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Posted 12/5/2009 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jag,

I saw on your reply to Pete's Trip that you found an atty to handle your SSD claim. That is great and I so glad you found one on a local level. 

You mentioned having a case worker, their job is to keep your file updated so do call and notify this person every time you go to the dr. or have a procedure done. Yes, there are rumours of your file being put on the bottom of the stack if you call to get a status of where your claim is setting. I do not know if this is true or just a rumour. But, rergardless this does not apply to your case worker. Therefore, always let your case worker know about your medical visits. I had a case worker too and she told me to always keep her informed of visits to the dr or any kind of testing so the file would be updated. Just wanted to pass this tidbit on to you.

I think it sounds promising that your file is still in review on the medical. At least you know they didn't glance thru the records and slap a denial on it immediately. Good luck. Susie

 

Posted 12/5/2009 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
Jag, ditto on making headway with the SS folks. I know from what others have said that it seems like you rush around to get information, fill out forms and the wait. I never hear of anyone who trusts the SS people as I guess that is part of the whole Gov. thing. Anyway, blessings on your day.
Posted 12/5/2009 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
Straydog, my caseworker does know that I see my PM doctor every month and I always call to let him know of med changes or procedures.  He did tell me to keep him updated with this info.  I'm hoping that it is a good sign that they haven't contacted me to see one of their doctors cause that must mean that there is enough information in my records for them to make a determination. 

After my lumbar then cervical fusion from ddd I was back at my othopedic surgeon within 6 months with complaints of pain.  He thought I had fibro and suggested a rheumatologist.  I went to her for 5 months and she dx'd me with fibro and chronic fatigue syndrome.  When she wouldn't prescribe pain meds I went back to my surgeon and he had me get another lumbar MRI and I already had a bulging disc above my fusion.  I then started at my PM doctor and have been seeing him ever since.  He says I do not have fibro but do have osteoarthritis of the spine and facet syndrome which we are starting more injections for this month. 

  I had records all the way back to 2002 showing my first annular tear but SS only requested records from my rheumatologist, ortho surgeon & PM doctor.

Thanks for keeping an eye open for me and no Father John I don't really trust the government much.

Posted 12/6/2009 5:05 AM (GMT 0)
Jag was it your date when disability first began? I am asking because of what you spoke of concerning SSD obtaining your records. My date of disability was changed by SSD which they do this quite frequently. Even tho I was not working my boss paid me for 4 months and I told them this, of course they already knew it too. Come to think of it I am not sure if they took credit for this or not.
Posted 12/6/2009 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
My first date of disability was right before I filed which was when I quit working. I think the way they figure your payment is based on your highest wage in the past three yrs before filing. I was getting to the point where my highest wage wouldn't have been considered if this is true. This may be incorrect so let me know if it is. I do know that on the last earnings sheet from SS I received I would get $1400 per month on disability (that would be heaven). Not sure if this amount has changed since I worked 1.5 yrs part-time after this statement was received, haven't received a new statement since.

The thing that I hate is the fact that you can't work at all when filing. I can still do some things but not for long enough to make a decent wage. If at all possible I'd like to get with the system where you can work part-time while drawing SSDI. I would have to check with a lawyer regarding this. I do get bored and would like to be able to interact with people even for a couple hours per day.
Posted 12/6/2009 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
Jag,

I can tell you this, if your earnings were decreased the last few years it will have a big impact on your monthly check. A friend of mine filed and his earnings had decreased the last 2 yrs he worked and it really hurt him. Had he been making his regular income his monthly check would have been much more. Your statement is not going to be correct that you have since all of your earnings are not counted on it.

Medicare has what is called a "Ticket to work program" for the disabled. You can go to SS.gov its their actual website and read about the ticket to work program. Personally, I got a letter about it, it is a voluntary thing and there is no way in hell I would have ever considered it even if I could. Why? Because I know how hard it can be to get SSD and there is no way I am willing to send up any red flags on my claim to give them an opportunity to ever stop my benefits. You need to rethink this real hard. I am sure there are limits set out by SS on how long you can work before they cut off the benefits. For someone disabled and in it for the long haul, I say if you are getting benefits why rock the boat. I just know how hard it can be for folks trying to get approved.

If I ever were able to go back to work it will be in the field I worked in because I made very good money. Heck of a lot more than SS is paying, although I am thankful for what I get.  In essence the more you make the more you get up to their cap.  A couple of years ago the cap was around $2275 amonth.

Jag, if you have a list of your actual earnings go to the SS website I gave you above, they have a calculator and you can put in your earnings and get a very good idea how much your monthly check should be. I have a question, did you apply online or over the phone. I applied over the phone and was told in advance how much I would get a month. They also have a FAQ section that is real good.

If you & your husband's income is $32,000 a year or more you have to pay tax on your SSD. Single is $25,000 or more. Uncle Sam still haunts even disabled, lol. I am still  sending out a little prayer evey night it all does well for you. Like I said I am encouraged they are still reviewing the medical.

Posted 12/7/2009 11:15 AM (GMT 0)

    I'm hoping that my prior jobs will help with my case.  I've always worked in a factory either running machinery or driving forklift.  Definately can't go back there cause all factory jobs require heavy lifting, bending, stooping & twisting (I think driving forklift for 10 yrs caused alot of my problems).  After that I was working as a home health aide which required me to assist with personal care plus housekeeping.  I can still take care of my own home but I can't keep 4 houses per day cleaned.  I also added in my filing that I worried about my clients safety if I needed to assist them getting into a chair or shower.  Also, my pain meds would not make me a good candidate for any job working around moving machinery or working with the disabled.

    I filed on line and only had one phone interview.  I will check out the calculator you mentioned, Thanks.  At this point I'd be happy with about any amount.  Not having any income is really putting the hurts to us.  We've had to cut back drastically.  We are very stingy now with water, heat & electricity to keep the utility bills down. 

     If I do get my SSDI I will definately take into consideration what you said about the working part-time too.  I DO NOT want to screw it up.

 

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