SSI Disability Approved from Hep C TX?

[Frank J. Perrotta]

I got my judgement about a month ago, after a four year fight.

The checks started coming in - unbelievable really.

Have many others gotten approved for SSI Disability from ongoing Hep C treatment side effects?

I have been off TX for two years now and still suffering. Cant ever imagine ever being able to work in the future!

Where is the best info to get for SSI Disability rules and regulations? I am thinking of buying a cheapo HUD house with the back pay (and a little help from my parents). Does anyone know if this is OK with SSI regulations?

thanks for any info,
frank

[maggie201]

I also am waiting am having my third hearing soon for Chonic Broncitis alone with seizer's highblood pre, and Diabete's it has been going on since 2002, i got sick at the place where i worked from the the Dust, it got in my lungs,my meds are alot even on my husbands plan, so i hope i just this will be it,, mary,,,,,

[Frank J. Perrotta]

@Forseegood, great basic info link there... thanks.

@l-horn, I have many post describing the side effects now suffering for nearly three years off treatment.

chronic fatigue, crazy weight gain (even with 1200 cals I cant lose weight & have gained 60lbs), gynocomastia, brain fog, depression, anxious, cant sleep, shoulder pain... sorry the list goes on and on... at last count I had nearly three pages of notes for my new hepatologist.

frank

[l-horn]

Just out of curiosity, what ARE these lingering side effects you have  ?

[Forseegood]

Frank...glad you got you judment...got this from a simple search...
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-understanding-ssi.htm

also, this blog is good

for trying to avoid some of the pitfalls for applying for SS...

http://heppie2000.tripod.com/index-3.html

Freedy: I'd try to put that house in someone else's name (trusted)...I'm no expert on this stuff though...

[freedy]

I live in house owned by my mother,she lives out of state.She wants to give me this property so I'll always have a place to live.Will this effect my ssi check of $580.00 a month?

The property is worth about $80,000.- Thanks,---Freedy

[stubby27]

as far as getting a house be careful ssdi is different, ssi has strict rules i know this stinks but it was easier with a GOOD SS lawyer he can put the money in trust and even though i get ssdi i got no where till i got one. They don't necessarily get 25% . if you can prove that they did little work the judge will void the agreement you sign but keep track of what he does. Good luck

[beamishboy]

frank- glad to hear some good news for you....9 months to spend your retroactive paymnts??what the f.. is that about??
cajunlady-glad to hear that the plasters local stepped up to the plate for you guys..my union local-bricklayers&assoc craftsmn - pretty much screwed me outa my pension..when i turn 65 i will recieve 53$ a month for 120 months..not bad for 28 yrs hey?...it is a very good thing that i saved,bought,built&restored houses and have some rental income&real estate assets...still good for you guys,always makes me happy to hear good storys about the union-it does work!- and i always wish you the best...i know this has been a v tuff time for you& yours...
forsee i love the way you guys&gals come to the recue with sites&info...how are things and thangs and every little?

[Frank J. Perrotta]

I must have forgotten to say but I am not getting full SS because I worked in Japan for 10 years so did not pay in enough credits to get the regular stuff - also no pension or anything like that. I am pretty young, 45, and it seems like I will be a mess for some time.

And just so anyone who falls into this category... they divide back payments in a strange way. First backpay is only 3 months backpay. Then six months later they give you another 3 months. Finally, six months later they give you everything else owed to you. So the big backpay wont come for another year - But I am not complaining...

I spoke with my attorney (actually he is not an attorney but called something like an advocate or something - he was pretty good anyways...) and he said that there would be no problem if I purchased the house. We spoke a bit more and then said goodbye. He called back about 5 mins later and said that while typing out what we spoke about he thought of something. Since I wont be getting the really big payment for a year, I mentioned that maybe I would have my parents buy the house and I pay them back for it.

My lawyer wasnt sure about that. Maybe SSI would see it as a present or something. Or if I put it in my name then they would wonder how I got a house without the big payment and do an audit???

He did suggest that I speak to the woman who did my SSI intake. She is local and really kind and knowledgeable.

But it wont be happening for some time now because I am feeling really, really ill lately and cant imagine going house hunting now. I did buy a really good digital camera for the house shooting so have a new toy to learn (bad, bad brain fog)!

Cajun, I am really sorry to hear about your husbands condition and hope his pain never gets too bad and they can control it. That is wonderful that all this will help and you can rest a little better.

nygirl7, thanks for the congrats. And congrats to your fight too. I have heard this story a couple times where there is that one doctor who gets it approved with some magic words. It really is sad when you have to fight so much when you know inside how bad you have it. Then there are scammers who get it immediately!

Yeah, the final payment next year will include over three years back pay and will get me into a little house. The crazy thing is that it is about the only thing I could do with the money - they give you only 9 months to get rid of the money or they start taking it back. Isnt that insane!

Forseegood, I have been on that site and it is a good one. Unfortunately, I found it after winning my case. There are a number of sites for how to win a case but very few for what the rules are after. I did find one: http://groups.msn.com/SocialSecurityDisabilityCoalition is an amazing site. It is an advocacy group with just about all you need to know in one place. The forum is very strict and each message has to be viewed by the owner. Unfortunately she is very ill herself. I didnt see my Housing question post so sent out an email. She responded herself with the exact info I was looking for. But please use this site if you have any questions about SSID. A great source!

thanks again all,
frank

[Forseegood]

I know a few people who have found this guy's blog helpful, in the process of getting (SSI or Social Security)  for Hep C...step by step and no nonsense.....

http://heppie2000.tripod.com/index-3.html

hope everyone had a good weekend...

[nygirl7]

"I highly suggest getting a psychological evaluation. SSI had one done for their side and I begged them to get one done on my side. The Psychiatrist was totally on my side and gave me a great report to show how the treatment had mentally disabled me also. The Judge mentioned this in his final reasons for giving me the award."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Agree 100%.

In 1993 I had to fight to get SSDI (I had broken my back and had a "dent" in my brain causing short term memory loss big time).  Even with the fracture in my neck they gave me such a HARD time!  I did finally get it because one doctor took pity on me and he got it through because of my traumatic brain injurty - not my broken back.

I couldn't believe that with such obvious injuries - that were not debatable on how I "felt" that they could cause such problems.  We pay in and pay in and pay in and then need to use and the government gives us such an incredibly hard time that most people give up.

It's ridiculous how much money they can pay out to this war...for their $15,000 hammers...for their limo's and helicopters and police protection...how much they can give to illegals for college tuition and medical - but try and get the money that YOU have earned and saved towards YOUR emergencies...............and good luck.

It's just so not fair that I applaud you Frank for not giving up!  That first check must have been a WHOPPER because I remember when I got 10 months at one time (that is how long the process went for me) and it was like a MIRACLE (Of course it was all owed out by then but none the less!)

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!

[cajunldy]

Forgot to mention that if you have a pension coming to you at retirement you qualify for that pension now.  Once you are approved by SSI just bring the paper work to who ever handles your pension.  My husband worked for Motion Picture Industry as a Plaster Mason from Local 755.  He can now receive his pension.  They also did a retro on his check back to Nov 2006 and then he will start getting montly checks. They also give an initial pay out for retired union memebers, also his retro.  

So if you have anything with any company regarding pensions check into them.  You do qualify those also.

Good Luck
Cajun

[cajunldy]

There are no restrictions on how you spend your retro check.  My husband just received his retro for Hodgkins. When he filed, it was to see if he qualified retirement at an early age (47).  I was totally shocked when they did the retro back to Oct. 2006.  We payed off the van(had a year left to pay it out.  Which makes it $500.00 less a month we dish out.  We paid other things off which deducts from the monthly bills.  My husband's disease if chemo resistant all that can be done is to shrink his tumors to keep him out of pain.  So reducing the montly bills for me to handle after he is gone was the more intellegent way for us to spend the retro money.

Soooooo, I would say go ahead and buy your house, and look up your info on Hud housing probably can get some info on the net.  They cannot tell you how to run your house hold with your tax money you are now receiving.  The only thing they are interested in is if there are checks cut for minor children and MAY audit where that money is going and to be sure the children are being raised properly with their money while a minor child.  Other than that we are free to do as we wish with our money.

Don't forget, it is your own money you are getting back from taxes.  Set yourself up with having no worries in the future for yourself.  That is what I am trying to do with two teenage boys.

Enjoy, and sorry it took so long for you, but that check is going to be a whopper, so you do good for yourself.

Cajun

[Frank J. Perrotta]

I just noticed on my phone that my attorney called me yesterday when I was out. He was out when I called him so we are playing phone catch now...

I am pretty sure that buying a house is a good thing.

And yes, orphanedhawk, I guess that I would be a good candidate for that bridge now as I have a few extra bucks.

take care all,
frank

[orphanedhawk]

This may be old info but they used to allow ownership of a home and a car.
The big question is how much money you are allowed to have. I had a friend who went out and bought appliances and furniture, saving receipts, with their retroactive check. I am sure there must be a pamphlet at the SS administration that tells how much assets you are allowed.
good luck

btw:You are surprised that a judge would make homophobic remarks ? Are you surprised that the president lies? Would you like to buy a bridge?

[Caril in Indiana]

The mother of my oldest grandchild (Stepson's illegimate daughter) began receiving SSDI about 7 years ago.  She spent her first large check on trivial items (blew about $5000.00 in a matter of a few days).  Of course your attorney will be the best source on this but I don't think it matters what you do with your money as long as you are not able to earn more.
Carroll in Indiana

[wyntre9]

The company, Prudential Financial, has a contract with the state teachers union.  When i signed up for income DB, about 10 years ago, it was with the thought that just in case . . . .

Well, just in case happened and while Prudential paid the premium I signed up for with no problem for the first 6 months, they then started saying that since I'd been out of work for so long I had to apply for SSDI.

I've got the original contract, which, of course, i never read through 10 years ago and, yup, that's what it says.

Luckily for me, I qualified for early DB retirement based on 20 years of service so I am covered.   In the meantime, since Prudential brought to my attention that i AM eligible for SSDI, which had never occurred to me before, i decided to apply.

Prudential may try to recoup what it has already paid me.  Those funds are MY money from years of private premiums i paid.

Like i said;  What a racket.

About whether or not you can use SSDI for a house, why not ask your attorney?

Good luck,

wyntre

[Frank J. Perrotta]

Thanks all for your comments.

wyntre9, I have never heard about a company doing anything like that. I also used a lawyer for my case. From my understanding everyone is refused the first time. I saw a Judge for the second time and he turned me down. He was so extremely rude with some homophobic remarks. I was pretty stunned that a person with authority would put that on tape.

I fought the judges decision and it was agreed that he made mistakes so I got a re-hearing. If I remember correctly it is pretty rare - like 10% get a rehearing. The next judge was a dream. And the first thing he said was concerning my first Judge. He actually said good riddance (first one retired). I couldnt believe that he said that in front of me and again, on tape...

The really shocking thing is what the work expert said... they have a person there who tells the Judge what jobs were available for a person in my condition. The work expert said "There are NO jobs available for this person due to medical poisoning". At that point I knew that I won but had to wait another month for the Judges letter...

My concern about housing is that one of the important questions asked was how much I was paying for rent. This might have more to do with back pay. I have still to find someone who has purchased a home with their backpay and kept the benefits.

Are you asking me about the image I use for my photo? It is a cut & paste I made. I love creating stuff from mag photos and making collages.

Mouse, keep fighting and never give up. I think youre right about the system. Not only is it overly complicated but it is also way too slow.

I highly suggest getting a psychological evaluation. SSI had one done for their side and I begged them to get one done on my side. The Psychiatrist was totally on my side and gave me a great report to show how the treatment had mentally disabled me also. The Judge mentioned this in his final reasons for giving me the award.

Thanks GrandmaA. Actually because I worked in Japan for 10 years I didnt have enough credits for the regular SS. It is a much easier fight from what I understand.

And I am sooo lucky. My Psychiatrist suggested I see this particular therapist. She had just returned to work after a leave of absense due to chronic fatigue and understood what I was going thru exactly. She also got me a patient advocate. I am so happy to have a patient advocate. We get along really well and I push her into directions she has never gone. So we are both doing research into what can and cant be done on SSI D.

Alady, Yeah, dont understand. I just got approved due to long term side effects of the meds they put us on. I am suffering more now than when I was on treatment. I was actually told by my liver specialist that they were sorry that they destroyed my life. I was lucky to find a judge (and a work expert) who understood how sometimes the meds they feed us are worse than the disease...

wyn, I forgot to say, Good Luck. Sounds like you are on the way to what is owed you...

thanks again everyone but would love to hear more from others who have already won and what I am in for in the future...

frank

[wyntre9]

I don't understand.

WHO is unlikely to get SSDI?

I had a telephone interview with the SS adminstrators last week and they indicated that as I've done the same job for 20 years and I currently cannot wok in that occupation, that there's a good chance I will be granted compensatin.

not that I would have even known I was eleigible for it if it hadn't been for the LTD policy I have.

wyn

[Alady1620]

Not likely to get SSDI but if you have an individual short term/long term disability policy through an insurance company, you might can get that.

[GrandmaA]

Congratulations! Way to perservere, Frank. I'm glad SOMEBODY got it. We all pay into the system when we work.

FloridaMouse: Good luck on collecting yours. I sure hope you get it. Yes, I heard everyone is rejected on the first try.

I only had hep. C so I didn't apply. But I should have gone on temporary disability at work. We all need patient advocates because when we are on tx we are not thinking too clearly. At least I became old enough to retire. I can work part time starting in March as long as I reach PCR.

[FloridaMouse]

I'm working on my reconsideration.  I filed based on my rheumatoid arthritis and my HCV (this was before I even knew I was going to have to re-treat for 72 weeks).  Before I quit working I was a paralegal in a law firm that did social security disability.   Social Security is the one to blame for forcing people to get attorneys.  They make you fight and fight and fight until you have no recourse but to fork over a portion of your back pay to an attorney.  If I get turned down a second time I will hire an attorney to go through the next round with me.  The hope of the system is that people will give up after the first rejection or two.  

Mouse

[wyntre9]

My income DB company has insisted I apply for SSDI, too, coz they want to offset their payments to me.   I agree, the process is a nightmare.  I had to prove I'd applied or the company was going to arbitrarily cut my checks by the amount they determined SSDI would pay me.  Ha.  So I hired an attorney to handle it and if and when I'm approved the attorney gets 25%.  What a racket, huh?

Anyway, with regards to your retro pay, I don't beleive there are any restrictions on how you use the funds so buying a small home sounds like a real good idea to me.

Congrats..

PS - what's the pic?

wyntre

[Frank J. Perrotta]

Thanks so much for your very kind words Jim.

Sorry I havent been around much but this new world of SSI is just overwhelming and the brain fog doesnt help.

I have been living with my elderly insane parents and their mess of a life doesnt help with my health so, yes, this will definitely help with a change for the better. Just wanna do it right.

later,
frank

[jmjm530]

Frank,

Very happy to hear something positive coming your way. You certainly have had a very difficult time of it post treatment.

I hope this will do a little something to turn the corner in your journey and hopefully more will come your way in terms of getting your health and life back.

Don't know much about SSI but I'm sure others will chime in soon.

All the best,

-- Jim