disability

[diva40]

I have pushed my self since being DX 5 years ago to work full time through the fatigue and relapses and numbness and pain, recently I lost my job and I have decided to apply for disability.

Is there a chance I will get it or will they turn me down since I have been working full time? I have had to support my two child by myself, so I had no choice but to work now they are older and I dont have to push myself as hard.

Please give me some opinions and advice

[Meilena_MHModerator]

No worries at all you never know when some of the information that is posted might help someone else out in the same issue.  Just keep in mind if you are posting to this thread and you do have a direct question to ask please also feel free to create a new post so our members can respond directly to you.

Great information fortywhat2 :)

[fortywhat2]

Thanks... wasn't paying very close attention, I guess :)

[Lulu54]

In case you had not noticed, this post is almost a year old.  I don't know if DIVA ever got approved for SSDI.

[fortywhat2]

Hi... I worked full-time before becoming disabeled.  There is a 6 month waiting period after you are deemed unable to work.  A letter from your neurologist attached to the application is the best way to obtain benefits on your first try.  Make sure all your medical records support your answers to the questions they ask.  I was awarded SSDI first try, but I had short and long term benefits thru my employer and they hired an atty to help with the benefits because then they only have to pay a portion instead of the entire amount.  I also had a 7 page letter from my neurologist explaining my disability.  Remember be honest and complete on your answers.  Good Luck!
Debbie
~live as if all your dreams came true~

[Quixotic1]

Here is another resource in our Health Pages:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/Social-Security-Disability-SSDI--Supplemental-Security-Income-SSI/show/529?cid=36

welcome

Quix

[Pr42022]

Hi again Diva,
Is it Social Security disability benefits that you applied for?  If so, here's another resource for you.  The website msworld.org has a message board where you can post ?s that will be answered by a volunteer attorney who is very experienced with disability.
Hope that helps.

[jensequitur]

I understand that there's a period of time in which you're unable to work that they require before considering you disabled.  I don't remember how long that is, but the .gov website will have it.  

[Pr42022]

diva,

Just because you used to work full-time, it doesn't mean you can now.  MS is a progressive disease, even RRMS, there is some progression in the disease with each new lesion and after each relapse.

I worked for 11 years after my diagnosis.  I loved working, but got to where I just couldn't anymore.  I applied for and got long-term disability from my employer and SSDI.

Know that if you are turned down initially, you can appeal.  And if necessary, you can get help from the NMSS or a lawyer when you appeal.

Best of luck as you go through this.