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disability paperwork?

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Posted 10/11/2018 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, for those who have gotten SS disability is the paperwork something you did on your own or is it something unmanageable? Anything helpful you can suggest? Thanks!
Posted 10/11/2018 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
I did mine on my own. You do need your Dr on your side!

Here is a write-up from our member Butterflake that is quite helpful.
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=29&m=2485076

Not everyone gets it on the first try, it is not unusual to be denied twice and the third time you have to go before a judge - I did get an SSD attorney for the hearing. There are laws limiting how much they can charge you.

In some areas the backup at SS can be quite long. If I remember correctly, it was something like 26 months here in Atlanta, Ga - one of the longest in the US.
Posted 10/11/2018 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
What?! I thought if you had a qualifying diagnosis you applied, meaning did the paperwork and got the documents and that was that. I would have to leave my job so I guess I have to hang in there for another year or two after getting the diagnosis firmly stated (should be a couple of weeks on that). Did you have to go that long without an income or work until it was approved, if you don't mind me asking?

I will check the link. Thanks!

*I did check the link and I see a lot of my q's answered. Thanks!
Posted 10/11/2018 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
Lynnwood, thank you. Butterflake, thank you though I do not think it is a good thing that she has not posted in a while. I saved the document. All of this has me so overwhelmed at a time when I am having trouble doing the simplest things because I am confused, overwhelmed, and running from one test, surgery or appt to the next. My heart breaks for the people less able to take this on than I am.

Thanks for sharing that.
Posted 10/11/2018 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Lupus by itself is not a qualifying diagnosis, thus my case was judged by symptoms and it took a while for them to see sense. I didn't apply until after I was unable to work, so was in a financial quagmire for quite some time.

Yes, dealing with disability paperwork and protocol comes at a time when most of us are totally wiped out by simple things due to our illnesses! Having a trusted confidant who can help us thru is almost imperative! I also had a private disability policy that was determined to deny me - I had to take them to court and eventually won, but it took a lot out of me and required a different kind of disability attorney.

Sadly, Butterflake passed away in March. Unfortunately, she got a brain tumor late last year and became uncommunicative. I was never very clear if it was a complication of Lupus or not, and didn't feel comfortable querying her family about it. She would be very pleased that her post is helpful.
Posted 10/11/2018 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
I read a few of her posts and they spoke volumes. I'm sorry to hear of her passing. I saved the document and will think of her! Sad business all of it.
Posted 10/12/2018 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
It looks like SLE is now a qualifying disease/disorder for SSI disability. In 2017 they greatly expanded the immune conditions they cover or at least the definitions and information regarding them. I don't know how it looked before but it looks very specific in some ways and broad in others. Overwhelming but not unattainable. The worst part for me is taking the leap from working to not working without assurance that I will qualify. I already have the inflammatory arthritis documented and the new rheum said she believed uctd or mctd but I don't have that in writing. Today was a LOT of lab work with x-rays and an echo next week. When I see the dr again in a couple of weeks I will hear what she says and go on with the app. I am fortunate she is pulling so much together and that will be my info I hope. I feel so much more optimistic at the thought of decreasing what I am expected to pull of. I can't, and now the world knows. And it is still turning!
Posted 10/14/2018 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
I used a disability assistance company when I applied. They handled all of the paperwork, obtained all the documents from my doctors and dealt directly with Social Security, I never had to speak with them, ever. It was a true blessing and I was approved the first time. They charged a nominal fee which came out of my first check. The company is Allsup Disability Assistance Company, you can look them up online at Allsup.com if you’d like to learn more about them and what they have to offer.

Best of luck to you.
Posted 10/14/2018 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much, Melissa! Good to know! I finish my testing this week... echo tomorrow gulp...and see the Dr again soon after. I was thinking that she would have everything I need pulled together as she has gotten records etc. I think it depends how that visit goes but I am definitely going to check them out. Thanks for your time and valuable information!
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