SSI

Has anyone been able to file and get SSI for their fibro?  And if so do you have suggestions on how to do so, or an attrny that helped you do so?   Thanks in advance!

[Kenderyl]

OH my! You need an attorney to file for SSD??!

[FibroBunny]

Last time I applied they denied me.  I have heard a lot of horrier stories about trying to get it.  

[Tish408]

Hey fibro bunny, This is Tish from Colorado, I filed for ssi, in Oct. of 06 and finally had a hearing this Oct. 27 months I had to wait  in Co. I used Binder and Binder in New York, They were all over this case and did great, Haven't heard the decision. 1800Binder&Binder. They were very good Tish.

[LisaTN05]

I was able to get it. I got it in 2005 the first time I applied in 2005. I filed previously in 1999 and was denied twice so I don't know if that had anything to do with it. I got regular disability, made too much mone for SSI. I did have other things issues in 2005 that I didn't have in 1999, 1 was a behavioral health issue. That may have had something to do with it. Anyway, I couldn't work starting in 2005 if my life depending on it. That was the worse flare up I've ever experienced and it lasted for little over a year. I wish you luck with yours. Make sure you put down every dr you've ever seen that had anything to do with Fibro. They can get all the records together and make a better decision.

[FibroBunny]

Wow Tish, 27 months that hurts!  I heard they where good, but what percentage do they charge?  I sure hope you get it after all this time, if you don't mind me asking, is it basicly for the fibro?   I have other issues as well, but the Fibro/Myofacial Pains Syndrom (syndrome) I think are the worest of the bunch.  

[PlateletGal]

Fibromyalgia, CFS and Disability Evaluation:

http://www.co-cure.org/Podell-1a.htm



Fibromyalgia Disability Application Issues: How to be Your Own Expert Medical Witness:

http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm?id=8941&T=CFIDS_FM&B1=EM062508F


Frequently asked questions:

http://www.immunesupport.com/disability/faq.cfm

[FibroBunny]

Ok Lisa that is just spooky!  My issues started in 1999, and my fibro was so bad in 2005 i left a VERY good paying job just so I wouldn't end up fired from it.  But like you I was down for a year or just a bit more I think.  I went back to work in 2007, things just haven't been the same since.  I feel so very old!  

[skypeople]

yes, but I had other issues as well so was combination of several things.  But some rules to dealing with Social Security:  1)  one if you do not file, you cannot get disability; 2) if you don't put all your ducks in a row such as jouranling, witness/family support letters, etc: you will find it much harder to win; 3) if you do give up on the claim then you cannot get disability; and 4) even if you have to hire an attorney, remember that losing 30% or so is much better winning the not winning at all

[SharJ]

I started my paperwork & application this past January, 2008. I got a copy of my medical records, made a copy for Social Security, I also got all my doctor visits info., tests dates, & test results, Office receipts all that were for the same dates. I made sure they were in chronologically order. I also made copies of all these as well. Then I wrote a  3 page letter explaining how Fibromyalgia, Seizures, depression, Anxiety disorder, Osteoarthritis had affected my life as well as my families. That I had to quit my job because I could not do my job any longer and how that affected me, how I felt about all this. I told them that I had thought of committing suicide and planned 1 time how I was going to do it. that I had to cut my hair because I could no longer deal with long hair because of the Fibro. & Chronic pain. (Basically I gave them a very detailed information) and put it on colored paper. Social Security sent my to one of their psychiatrist to talk to me about my depression caused by the Fibro. like the forgetfulness,etc.

I was approved this past July for SSDI. I did have an attorney that guided me and reviewed any documents I received from S.S.  Social Security generally does not approve 1st applications, So if you get denied the first time, just go for it again. I wish you good luck. Let me know how it goes. I hope I helped you some.

Sharj

[LisaTN05]

Not clear so I wanted to ask, did you get social security benefits the first time? or the SSI which is the part that is based on income and you generally get it before Social Security Benefits. Also, did you use a lawyer the whole time?

LisaTN

[Sonflower]

In 2002, on my own without an attorney (with lots of help from my husband), I applied for Social Security Disability.  It was a nightmare!  I was sent to all of their doctor for evaluations, they all reported that there was nothing wrong with me!  They kept sending me packets of paperwork to fill out with unrealistic deadlines for me to file the finished paperwork.  I was so utterly stressed out tring to fill out redundant forms and getting them submitted in their timing etc, that I became more and more sick.  My flare ups became worse and more frequent with all of the unrelentless stress. This process took a year.  Then I was denied!

I filed an appeal, the whole senario started over again, several months later I gave up!

Then I hired an attorney, a year later was my second hearing,  I was turned down a second time!  My attorney filed the second appeal.  We waited another year for a new hearing.  

Long story short....  after fighting my case for 3 years, I won!  ONLY if I would agree to waive 2 years of the back pay that I was owed.  The attorney and my husband told me that it was "not worth the stress" to fight for the 2 years of back pay.  Also a bird in the hand is better than a bird in the bush!  So I waived the back pay and excepted their offer. I was left feeling abused and ripped off!

Get an attorney, it's just not worth all that you may go through...   Good Luck!

[VaBreeze]

Hi FibroBunny -

I filed for Soc. Sec. myself (online) and was able to get it the first time, however, I also have a long history of anxiety and depression that was documented along with a severy leg injury.  I am 55 yrs old.

If you are young, getting disability will be more difficult because you typically won't have the long history of medical visits to support your claim.  In that case, I am with everyone else, that you need an attorney.  Let them handle all of the paperwork and worries.  The stress alone can keep you flared-up and it isn't worth it.

[FibroBunny]

Thank you for the info, I will be looking at the sites today.  I have been down and not dealing very well so I am trying to get caught up here first today.  LOL, hoping I don't forget what I'm doing in a hour.

[FibroBunny]

Thank you skypeople, last time i did just give up.  I couldn't take it it was just to much to deal with.  I hope this time I can.  but I'm thinking of  filing for the SSI instead of the SSD..  I just am not sure what to do yet..  But thank you!

[FibroBunny]

Wow Sonflower,  I am so glad you finally got it!   I don't know how you mustard the energy up to take it all on though.   Sorry you lost the two years tho.  I will start filing but I will still have to try and work some.  I have no one to help really so...  So maybe SSI is the ticket for me for now.

[FibroBunny]

Yes I have been told my age has a lot to do with it. But sadly this illness doesn't seem to care how old you are...  It's not fair!! I will so be getting an attorney this time in hopes they can get it for me an take some of the stress off you know..

[VaBreeze]

If you apply for Soc. Sec. and are awarded, you can automatically receive SS if you qualifyI.  SSI is for those who are 65 or older, blind or disabled, but it is not .  They also recommend that you apply for any other programs available that can help you.  I would imagine if you qualify for SSI prior to receiving Soc. Sec. you would need documentation from your physician(s) regarding your disability (if that is why you are filing) and you are continuing to pursue benefits from Soc. Sec.  

I do know what you mean hon...it's very stressful and the stress only makes the symptoms worse.  Do you have a physician who will back your disabilities up?  One who would say that they feel you are disabled?  That would help a lot.  I'd take the Binder & Binder approach (like someone mentioned earlier).  Let them handle it and all of the stressors.  It's just not worth the anxiety it causes.  I believe if they don't win, you won't be charged.

Good luck to you hon.

[VaBreeze]

Something is missing in that second sentence, lol.  I was commenting that SSI is not always awarded prior to receiving Soc. Sec.  One would have to be within the income/asset levels to qualify.  Fibro fog!!!

[ohholynight]

I first filed for SSDI in 2003...that was before I had a clear diagnosis. I appealed twice and was denied. In 2005 I finally got to see some specialists and was diagnosed with Fibro and CFS, spinal stenosis, 3 herniated discs, 3 benign tumors and 2 bulging discs in my spine,  generalized osteoarthritis/arthrosis, depression and anxiety disorder. In October of 2006 I hired an attorney in the Milwaukee area. I finally have a hearing date for Jan. 6th, 2009. It has been a long, painful and humiliating journey...and it isn't over yet!

Before all of this, I was a medical assistant for 7 years, and then an educator for 18 years (master's equiv. in special education). Now, I work part-time as a file clerk and live/don't live from paycheck to paycheck. My family does not believe in my illnesses and tells me I just have to suck it up and work, work, work.

Quite honestly, I don't know what I'm going to do if I am denied SSDI again.

My suggestion: get yourself an attorney pronto. Most only get paid if you get paid. Also, make sure you see competent doctors and keep a record of all of your visits, meds, and treatments. Oh, and if you don't have to work, don't. My 16 hours a week (according to my attorney) is hurting my case. What a Catch 22! One tries to maintain some dignity by working to one's fullest capacity, yet that very attempt at dignity may mean getting turned down. Oy Vay!

Best of luck to you,
Liz

[messymarvin]

Oops!!  achy fingers!!!
I first filed in 1998 after the Marine Corps put me out for Fibro w about about 10 others things. I coudn't work and I was denied. I appealed and was denied again. I moved to MN and reappleid in 2002, and am on the second attorney and it has been over 6 years years and its somewhere in the Federal court I think.  I have plenty of documentation for it.  Its a money thing.  I paid into SS for over 20 years and because I have income from the military, they are dragging their feet, My lawyer told me that.  At first I was told by the first lawyer "No problem" I definetly qualify.  Well after 2 years she quit on me.  COuldn't find anyone after your in the appea stage after you have had your hearing to take the case for less than 10,000.00 dollars down or on retainer.  Found one that took it free, but where are we?  4 years later still in appeals stage.  Just to prepare someone that has my luck,  Hope you don't have to wait too long.

[laurab2818]

I won SSDI in 2001 on my first try at age 38.  I used an attorney, Scott Davis, who is really good.  You can find him on the web. He's in AZ but you don't need to be in the same state as your attorney.  He wins over 90% of his cases but screens who he will work with depending on whether he thinks he can win the case.  

Good luck. It's a really hard process but I'm glad I did it and definitely recommend using an attorney. It is worth the $.

Laura

[Phtartist]

Do they look at your husband's income if someone like myself who has been disabled for 8 years now were to file for SSDI ?

[Zoe735]

I have heard good things about Binder and Binder.  I am not sure where you live but I am under the impression that you have to file and get a denial before an attorney can take on your case.

[VaBreeze]

If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), they do not consider your husband's wages at any time.  However, if you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then they do consider all household wages.

[whalewoman]

It took me three years to get my SS with an attorney who was himself disabled in his hand.  I was 9 months pregnant when I went before the judge and received back pay for four years, as long as I had had the diagnosis.  It was not easy, I was turned down twice, then got the attorney.  The fee was 25% or $4000 whichever was higher.  I paid them nothing up front except for some postage.  

Don't give up!  If you have depression or other mental illness, that really helps.  Find an attorney in the yellow pages, they specialize in Disability/SS.

[rwilli]

I have been on SSDI for 20+ years now. You will most likely be turned down twice before you go to trial. You should find an attorney for that.
   You should file as soon as possible. You will start getting paid from that date, no matter how long it takes to win.
  Put every thing in writing. Get all DR info. Keep up the pain chart that they have in this site. You will need a diagnosis from a DR specializing in arithritis.......damn fibro fog. This comes from the days when they thought FMS was a form of it.
   Put it in writing..............that is the biggest part of winning. What you are losing, what were your plans, all the treatments. Get more advice from your attorney.   Good luck,           Ron