expert but here's the official link. God bless.

>

> http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/38/11/1050

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: Rheumatoid Arthritis

> [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of

pretty24355

> Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2006 10:48 AM

> Rheumatoid Arthritis

> Subject: Re: SSDI

>

>

>

> Hi all,

>

> Just thinking about the future and that I too may need this one

day.

> Does anyone know if you are allowed to have money in savings or a

401k

> plan and still receive SSDI? I will have both, but with the cost

of

> meds, it all could be eaten up in a very short period of time.

>

> Thanks,

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Just wanted to add to the disability postings....

I filed on 3/2/07 and am waiting my answer. I should have it within 45

days. I am hoping that I will not have to appeal and fight for it but I am

mentally preparing for the battle. I didn't ask for this and its something

that

we are entitled too. I know too many people whom have milked the system with

far less and have received it. I am hoping that I will find the system to

be honest and give to people who deserve the help.

Time will tell. Hoping soon-

35

CML 5/13/05

Gleevec 800mg

Wife and mother of 3 (11,8,6)

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

[Guest guest]

Congratulations Kathy! That must be such a relief.

Tracey

>

> Good morning,

>

> I was approved this week for SSDI. Denied the first time, but

> approved with my reconsideration phase appeal when it went to a

> federal reviewer. It's been 9 months since I worked.

>

> To all who are filing at whatever stage, hang in there & good luck.

>

> peace,

> Kathy

> dx 5/03

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Don,

I applied for SS disability for the very reasons you describe

(except for diabetes) and was approved. I'm in chronic phase, on

Gleevec.

Warm regards.

>

> I would like to know if there are people who have CML who are not

in the acute stage that have actually been approved for SS

benefits. As a CML patient for only eight months I know that some

of the side effects of Gleevec can make " work " very difficult or

impossible some days. Along with my type II diabetes and CML I

doubt very seriously if I could handle a 40 hour week any longer.

The guidelines for SS, however, disallow approval based on those two

conditions. Does anyone have different information?

Thanks. Don

>

>

> ---------------------------------

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