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Posted 1/5/2012 3:38 AM (GMT 0)
I need help. I have recently quit my job as my pain is unbearable and seeing doctors to try to help me get it managed. Does anyone on the forum have disability? I live in NC and and filed for Disability Benefits, I would love to know what lawyers are out there that are reputable. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Posted 1/5/2012 7:53 AM (GMT 0)
I am on disability, but the lawyers in Alaska wouldn't talk to you unless you applied first and been turned down. I never had to get a lawyer, but I had to continually do homework on it. I mean getting Dr. Notes and calling them frequently. Good luck
Posted 1/5/2012 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
I live in MO and had to be off work for 6 months before I could get it.  But you need  to about after being off about 3 months so you can get the ball rolling.  I talked to an attorney and she said you don't need to get an attorney unless you've been denied.
Posted 1/6/2012 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Izzy,  I was able to get disability for both FM & CFS in about 6 months.  I got all my records from my Dr & signed up online.  It took a few hours but it wasn't hard.  I felt really intimidated at first but it actually pretty self explanatory.  I hope the process goes as easily for you as it did for me. 

Hugs, Denise

Posted 1/6/2012 5:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi guys - I'm new to the forum and this is my first post here on the fibromyalgia board so... hi :)

Izzy - I'm in the same boat as you - I just recently applied for disability in November. Like the other folks said, no lawyer is needed until after the first denial. And from what I hear, the next step is round 2 (a more simple appeal) and then if that gets denied you move on to getting a hearing.

Denise - I'd love to hear more about your experience. It makes me really hopeful that you had such a good experience and quickly got benefits. Any tips you can share?

And everyone who has successfully received disability benefits - any tips for getting through the process and how long did it take for you?

Thanks guys,
Bridget
Posted 1/6/2012 12:03 PM (GMT 0)
There have been alot of discussions on the various boards regarding SSDI that will give you alot of information. If you go to the top of this page, type in SSDI in the box under join healing well, it will take you to another page showing all the various discussions for SSDI.

I just received SSDI two months ago after a 2 year struggle. There is a book that you can probably get at your local library called Nolo's guide to disability or something close to that. This book gives very good information. They do update these books so try to get the newest version you can. Also, there is a website that I got alot of information from while filing & before my hearing, SSDFacts.com, lots of good information there.

Good Luck with your SSDI journey.
Posted 1/6/2012 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
I know part of the wait depends on what state you live in. Mississippi is very poor and lots of disabilities from diabetes (we are fat), cancer (asbestos, we smoke) and shipyard accidents. So I was told after 2 denials that I would have another 12-15 months before hearing because the system is so clogged...my husband's was faster...about 15 months.

I got an attorney after 2 denials. The amount they get paid is determined by Social Security, not them. You should NEVER have to shell out money to an attorney for ssdi. I got my own medical records..if attorney gets them, there is a charge so my attorney told me to get my own copies.

I wish you speed and luck
Magie
Posted 1/6/2012 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your suggestions. I filed and am now waiting to hear back. I will look at these websites and that Book. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
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