Social Security Disability?

[anon07072023]

I was talking with another community member, and we were kind of discussing social security disability. We were wondering, once someone has a Dx of MS, is it fairly easy to qualify for disability benefits?  Or what kind of requirements are there?  Just wondering....

Thanks,
Kelly

[addicted2harleys]

Hi, Kelly-

I am undx'ed with MS, but I did succeed in getting SSDI and SSI.   From my 2+ years going through the motions and jumping through governmental hoops, I learned about the process pretty well.  

I know that the absolute only thing they focus on is your ability to work.  While there are codes that they use for different diseases and such, I do not believe that it really matters much to them what disease the person has.  At least it was that way with the board that reviewed my case.  

I don't know if this helps answer your question or not.  I hope so!  :)

Hugs,
Addi

[Sumanadevii]

Kelly, I have heard it go both ways.  I know a young mother with two children with fatigue so bad she can't work yet she is still waiting (after a year) to get SSDI.  I know others that have been given it in two months without a question.  It really doesn't make sense on how the cases are handled.  Why some are given it right away and others struggle to receive it is beyond any reasoning.

[daisy.girl]

I have been denied three times, and am in the appeals process right now. I initally applied over three years ago.....I was only dx with MS a year ago, so, I hope that now that I have a dx they will approve me.

[socrates2k1]

Kelly,
I was diagnosed with MS, in December 2009, and applied for SSI and SSD.
By the time I was to be awarded SSI, I was awarded SSD, in May 2010, retroactive to January 2010.  I was told, at the time of applying, that MS was an "automatic", meaning that having MS, was an automatic acceptance for SSD, and for me, it was.  I cannot speak, for anyone else, accept myself.

Take care and may God bless, you and yours.

-- Socrates2k1

[anon07072023]

It kind of sounds like what I thought - some are approved - some aren't (at least not the first time).  
If you are unable to work and you get SSDI, are you allowed to be on someone else's medical insurance - or is that a no-no? I'm not sure how it all works. For instance, if I were to be on SSDI, would I still be allowed to get my partners medical insurance, or would I have to get some sort of state medical?

I see that it says that you have to be unable to work.  Would that mean that you need to quit your job, then try to apply for SSDI - or can you apply while you are still working?

Thank you!
Kelly

[jensequitur]

For disability, you'll need to prove that you haven't worked in six months.  If you have short-term or long-term disability, you'll need to talk to your HR department about your options.  I think that being on somebody else's insurance is just fine, and you can use it as a supplemental to Medicaid.

[anon07072023]

If you're on SSDI would you still get your DMDs covered?  Or do you lose that kind of medical coverage?  Right now I'm on Copaxone.  Do people who are on SSDI lose this?

Thanks again for your comments!
-Kelly  

[candy158]

Are you in Canada Kelly?  I for my disability in Canada, but fought for it for 2 years, kinda like Addi did.    

[AMO]

good morning   kelly,

I  am not sure what you are asking.
Do you mean   if you are onn medicare?

once    someonne is approved to SSDI it is two years to have medicare. That is the date of from what you are   deemed disableed by them.
in the mean  time you can continue on what insurannce you have, private or group and coverage would be the same .

If you sign   up for medicare, you would have  toooo choose a medicare-D (for pharmacy) program.

It is very confusing, I know.
i hope this makes sence.   amo

[anon07072023]

I am in the US.
Yes, it is kind of confusing. I had always thought that Medicare was only for people over a certain age.  I didn't realize that it was also for people who are disabled, too.

Thanks...Kelly

[Sumanadevii]

Medicare is given early without the two year wait period for those needing assistance...It is not a rule set in stone ..the two year wait.

[AMO]

hum, thanks sumana,
I thogut that was when State Medicaid would have coverage , until medicare came in play. good to know.

[rendean]

Socrates, you were lucky in receiving your SSDI so quickly. What state do you live in? I live in GA and was denied the first round, even though I had a dx of MS, vertigo, migraines trigeminal neuralgia,  . They stated I was still able to work.

So I guess it does matter who is reviewing your case. I have a private company handling my claim ,which was provided by ex-employer. They do a WONDERFUL filling out all the paperwork. etc. PM me if you would like their name.

Ren

[Lulu54]

Hi Kelly,
I just bumped this thread from a teleconference I sat in on last year....... it was full of information that I hope will help.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Social-Security-Disability-Income-teleconference-notes/show/1352164

[anon07072023]

Thanks! I'll check it out.

[rendean]

Well, my mail today  contained my 2nd letter of denial. Da*n it!  I quote

" Although you have physical limitations as a result of your condition, the records show you may be capable of performing some  types of work-related activities. Despite the pain and discomfort you are experiencing, you are able to move about and uses arms legs, hands and back to perform some limited types of activities.. Although you have some mental problems (processing disorders-my input) you are able to think,communicate, act in your own interest and pursue your usual activities You are able to perform simple jobs without complex instructions and ones that do not involve working closely with others."

Okay who wants to hire me??????????

I realize this is boiler-plate language that they use routinely but have a smidge of sympathy. Geez!!!!!!!  BTW, Spell check found 16 spelling errors even though I used to be a spelling bee champion. I just don't get it....

Ren

[Lulu54]

Sorry you got that love letter today, Ren.  That stinks.... but that is one of the points that were made in the summary I posted.  To get SSDI you have to prove beyond a doubt that you can do no work - not just the job you used to do, but any type of work.  If you can sit at home and make telephone calls soliciting donations, that could be considered work.

I think it also depends on what state you file in - I hear Ohio is particularly difficult and it is a lengthy process.  I don't know about Georgia.  I trust you will file an appeal.

Again, I'm sorry Ren.  
hugs.

[anon07072023]

Ren,

I'm sorry, too.  Man, they are hard core, aren't they???!
Their response was, basically, you just need to get out there and work.  That's easy for them to say. I really hope you have found a really good lawyer.

good luck to you!
-Kelly

[Sumanadevii]

I know they check your accounts.  They know if you are doing your own banking, grocery shopping, mall shopping, internet shopping.  They know if you are driving and have a license.  I doubt they miss anything.  One  thing they do miss is common sense.  The fatigue alone with MS is disabling.  

[socrates2k1]

Ren,

To answer your Q? I live in Kansas (USA), but as far as I know, it was "approved" on the Federal Level, so what state I live in, shouldn't matter, maybe I'm wrong.

I was blessed, I didn't have to hire an attorney or anything, filled my paperwork online, and was approved, first try.

Granted, I was unable to return to work, after my accident (on July 3rd, 2009), and therefore by "accident" (an MRI) they found that I possibly had MS.

I had a second MRI, in November 2009, and a subsequent spinal tap and blood work, that helped to confirm the diagnosis.

So, by the time, they did "approve" me, in May 2010 (retroactive to January 2010), I had been away from work, for 10 months (July 2009 - May 2010).  

Since there is a 6 month waiting period, to receive assistance, I was "approved" retroactive to January 2010 (hence July 2009 - January 2010).

[rendean]

Socrates,
I am happy for you that it was hassle -free, just wistful that mine is going to  take so long.
Thank you for answering. I hope you are doing well  and living well.

Warmly,
Ren

[socrates2k1]

Ren,

I wish, approval, was as easy for everyone else, as it was for me.
God blessed me, big time, is the way I look at it.

I try to keep all those awaiting approval, in my prayers, and also those still waiting to be dx'd.

Take care and God bless, you and yours.

-- Socrates2k1

[socrates2k1]

I just wish, receiving Medicare, was as easy.

Sumanadevii, you state that Medicare can be received "early" (i.e. surpassing the 2 year waiting period), how do you know this, and how do I go about it?

All my attempts, so far, have been coming up empty.
Everyone I have spoken with, at the Social Security Office, has told me, I had to wait two years, from date of "approval", which since I was approved beginning in January 2010, I have to wait until January 2012, to be eligible for Medicare.

-- Socrates2k1

[Sumanadevii]

I have spoken about my friend that has had two kidney transplants.  He received Medicare early.  So I did a search on line today and this is what I found

http://healthinsurance.about.com/od/medicare/a/Medicare_SSDI.htm

It seems it covers Lou Gehrig's Disease and End Stage Renal Failure.  Sorry for the false  hope.