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Anyone every apply for disability b/c of hep C?
Just interested in your story and if you were able to get assistance? I know it's hard, because I have heard generally, they will turn you down the first time you apply, but if you challenge them you have a better chance?
Anyone with input?
Anyone with input?
Thank you to all who have answered. NYgirl, that's what I'm afraid of is that I haven't been to a doc in over a year. I am trying also to get medicaid, but I think my husband makes over what they say is too much. You practically have to be living on the streets to get it.
Not going to give up this fight though. I appreciate all the links from those who have posted.
Hopelyn
Not going to give up this fight though. I appreciate all the links from those who have posted.
Hopelyn
Most people with hcv unfortunately have horrible sides but are considered that they CAN go to work. It doesn't mean it's impossible but - I've had a very rough course of treatment and have only missed 3 days in over 48 weeks with 72 a total.
I was on disability many years ago when I had broken my back. It took a LONG time and MANY doctor appointments to get it. It doesn't pay nearly enough for me to live but at that time...I couldn't walk so...
And they gave me trouble to get it.
It's a big battle and I haven't heard many people succeed but if you really can prove you are physically unable to work then it would be worth the time!
But know...although it is listed as something that MIGHT disable you...generally it's not considered so at all (or we would all be out on disability instead of going to work every day!)
Good luck
I was on disability many years ago when I had broken my back. It took a LONG time and MANY doctor appointments to get it. It doesn't pay nearly enough for me to live but at that time...I couldn't walk so...
And they gave me trouble to get it.
It's a big battle and I haven't heard many people succeed but if you really can prove you are physically unable to work then it would be worth the time!
But know...although it is listed as something that MIGHT disable you...generally it's not considered so at all (or we would all be out on disability instead of going to work every day!)
Good luck
Said: but I have not been able to see my doc for over a year
I don't see how they would approve you if you aren't under constant doctors care - as that is generally the precursor to proving that you are disabled.
Just having liver damage surely isn't anything that would qualify you. I have stage 3 damage and had no idea I even HAD HepC.
My advice would be to start going to a clinic or some type doctor and get paperwork rolling. You need a LOT of documents proving that you have a disease and all the symptoms and everything like that.
hepC doesn't usually have any symptoms that would cause you to not be able to work after the initial infection that could cause you to be sick, which is why 3 million americans have it and only 150,000 are currently treating.
It is VERY hard to get SSD and took me files and files of documents to PROVE that I had spinal fractures and resulting conditions.
Without themI certainly would not have gotten anything.
I don't see how they would approve you if you aren't under constant doctors care - as that is generally the precursor to proving that you are disabled.
Just having liver damage surely isn't anything that would qualify you. I have stage 3 damage and had no idea I even HAD HepC.
My advice would be to start going to a clinic or some type doctor and get paperwork rolling. You need a LOT of documents proving that you have a disease and all the symptoms and everything like that.
hepC doesn't usually have any symptoms that would cause you to not be able to work after the initial infection that could cause you to be sick, which is why 3 million americans have it and only 150,000 are currently treating.
It is VERY hard to get SSD and took me files and files of documents to PROVE that I had spinal fractures and resulting conditions.
Without themI certainly would not have gotten anything.
My apologies if I mistated the facts. I only know that my husband received disability for only 1 year and then was told he'd have to requalify. This is in CA. Here is a link to help answer <html><A HREF=http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/ssa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=245&p_created=957876181&p_sid=ncVq9Efi&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9MzQmcF9wcm9kcz0mcF9jYXRzPSZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PTEuNDgmcF9wYWdlPTE*&p_li=&p_topview=1
SSI is NOT temporary disability. The difference between SSI and SSD is that SSD is based on someone's work record (assuming they have worked anought 'quarters' to qualify) and the amount varies depending on that individual's earning history. SSI is for folks who have been unable to put together any significant work history due to their disability and sometimes peope are on it for life. It is a fixed Federal amount per month with some States (CA and NY for instance) kicking in a small monthly supplement. In order to qualify for EITHER SSI or SSD you must be able to prove medically that you will be disabled and unable to work for at least a year. It is difficult to get with HEP C but not impossible. Anyone who is denied either SSI or SSD for any condition should automatically appeal because a very high percentage of denials are overturned on appeal.
Some states have mandated SHORT term disabilty (NY for instance) which employee and/or employers pay for. This is short term, time limited disabilities and the amount paid is very low and usually will not come close to replacing your earnings.
Some states have mandated SHORT term disabilty (NY for instance) which employee and/or employers pay for. This is short term, time limited disabilities and the amount paid is very low and usually will not come close to replacing your earnings.
As Child24 said, in CA and in all states you should be able to get SSI (temp social security income)however, this is NOT disability as we typically think of it. SSI is temporary and not difficult to obtain. However, SSD is much harder to get, and those who were persistent and fortunate enough to win and have benefits granted, say it took them 1-2 years. SSD also provides Medi/Medi, so you can even get food stamps along with medical and financial assistance.
There are some helpful websites out there that explain the differences, and some tips and tricks for applying and getting disability.
Be well,
Debbe
There are some helpful websites out there that explain the differences, and some tips and tricks for applying and getting disability.
Be well,
Debbe
I got on disability insurance in one month and 4 days, there is a checklist that they send you to fill out, don't let it scare you, but don't make yourself look better than you are. I did't use a lawer, but my Dr. helped a lot in filling it out, explaining a lot that was in my file, I didn't even know about,and more than one Dr. helps. Its not the Hep that will get you paid, but the weakness, encelopathy, (brain fog) and a lot of other symptoms of the disease, but not the disease itself, bring the form with you that social security sends you to your Dr. and there are a few websites out there to help you also from making common mistakes that cost you time. Good luck.
I had Social Security Dis. (SSD). It took me 3 years and a lawyer to get it. In Fla. it's extremely difficult to get either SSI or SSD with Hepatitis C. When I did end up getting it (with lot's of people praying), it was not just based on the Hep C. My brain does not function right now, i.e. depression, focus, attention span, etc. This was not just based on my saying it was so. The Soc. Sec. people sent me to their own doctors, both a psychologist and a medical doctor for their own separate testing. My own records which I provided for them from my own doctors, was not enough. Their own doctors said I was disabled, on their tests. I did attempt to go back to work during this waiting period, and lasted all of 1 day, for a 4 hr span. Trust me, I'd rather be able to work and getting a paycheck, because I'd be better off financially than what I am right now. In Fla., unless you have cirrhosis it's extremely hard to get it for Hep C. The best thing about Soc. Sec for me right now is having the Medicare coverage. I don't get to have the Medicaid because my husband (though he doesn't live with me) provides me w/funds and so they look at his income, which makes me ineligable in this state for Medicaid. I hope this gives you the inform. you were wondering about. Take care and God Bless, Susan
Thanks for all of your comments, really appreciate it. I have applied and I do live in Florida. They told me I have enough weeks, but I have not been able to see my doc for over a year, I not worked for 7 months and obviously don't have health insurance. My health has deteriorated since I last saw my doc and I am really in need.
I had my liver biopsy done in late 2001 and the doc said he would suggest me going on tx. I refused it then, but I would take it now especially if I get Social Security Disablility to help me out.
Thanks again!
Hopelyn
I had my liver biopsy done in late 2001 and the doc said he would suggest me going on tx. I refused it then, but I would take it now especially if I get Social Security Disablility to help me out.
Thanks again!
Hopelyn
I was just reading through some other stuff and ran across this.
I haven't read it yet, Hope it helps, Take care, Debi
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/hepC/Claim_filing.html
I haven't read it yet, Hope it helps, Take care, Debi
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/hepC/Claim_filing.html
I appiled when I first started tx. After two years went by I went to court before a judge. I still got turned down. I live in Florida. But I guess it just depends on what all is wrong with you. I have other issues other than the HepC. I say I'll try again. Maybe I'll have better luck next time. Good luck to you if you'd applied.
I live in Rhode Island. We have a thing called TDI ( Temp. Dis. Ins.). If you are not able to work, your doctor can approve you for this. It's funded thru our own incomes and the state. I've heard that there are some other states that have similiar products as well. Good luck... Kill those bugs!!! Pauly
From folks I've talked to, they found the VA easier to obtain disability than from Social Security. It seems to vary between insurance company, with most being reluctant to claim it as such, unless of course you are applying for a new life policy, in which case they mostly, oddly enough, claim it is a pre-existing condition which makes one uninsurable.
From a work perspective for short and long term disability, from what I've heard it really depends upon the company you work for and if they've a compassionate understanding.
From a work perspective for short and long term disability, from what I've heard it really depends upon the company you work for and if they've a compassionate understanding.
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