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Devistated
I have waited about 2 years to get SDI. I received a denial to my appeal today stating among other things" My condition (singular) is not severe enough...considering my age, education and training...I can walk and sit up to 6 hours for a normal 8 hour work day, lift 10-20 pound regularly, can stoop and crouch occasionally."
They conceded I have erythromelalgia, bilateral joint inflammation and possible SLE. I do have fibromyalgia, IBS, unresolved severe sleep issues, severe depression and anxiety and episodes of agoraphobia, a bone spur, ruptured disk and FJA in C4 C5, and a grade 2 tear of both meniscus in my L knee and arthritis patellofemoral syndrome, in essence I have lost 70% of the cartilage in my knee.
Now I have to wait another year for fair hearing. My family is getting ready to cut me off, I am alone with no income. My family would consider continuing to help me but have not seen "their own ideas of progress;" like taking a walk everyday or losing the weight I have gained due to my illness, lack of mobility and craving of carbs. Apparently my PT is not progress. They say I only try meds and do nothing for myself. I struggle everyday and feel proud when I can make it to the store, due my dishes, get out and feel joy, go to PT. I have had 2 cervical injections and will need surgery on my knee. I am tired of trying to educate them through tears, pamphlets and emails. My dearest and longest friend insinuated I am lazy and lack willpower and strength of will.
I went to a new church for the first time and I long to keep going. However, my mother come down three days per week to help me. She comes TH, F and S so by Sunday I am worn out. My lack of attendance of church is another random issue my father, who is helping me stay in my apartment, sees as my lack of progress.
I am not a resentful or entitled person. But I am beginning to resent the way my father flaunt his money, of which he has a lot, in front of my face and then holds every dollar I need against me. He thinks nothing of purchasing a $200,000 house as an investment and scoff at the $ I need for a text book (my only source of income if financial aid).
I feel so desperate and alone. I am out of options. I fear I will be homeless soon and do not know where to turn. I feel like having tried to do the right things before I got sick, education, promotions at work have are now being used against me by SDI. These are my tax dollars.
I don't know where to turn or what to do. I am hopeless....
They conceded I have erythromelalgia, bilateral joint inflammation and possible SLE. I do have fibromyalgia, IBS, unresolved severe sleep issues, severe depression and anxiety and episodes of agoraphobia, a bone spur, ruptured disk and FJA in C4 C5, and a grade 2 tear of both meniscus in my L knee and arthritis patellofemoral syndrome, in essence I have lost 70% of the cartilage in my knee.
Now I have to wait another year for fair hearing. My family is getting ready to cut me off, I am alone with no income. My family would consider continuing to help me but have not seen "their own ideas of progress;" like taking a walk everyday or losing the weight I have gained due to my illness, lack of mobility and craving of carbs. Apparently my PT is not progress. They say I only try meds and do nothing for myself. I struggle everyday and feel proud when I can make it to the store, due my dishes, get out and feel joy, go to PT. I have had 2 cervical injections and will need surgery on my knee. I am tired of trying to educate them through tears, pamphlets and emails. My dearest and longest friend insinuated I am lazy and lack willpower and strength of will.
I went to a new church for the first time and I long to keep going. However, my mother come down three days per week to help me. She comes TH, F and S so by Sunday I am worn out. My lack of attendance of church is another random issue my father, who is helping me stay in my apartment, sees as my lack of progress.
I am not a resentful or entitled person. But I am beginning to resent the way my father flaunt his money, of which he has a lot, in front of my face and then holds every dollar I need against me. He thinks nothing of purchasing a $200,000 house as an investment and scoff at the $ I need for a text book (my only source of income if financial aid).
I feel so desperate and alone. I am out of options. I fear I will be homeless soon and do not know where to turn. I feel like having tried to do the right things before I got sick, education, promotions at work have are now being used against me by SDI. These are my tax dollars.
I don't know where to turn or what to do. I am hopeless....
J would encourage you to post a new question as this post is several years old and the members who commented are no longer here.
Im in the exact predicament youre in I had an xlifyt procedure fusing 6 discs in my back from a work injury in 2010 im 36byrs old with a wife three kids and am devastated with no insur my wife makes just above poverty line so im not oked for medical ive applied for ssdi but will possibly be denied soon according to employees at social services is this part of their training to weed the fakers out? I think so. I struck a deal with my pharmacist to pay 260 mnth for pain meds and 100 per apt for my dr but can no longer afford it all the med companies will not give med discounts that I can afford and those 10 to 70 percent discount cards are a joke any help or ideas out there on how to get 90 pills a month of morphine 100 mgs and 30 pills of soma ? for around 50 bucks a month ? Help ideas? THanks much! don't want to lose my family over pain problems and no function for possible work>
I am sorry I do not have any info on Survivor benefits but my thoughts and wishes, and a little luck, are with you.
Thank you all I have regained some composure :-). My highest wages were at an organization where I did not pay into SSDI only had a CalPers options through the union. CalPers was never vested and is long gone. If i get awarded I qualify for all of my past earnings at $1089 per month plus a lofty back payment at this rate.
SSDI indicated in my denial due to age, education and training they expect I could/should be able to earn $1000.00 per month, which may be difficult with my upcoming knee replacement ;).
I did research lawyers after my first denial (not the one for my appeal) and found two willing to take my case understanding it would be difficult with my education and age. I am going to start calling again Monday and also requesting records.
Thank you all again. Sometimes I need to let it all out and feel like someone is listening, besides my cat. :) And everyone here always does.
Tuck,
Just so you know my parents are divorced and remarried. My real father and step-mother have been providing financial assistance, while my mother has been doing what she can, when she can, on her retirement, Starbucks, new shirt, ect once in a while, special things like that, as well as helping me shop, clean and provide much needed emotional support. Neither of my parents or step-parents welcome me into their home. Actually, one of my huge motivating factors is getting well enough to help my mother who retired due to chronic kidney disease. She is now in stage 3.
Best wishes and thanks to all.
Mshell
SSDI indicated in my denial due to age, education and training they expect I could/should be able to earn $1000.00 per month, which may be difficult with my upcoming knee replacement ;).
I did research lawyers after my first denial (not the one for my appeal) and found two willing to take my case understanding it would be difficult with my education and age. I am going to start calling again Monday and also requesting records.
Thank you all again. Sometimes I need to let it all out and feel like someone is listening, besides my cat. :) And everyone here always does.
Tuck,
Just so you know my parents are divorced and remarried. My real father and step-mother have been providing financial assistance, while my mother has been doing what she can, when she can, on her retirement, Starbucks, new shirt, ect once in a while, special things like that, as well as helping me shop, clean and provide much needed emotional support. Neither of my parents or step-parents welcome me into their home. Actually, one of my huge motivating factors is getting well enough to help my mother who retired due to chronic kidney disease. She is now in stage 3.
Best wishes and thanks to all.
Mshell
You do not have to declared disabled when your husband died.
I didn't apply for my disability until 6 1/2 years later and was granted it the first time fortunately. I found out that if you become disabled within 7 years of your husbands death and he was disabled that you can claim disability against his record. You do need to be 50 or over I believe. I made it within in 2 months of him passing away with in the 7 year status of limitations. Barely made it. Good luck to you!!
I didn't apply for my disability until 6 1/2 years later and was granted it the first time fortunately. I found out that if you become disabled within 7 years of your husbands death and he was disabled that you can claim disability against his record. You do need to be 50 or over I believe. I made it within in 2 months of him passing away with in the 7 year status of limitations. Barely made it. Good luck to you!!
Rhonda58 is correct - SSDI is not based on income "ability" per se - the terminology of disabled (for SS purposes anyway) means that you are no longer able to work in the job that you previously performed or another job that you are trained for. In other words, if you previously worked in a factory on the line and can no longer do that job because of your physical limitations, HOWEVER, you ARE able to do perhaps some office work that you have the training and capability to do - and it is not affected by your physicial limitations, then your "income ability" is not considered disabled - because you are able to work, even though it is not the same job that you held previously. However, if you were unable to perform ANY type of work in the your "area of expertise", then you may be considered disabled according to SS. I know, I probably got that sounding very confusing, but of course, everything related to Social Security is confusing!
SSDI PAYMENTS are based on the amount of money you earned when you were working. One of the requirements for approval for SSDI is that you must be able to provide documentation to them showing that you worked for a certain amount of time (I believe it is something like 10 quarters) before your application for the SSDI. If you have not worked for that period of time, you will automatically be denied for SSDI -- HOWEVER, you may be able to apply for and be approved for SSI (Social Security Supplemental Income). This really doesn't have anything to do with disability and it will not provide as much $$ as SSDI would, but it is certainly something and better than nothing when you are unable to work and provide for yourself. I don't know much about SSI as to how long it can continue, etc., but you should be able to get that type of information on the Social Security website (www.socialsecurity.gov)
Rhonda58 - Have you checked with your local social services office to see if you are eligible for any type of state medical assistance (Medicaid)? Depending on what state you live in and what your income is, you very well may qualify for some type of assistance there that would help with the portion of your medical costs that Medicare does not cover. In my case, I am not eligible for full state medical coverage, however, I am eligible for partial coverage where the state covers the cost of my Medicare premium. I am VERY grateful for this coverage, as without it, I would be approximately $100 out of pocket per month for that, and I simply woudl not be able to afford it.
Do you have Medicare Part D coverage for your prescriptions? If you do, you can also apply for what they call "extra help" to cover the cost of this program - your deductibles and possibly on your co-pays, depending on what Part D program you enroll in. It's been a while, but if I remember correctly, you can apply for this type of extra help directly on the Social Security website.
If you are disabled you should be eligible for survivor benefits at age 50, according to the SS website. However, I'm not positive if that means you had to have been considered disabled when your spouse passed away or if you would still be eligible if your disability determination was made later. That may be a good question for an attorney, whether it be a private attorney or a group such as Binder and Binder that deals with SS issues all the time. If you and your spouse had children, they also may be eligible for survivor benefits up to a certain age.
Best of luck to all who are dealing with this application process. It certainly is a long and often frustrating process.
SSDI PAYMENTS are based on the amount of money you earned when you were working. One of the requirements for approval for SSDI is that you must be able to provide documentation to them showing that you worked for a certain amount of time (I believe it is something like 10 quarters) before your application for the SSDI. If you have not worked for that period of time, you will automatically be denied for SSDI -- HOWEVER, you may be able to apply for and be approved for SSI (Social Security Supplemental Income). This really doesn't have anything to do with disability and it will not provide as much $$ as SSDI would, but it is certainly something and better than nothing when you are unable to work and provide for yourself. I don't know much about SSI as to how long it can continue, etc., but you should be able to get that type of information on the Social Security website (www.socialsecurity.gov)
Rhonda58 - Have you checked with your local social services office to see if you are eligible for any type of state medical assistance (Medicaid)? Depending on what state you live in and what your income is, you very well may qualify for some type of assistance there that would help with the portion of your medical costs that Medicare does not cover. In my case, I am not eligible for full state medical coverage, however, I am eligible for partial coverage where the state covers the cost of my Medicare premium. I am VERY grateful for this coverage, as without it, I would be approximately $100 out of pocket per month for that, and I simply woudl not be able to afford it.
Do you have Medicare Part D coverage for your prescriptions? If you do, you can also apply for what they call "extra help" to cover the cost of this program - your deductibles and possibly on your co-pays, depending on what Part D program you enroll in. It's been a while, but if I remember correctly, you can apply for this type of extra help directly on the Social Security website.
If you are disabled you should be eligible for survivor benefits at age 50, according to the SS website. However, I'm not positive if that means you had to have been considered disabled when your spouse passed away or if you would still be eligible if your disability determination was made later. That may be a good question for an attorney, whether it be a private attorney or a group such as Binder and Binder that deals with SS issues all the time. If you and your spouse had children, they also may be eligible for survivor benefits up to a certain age.
Best of luck to all who are dealing with this application process. It certainly is a long and often frustrating process.
SSDI is not based on income ability. It is based upon how your disability affects your capability to work. SSDI benefits come from your work credits and can far exceed $800 a month. SSI however is based upon need, and the amount must be below $xxx amount.
My dilemma now is survivor benefits. My husband died several years ago, and because I was not 50 yet, I could not apply. I have now applied, and being disabled, I was encouraged to believe that I would receive them. I got a packet in the mail asking me for my job history for 15 years prior to my latest review, which approved me for another 7 years of complete disability. I tried to go back to work during a 5 year period off and on, and I'm afraid it is going to bite me in the butt. I may call Binder and Binder to see if they can assist me in this process if I am denied. My benefits will increase by over $450/month which will greatly help in one way, but suck in another....
Among my many pain issues, my most bothersome right now is my left shoulder, and my bilateral carpal tunnel... I cannot hold anything because of severe cramping and numbness/tingling that occurs in my hands... and my shoulder feels like I've been shot with a 44 magnum... I am left handed which makes things worse... I was supposed to have a partial replacement and other repair many years ago, then my husband passed away.. and I put it off along with the carpal tunnel surgery... Now since I've lost my QMB supplemental benefits to Medicare, I can't just go to the doctor like I used to. I was going to use some of my increase to get a supplemental policy to cover the 20% so I could. Do you or anyone have any ideas????
Good luck DShell, hang in there... I know it seems like you've lost, but you haven't. Listen, and contact a good SSI attorney, and they WILL see that you get your disability approved.
I was lucky.... I had 4 attorneys tell me they would not accept my case to apply. I thought if I didn't apply it meant 100% I would not get them, and 50/50 if I tried. I applied, and got them first try, and I got to keep all of the back pay which made me very happy.
My dilemma now is survivor benefits. My husband died several years ago, and because I was not 50 yet, I could not apply. I have now applied, and being disabled, I was encouraged to believe that I would receive them. I got a packet in the mail asking me for my job history for 15 years prior to my latest review, which approved me for another 7 years of complete disability. I tried to go back to work during a 5 year period off and on, and I'm afraid it is going to bite me in the butt. I may call Binder and Binder to see if they can assist me in this process if I am denied. My benefits will increase by over $450/month which will greatly help in one way, but suck in another....
Among my many pain issues, my most bothersome right now is my left shoulder, and my bilateral carpal tunnel... I cannot hold anything because of severe cramping and numbness/tingling that occurs in my hands... and my shoulder feels like I've been shot with a 44 magnum... I am left handed which makes things worse... I was supposed to have a partial replacement and other repair many years ago, then my husband passed away.. and I put it off along with the carpal tunnel surgery... Now since I've lost my QMB supplemental benefits to Medicare, I can't just go to the doctor like I used to. I was going to use some of my increase to get a supplemental policy to cover the 20% so I could. Do you or anyone have any ideas????
Good luck DShell, hang in there... I know it seems like you've lost, but you haven't. Listen, and contact a good SSI attorney, and they WILL see that you get your disability approved.
I was lucky.... I had 4 attorneys tell me they would not accept my case to apply. I thought if I didn't apply it meant 100% I would not get them, and 50/50 if I tried. I applied, and got them first try, and I got to keep all of the back pay which made me very happy.
I am sorry that your parents do not welcome you into their home. If that is the case than yes I would expect that they would help to the best of their ability with your expenses. I guess I missed the "step-father" part. So I am unclear as to who you are referring, a father or a step-father. My step-father would not and did not help me with anything, nothing. But I won't go there.
Tips on SSDI? Get a good attorney and hang in there. Documentation is very, very important. Have you read the SSDI website information? It's a lot to wade through but it can be done. It outlines qualifiers.
Age and education definitely can play a factor in the approval process. The older you are and the less educated you are can matter. Remember that it is approved only if you lack the ability to earn income less than $800 or $900 per month. I think that is the the approximate numbers. So if they beleive you could work a part time job earning the amount that they set you will be denied. At least that is they way I understand it.
It's awarded on your earning to date. So SSDI could be very small if you do not have significant pre-disability earnings. An acquaintance of mine receives a mere 500 or 600 a month, hardly enough to live on. It took her three years to be approved. She is in her very early forties.
I wish you the best.
Tips on SSDI? Get a good attorney and hang in there. Documentation is very, very important. Have you read the SSDI website information? It's a lot to wade through but it can be done. It outlines qualifiers.
Age and education definitely can play a factor in the approval process. The older you are and the less educated you are can matter. Remember that it is approved only if you lack the ability to earn income less than $800 or $900 per month. I think that is the the approximate numbers. So if they beleive you could work a part time job earning the amount that they set you will be denied. At least that is they way I understand it.
It's awarded on your earning to date. So SSDI could be very small if you do not have significant pre-disability earnings. An acquaintance of mine receives a mere 500 or 600 a month, hardly enough to live on. It took her three years to be approved. She is in her very early forties.
I wish you the best.
I asked over a year ago to come home for the day to day help they continue to say no.
ty for the tips on SSDI
ty for the tips on SSDI
My parent DO NOT welcome me into their home. I have asked and asked while I try to get on my feet or get SSDI. My father has tired to keep me out of his home by paying my rent.
Their money is their own. I am not a parent but imagine doing what I can to help an ill child. Perhaps that is a fantasy. It is more important to my father to pay my rent than think about living with him. My mother said she would have to get a divorce from my step-father for me to live with her.
I do not begrudge my parents having worked hard. It is clear I am on my own. Whatever that means.
Their money is their own. I am not a parent but imagine doing what I can to help an ill child. Perhaps that is a fantasy. It is more important to my father to pay my rent than think about living with him. My mother said she would have to get a divorce from my step-father for me to live with her.
I do not begrudge my parents having worked hard. It is clear I am on my own. Whatever that means.
I'm also sorry to hear about the trouble you're having with your SSDI application. Unfortunately, it's not an all uncommon occurence to be "denied" several times before finally getting approved.
If you haven't already, I strongly suggest you get the help of an attorney who deals a lot with SSDI applications. They can greatly help your application and approval process. There are several legal groups out there that deal on a "no cash out of pocket" basis, which means you yourself do not pay them - they will get a portion of your retroactive benefits if and when you are approved for SSDI. If you don't win the approval, they get no $$. I, myself used Binder and Binder, but I know there are several groups out there that do this type of work. If you'd like to, you can take a look at their website www.binderandbinder.com.
Of course, just because you retain the help of one of these types of lawyers does not guarantee that you will eventually we granted the SSDI - it can just make the process easier to deal with - they know what type of paperwork is necessary and what vital information could make the process go all that much faster. However, the more information and documentation you can provide from your physicians, physical therapists, etc., all the better. When I was going through the application/approval process, there was also a form that I was able to have my doctor fill out stating that the disabilities that were causing me to file for SSDI are permanent disabilities and that she, as my doctor, said I was no longer able to work. At that time I lived in PA, so I'm not sure if it differs by state, but if you can get one of those types of forms filled out by your doctor (check with either your local social services office or even check the social security website, they may have a form you can print out) - that very well may help your case along quite a bit.
At any rate, unfortunately, this will not be a quick or easy process, so like Tuck suggested, please consider checking into other services or programs that may be available to you in the meantime. Again, your local social services department could be invaluable with this type of information/help.
Best of luck and let me know if I can answer any questions you may have.
If you haven't already, I strongly suggest you get the help of an attorney who deals a lot with SSDI applications. They can greatly help your application and approval process. There are several legal groups out there that deal on a "no cash out of pocket" basis, which means you yourself do not pay them - they will get a portion of your retroactive benefits if and when you are approved for SSDI. If you don't win the approval, they get no $$. I, myself used Binder and Binder, but I know there are several groups out there that do this type of work. If you'd like to, you can take a look at their website www.binderandbinder.com.
Of course, just because you retain the help of one of these types of lawyers does not guarantee that you will eventually we granted the SSDI - it can just make the process easier to deal with - they know what type of paperwork is necessary and what vital information could make the process go all that much faster. However, the more information and documentation you can provide from your physicians, physical therapists, etc., all the better. When I was going through the application/approval process, there was also a form that I was able to have my doctor fill out stating that the disabilities that were causing me to file for SSDI are permanent disabilities and that she, as my doctor, said I was no longer able to work. At that time I lived in PA, so I'm not sure if it differs by state, but if you can get one of those types of forms filled out by your doctor (check with either your local social services office or even check the social security website, they may have a form you can print out) - that very well may help your case along quite a bit.
At any rate, unfortunately, this will not be a quick or easy process, so like Tuck suggested, please consider checking into other services or programs that may be available to you in the meantime. Again, your local social services department could be invaluable with this type of information/help.
Best of luck and let me know if I can answer any questions you may have.
I am so sorry to hear that you were denied SSDI. What is your attorney's opinion? I am also confused by your sentence on "education promotions."
I am sorry that I don't have a great suggestions for you. If it helps I am sorry that you are facing such uncertainty and have to live with chronic pain.
You are correct that some ppl just never understand, even those that love us very much. Some ppl think if we tried harder and/or were stronger we could do better. If we took this or that or tried something different we would be cured. They just don't get it.
You may disagree with me but I would have an issue supporting my child in a home of their own. My home is always open to them but I doubt I would support them outside my home. I don't mean to sound selfish but my money is not my children's money and my parent's money is not mine. My parent's do not owe my anything in the way of financial support. I think you father is being very gracious and generous by supporting you in an independant living situation. I would never turn my children away and while in my home I would see to it that they had what they need. I have done it several times.
Please don't get me wrong I am always willing to help my children financially, help not solely support in their own home. What my parents do with there money is their business.
Are there other options for you? Will the state provide aid? Will your parents welcome you back into your home until your SSDI is approved?
I am sorry that you have another long year ahead of you. My heart goes out to you. Don't give up, keep on pursuing your case. Your attorney should have suggestions for you. Obviously you have to "fix" what SS does not like about your case. Youth is against you. Young ppl with education have a a more difficult time being approved for SSDI....but it does happen. Don't give up hope.
I wish you the very best. We are here to support you.
~Tuck
I am sorry that I don't have a great suggestions for you. If it helps I am sorry that you are facing such uncertainty and have to live with chronic pain.
You are correct that some ppl just never understand, even those that love us very much. Some ppl think if we tried harder and/or were stronger we could do better. If we took this or that or tried something different we would be cured. They just don't get it.
You may disagree with me but I would have an issue supporting my child in a home of their own. My home is always open to them but I doubt I would support them outside my home. I don't mean to sound selfish but my money is not my children's money and my parent's money is not mine. My parent's do not owe my anything in the way of financial support. I think you father is being very gracious and generous by supporting you in an independant living situation. I would never turn my children away and while in my home I would see to it that they had what they need. I have done it several times.
Please don't get me wrong I am always willing to help my children financially, help not solely support in their own home. What my parents do with there money is their business.
Are there other options for you? Will the state provide aid? Will your parents welcome you back into your home until your SSDI is approved?
I am sorry that you have another long year ahead of you. My heart goes out to you. Don't give up, keep on pursuing your case. Your attorney should have suggestions for you. Obviously you have to "fix" what SS does not like about your case. Youth is against you. Young ppl with education have a a more difficult time being approved for SSDI....but it does happen. Don't give up hope.
I wish you the very best. We are here to support you.
~Tuck
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