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Posted 8/7/2008 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
Found this site browsing and so glad I did. Been dealing with Crohns for bout 15 years now and 37 yr. old. Am thinking of trying to apply for disabilty for help financially. Does anyone have any insight on this process and any tips?

I've had alot of struggle with this CD (2 resections latedy in 5/07 and reaccurance 5/08 and just started Humira) over the year as all of you have. That's why I'm so glad to find a place were others actually understand. I work currently in a very stressful job that requires alot of my time. I've given them 8 years and I contribute alot of my issues with flares and just general bad health with all the stress. Get a new job would be easy answer but I'm a realist and think who the heck will hire me! The reason I stayed were I've been for so long is 8 hr access to a bathroom.

Thanks

 

Posted 8/7/2008 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
I went to a meeting about disabilty at a support club for cancer. The meeting was by a person who worked for disabilty. He said that you have to prove that you cannot work. Most people are trying to prove that they can. It is important to be very detailed about everything - no such thing as too much information. They go by what you say more than the docs because when you see the docs it is on a good day. The people who review the applications do not work for the government they are contractors so they will not be biased.

My husband and I are in our first appeal, but after the meeting I knew why we were denied. When I submitted our appeal, I included a personal letter from me explaining things I felt we left out of the origianal app. We have been asked again to fill out the "what can you do" form, so now we wait.

I will agree it is better to already be considered disabled when you apply for government disability.

good luck.
Posted 8/7/2008 4:12 PM (GMT 0)

I'm just starting to consider applying for my company's short-term disability.  I wouldn't be considering it at all if my boss didn't suggest that I apply.  My question is, how bad do you have to be to justify disability? 

In my mind, disability always meant "completely unable to function."  Right now I'm in the office 35 hours a week.  That's too much for me and not enough for my employer.  I could probably work 20 hours a week with more effiency for my employer and still have the energy to take care of myself properly.  (Which I don't have the energy to do now.)  I could change jobs, but there's no way I could support myself on 20 hours a week.  Does this make me an acceptable candidate for short-term disability, or in the long run SSI disability?  Do I have to be completely incapable of holding down any job whatsoever?  I feel like such a slacker for even considering this.

Posted 8/7/2008 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
I want to thank you all for your advise. It is so appreciated. The disability issue is not something I and my husband have taken lightly. We have given lots of thought and many conversations to it. It being his idea. I think the daily stuggle bothers his as much as me.

Unfortunatly, I do not have short/long term disability thru my job. Work at a small CPA firm. Wonder for those who have applied for disability did you do initial application on the internet or your local office? As far as records will I need to obtain those or will my physicians provide?

bektod, I know exactly how u feel. I began reading your reply and thought I wrote it myself. I have given at my job and given and given and now I'm at the point just don't have anything else to give, mentally and physically. Evertime I think about disability I tear up. My take is I feel like a slacker, too. I've tried for so many year to NOT let this CD get me but at this point it's winning. Just tired.

 

Posted 8/7/2008 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
you have to remember this is not charity. You have paid into the system all your working life. DO NOT let yourself feel guilty for asking for help. You have earned it. I repeat IT IS NOT CHARITY.

My husband took 2 years to come to terms with it not being charity. He is a proud man, but now I have to pray that the system will not take me 2 years to get what he deserves.

You are not a slacker, you did not cause this, you are not weak and you cannot let those little nasty thoughts get in your head and breed like rabbits. They are dark nasty things that only hurt us.
Posted 8/7/2008 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hadn't thought about it that way. Thanks for the encouragement.

Posted 8/8/2008 3:16 AM (GMT 0)

I am on  disabiliity for crohns I have a few pointers which i think may help. It is a LONG process but...it can be done!

1. ALL your doctors need to be on board, especially your GI.  They need to write in their letters and notes..  CAN NOT WORK.. very straight forward.

2. Fill out all the forms ( and there are many) as it i is the worst flare!  relate it all back to the Cd.  Can you go shopping.. YEs BUT need to be sure there is a bathroom near by  etc.  Tire easily.. Am Anemic...  complain complain complain!

3. GET A LAWYER!  If the lawyer specializes in disability they take NO money til you win!  They know the system and are very helpful!

Good luck

Prof

Posted 8/8/2008 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
Gotcha there Prof. I got 15 yrs worth of #2 I can do for sure. That is not a problem. :)

Did you do you initial application online?
Posted 8/8/2008 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
NO!!!!!! I did the phone interview... did not want them to think I could sit at the computer to type that long.
I got this same advice from a wonderful woman I met here!! I followed her advice and won! took awhile.. almost 2 years but now.. i get my check and don;t have to worry

I am there to help you like she helped me!

prof
Posted 8/8/2008 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
I see your point. Gonna take you up on that offer for help and I appreciate the advice.

I'm a little confused about how much medical information I must have or do I leave that to the Dr? I know when all the Big stuff occured thru the years just don't know what I need. I have appt. to see GI to discuss my wanting to try this. I have spoken to GP and he completely agrees it probably the best thing for me to do at this point.
Posted 8/8/2008 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Me again.... social security will ask your docs to send the medical info. They want it from them not us. However, you will receive MANY forms to fill out concerning your health, activity, meds etc. When you complete them, that is when you describe your life as the worst CD day! When you see your GI... he needs to be on board! If not, it will be hard.
What state are you in? I am in NJ.. tough state for SSD. Other states are easier.
Prof
Posted 8/8/2008 8:31 PM (GMT 0)
Ok that helps me alot. I do have appt. set for Sept. to see GI. to discuss all this. She well knows everything I've been thru and I don't believe it will be a problem. But you are so right, definetly will try to get everybody on the same page for sure.

In NC. Thanks again.
Posted 8/9/2008 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
well good luck... after you do your phone interview they will seed you all the paperwork.. all questions. Feel free to contact me and i can help you.
prof
Posted 6/1/2012 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
I first went on SSD in 2001 for MS I am an RN and my employer gave me the choice of retiring or being"let go" hated not working so I went back to school and got my advaced degree in nursing and started to teach. The past two years I have loved it. A year ago, started with horriable abd. pains and what is worse loose stools where I can't make it to the BR. Just mess my pants. Had to give up my job. Two days ago was my last day. Went to SS. Got back on to SSD b/c I am still in their :period of elagibility(sorry brain problems today b/c of ms today) problem is I got married. My hubby is also on SSD and together we make too much money so we can't get medicaid. Medicare will only pay for so many health care items. Tried to get my old job back,but they told me I am "too sick" (I have been in the hospital twice and keep losing weight. If you are married, you have things to consider!!! bless you and best of luck!
Posted 6/1/2012 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
sometimes it take three denials, my parents applied. I am not on it maybe someday.  I hope you get it, keep trying. Make sure like they said you have paperwork document everything, and you should get paid from the original application. I would wait till you apply three times before getting the laywer they take up to 50 percent, and if you get 10000. 00 the max backpay they will takke up to 50 percent, good luck. I helped my dad thats how I know at third hearing/interview they gave it to him. yeah

Post Edited (dusty1999) : 6/1/2012 3:45:12 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/4/2012 4:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I am living in Canada, does anyone have any advice with applying for disability within Canada?

I was diagnosed (finally) in 2004 - put on Prednisone for 1 full year then an emergency bowel resection in 2005. lots of new problems after that, surgeries to remove kidney stones, type 2 diabetes, and depression.

not always sick , bu can't give 100% at work all he time, so can't keep down a job. my employers all say the same thing. Amazing worker, intelligent love to keep her, but unreliable with illness....

Any ideas....
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