Question: How Do I Apply for Benefits...

I would talk to an attorney before filing, but you can file yourself, too. As soon as you become disabled, and are working erratically or not working, you may apply for disability at any Social Security office. You may also apply by phone. The best way to start is to call 1-800-772-1213. Most people who are comfortable writing answers find that a telephone appointment is the easiest way to file. If you are not comfortable with a lot of writing, set an appointment to apply in person.

The claims process for disability usually takes longer than for other Social Security benefits. So the sooner you apply, the better. Here are some ways to speed up the process. Be sure you have the Social Security number and proof of age for each person who is applying. This includes your spouse and children, if they are also filing for benefits. You'll need the names, addresses and phone numbers of your doctors, hospitals and other health care providers, plus the dates of treatment. List the names of all medications you are taking. Obtain copies of medical records from your doctors, therapists and caseworkers, as well as lab or test results. You'll need to give a summary of where you worked in the last 15 years, and what type of job you did. Take a copy of your w-2 form, or your federal tax return, if you're self-employed. The Social Security office will help you fill out all the necessary forms. They can also help you get the information you need, to process your claim.

If you need help with a disability application and live in North or South Carolina, please call us at 1-800-775-3985 or click here to e-mail us.

Author Message   Martha Briones Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 2:25 pm:        My mother is 60 years old, when can she apply for social security benefits. What is the process and what documentation will be requested from her? Reply by Paul She should apply about 3 months before she is eligible, if it is retirement she is applying for. She is eligible for retirement on her own record, if she has worked enough, at age 62. She will get more per month if she retires later, though. She is entitled to retirement on her spouse's record, if she is a widow, at age 60. If she is not a widow, she can retire on his record at age 62, or whenever he retires, whichever is later. If she is applying for disability, she should apply as soon as she realizes that she is disabled. The eligibility rules for disability are complicated; it is simplest to apply, and consult with an attorney as soon as she is denied for any reason. The paperwork varies a lot depending on her situation. It is simplest to ask. You can always go down to your local office to apply, but it is usually easier to start by calling the toll free number, 1 800 772 1213. Take care.   VickieBurns Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2001 - 6:35 am:        My Mother has several chronic auto-immune conditions, including Lupus, Fibromyalgia and Sojgren's syndrom. She is 59 years old and lives in Florida. She is in constant pain and has not been able to work since 1994. She did not apply for disability before because she and her husband were doing well financially and she had medical insurance. She now is without insurance & lives on a somewhat small fixed income. She applied for disability in January 2001 at the advice of one of her physicians, and was denied because of a "lack of evidence of her medical condition prior to 1999". We found out that her physician prior to 1999 (In Illinois) never responded to the SSA's requests for information. She reapplied and got the same response. Both she & I have called the physician's office and were both told that her records have been destroyed and that there was nothing that they could do. They told us that her last visit to him was in early 1995 and that the law requires them to destroy patient's records after 5 years. We have evidence that she was seen by this doctor well into 1996 and that it has not been 5 years. I have attempted to contact the doctor himself, both by telephone and email and have gotten no response. Is there anything that we can do? Thanks so much!   Paul McChesney (Admin) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Friday, June 01, 2001 - 5:34 am:        Vickie, there is some law that indicates that medical evidence from after a period of time can have a bearing on your condition during that period; and I have had some limited succes with cases where evidence existed but had been destroyed, as opposed to situations where there was no evidence to begin with. You should try to get a good attorney for your mother. The attorney should be near where she lives. You should also try to get a statement from the doctor, a nurse, etc., who might be able to remember anything about her treatment. You only have a limited amount of time to appeal, so hurry. It might be a difficult case. One great moral of this for others is that most people should work enough to qualify for benefits, even if they do not need the money at that time; and, if you become disabled, you must apply for benefits, even if you do not need the money at that time. It is difficult, though not always impossible, to prove that you were disabled at some point in the past, and that is what you might have to do if you file years after you become disabled. Good luck.   SARAH Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Thursday, June 14, 2001 - 11:41 pm:        I LIVE IN UNION SOUTH CAROLINA I HAVE SLE,RAYNARDS,AND PLUSARY. I HAVE BEEN OUT OF WORK SINCE 12-15-2000. I WORK IN A PLANT AS A MACHINE OPERATOR WHERE WE MAKE BEARINGS FOR INGERSOLL-RAND I AM 37 YEARS OLD AND WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED WITH LUPUS IN AUGUST OF LAST YEAR. THIS HAS REALLY CHANGED MY LIFE. I HAVE A FEW GOOD DAYS BUT A LOT OF BADS ONES. THERE ARE DAYS THAT I CAN HARDLY GET OUT OF BED. MY DR IS GOING TO DECIDED IN JULY IF HE THINKS I CAN RETURN TO WORK. I ALSO HAVE ANOTHER DR. BECAUSE I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY LUNGS. THE FOUND A SPOT ON MY LUNGS BUT SEEMS TO THINK THAT IT'S JUST COMING FROM THE LUPUS. MY PROBLEM IS THAT I DON'T MIND WORKING BUT I KNOW THAT RIGHT NOW THERE IS NO WAY THAT I CAN RETURN TO WORK AND PERFORM MY JOB. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING MY SHORT TERM DISABILITY FROM MY JOB. DO YOU THINK THAT I'LL HAVE THIS MUCH TROUBLE IF I HAVE TO APPLY FOR MY SSI? DO I GO ON AND TRY TO APPLY OR WAIT FOR MY DOCTOR TO DO IT? From Paul: Sarah, you will probably have even more trouble getting SSI or Social Security Disability than you will short term. Nevertheless, you must file for it if you are not going to be able to return to work. I would file as qickly as possible, and not wait for the doctor. The process takes long enough as it is. Good luck   Meredith Chase Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2002 - 7:27 am:        I live in Wilmington, NC and have both grand mal and petite mal seizures about twice a month. I am almost 21 years old and in college. I have been having problems in all of my classes because of memory problems and other mental problems due to my seizures. It has been hard for me to hold down simple jobs. I have tried several medications and other forms of treatment. I now live with my parents and am under my parents insurance. I am afraid that I will not be able to support myself once I get out on my own. I am trying to find out if I will be able to receive disibility or any other kind of help from our government. Does it look like I will be able to find some kind of help from our state or will I have to look elsewhere?   Paul McChesney (Admin) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Friday, February 08, 2002 - 10:53 am:        If a person can prove that he or she is having siezures at that rate, a disability claim is a real possibility. There are a number of special things you need to do to have your best chance in a siezure case. If you have no income or resources, you might get SSI, which is at best less than $600 per month. Social Security Disability can be more. At your young age, you do not have to have worked much to qualify. You should try desperately to work enough to get enough quarters of coverage to qualify for Social Security Disability. If you find you cannot succeed, you should file. Get an attorney and make sure your doctor supports you; in a siezure case in particular I would get an attorney involved from the start. Do everything the doctor tells you to do unless it doesn't make sense; in that case get another doctor and do what he or she tells you. Be sure your blood levels reflect appropriate amounts of medications have been taken. Get an EEG if you haven't yet. Keep a detailed record of your siezures. Take care and good luck.   JODEE Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Saturday, March 02, 2002 - 7:28 pm:        COULD YOU TELL ME IF THEIR IS A SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAM FOR PERSONS SUFFERING FROM COMPLICATIONS FOLLOWING A HEMMORAGHIC STROKE..I HAD MY STROKE IN MAY OF 2001,AND HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO BACK TO WORK SINCE,AND STILL HAVING PROBLEMS FROM EXTREME MENTAL/EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS, TO LOSING FEELING IN MY EXTREMITIES,AND OCCASIONAL LOSS OF SIGHT NOT TOTAL BUT MORE LIKE A TUNNEL VISION.I AM IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA..IF THERE IS A PROGRAM FOR PERSONS LIKE MY SELF PLEASE EMAIL ME,AND IF ANYONE COULD TELL ME HOW I GET STARTED IN THIS PROCESS,I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT..   Paul McChesney (Admin) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Saturday, March 16, 2002 - 5:54 am:        Jodee, to answer as best I can: 1. Is there a program? Yes, all SS programs potentially apply to stroke victims. For SSI, you also have to show that you are poor enough; if you are told you are not you must sit down with an attorney and see if the problem is something like the old truck that they consider an excess asset; sell it and you qualify. For the other program, Social Security Disability, you have to show you have worked enough; if you are told you have not, again there are often things you can do to fix that. 2. Am I disabled? When someone gives me a list of symptoms it is almost always difficult for me to have a real feel for whether he or she might be disabled under the Administration's standards. But I would be able to say better if I knew more specifics. For example, if extreme meant that you had to miss work because of your symptoms more than 3 days a month on an unpredictable basis, or if the tunnel vision occurred for several hours a day and meant that you had trouble locating objects to work with them, or your loss of feeling meant that you had difficulty using a pen or keyboard, vocational experts might say you are disabled. If you don't meet these two tests, don't worry, there are a lot more. A more practical test for you is a different question: Can I get a job? If the answer is no, or even if you are having difficulty hanging on to work, you must sit down and talk to someone about pursuing a claim, in order to help protect your financial security. 3. How do I get started? To file a claim, call 1 800 772 1213, press "0" 20 times to clear off the menu and get put on hold to talk to someone, tell them you want to file a claim for disability, and tell them that you want a telephone appointment. But I would also read every single post on this board, and I would also sit down and talk to an attorney, or talk to one on the phone, right now. Your problem is too serious to do less. Many do and many do not wind up hiring an attorney for the initial application; whether you should do so that early is less clear; but you should talk. This is an extremely important time in your life, and you should leave no stone unturned.   Lisa Tise Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 6:28 pm:        I have a sister that could easily get on disability but what I was wondering if she is married and her husband makes an average income could she still get SSI. If not what could she do. They have no insurance and she has lots of medical problems.   Paul McChesney (Admin) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Wednesday, April 24, 2002 - 6:28 am:        SSI is not available if the family income is above a certain amount. How much that is depends on whether the income is earned or not, and how many people are in the household. Medicaid is available for somewhat higher income levels than SSI. Social Security Disability is available whatever the household income is. But the disabled person must have paid enough into the system.   JUDI BROWN Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 6:27 pm:        My Jan/2002 physical shows scoliosis + enlarged heart + spinal spur. Widowed, living alone in apt..must depend totally on myself to take care of myself but live every day w/severe back pain. Never reported this at work due to fear of being fired + afraid of not being hired by anyone else..also can no longer work at certain jobs prev worked standing on feet..cannot perform daily proceedures as before such as walking,jogging,bending,lifting..back pain while sitting but not as severe as when standing,walking..taking thyroid/blood pressure/cholesterol RX but can not walk or jog as needed..if I cannot work I cannot survive financially & must depend only on myself to rent & take care of myself..financial help needed..am I able to apply for disability?   Paul McChesney (Admin) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Saturday, July 20, 2002 - 7:36 am:        You certainly can apply and might consider it; but of course a harder question is whether you can win, and whether you can survive while waiting for benefits to start. I would get a thorough evaluation of your claim by a local attorney now, before you have to stop working. Make sure you are doing the right things, such as lining up a sympathetic doctor, and getting yourself set for a possible time without income. Be sure to purchase long term disability insurance if you can, and consider filing before you finally have to stop working. There is a lot more; sit down and talk to an attorney before you make a final decision. Take care and good luck.   Pat Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 - 7:21 pm:        I am 31 years old.I have Fibromyalgia and severe depression.I have back,neck and shoulder pain constantly.My doctor also thinks I may have arthritis in my fingers on my right hand. I am currently seeing a rheumatologist and a psychiatrist. I am on long term disability from work. My long term disability is based on the depression. My psychiatrist fills out my paperwork for that every month.I have not worked since Feb.2002. I work at an assembly plant.I can't see being able to do that work again anytime soon. It is very stressful and physically demanding. Before that I worked mostly in textiles.I have a G.E.D. I quit high school in the 10th grade. I have severe pain through out my body.I can't stand to lift heavy objects. I can't stand or sit for extended periods without great back and neck pain.I have severe depression and crying episodes.I also suffer from extreme anxiety, occasional panic attacks, and have trouble sleeping.I can't get out of bed unassisted some days. I take 1-2 Zanaflex 4MG every 12 hours,1-2 Diazepam 2MG 2 times a day, 1 Zoloft 100MG every twelve hours,1-2 Trazadone 50MG 1 at night,and Duragesic 25 patches that I change every three days. My insurance wants me to apply for disability.The last Social Security Statement I have is dated December 18,2000.It says that I have $780. a month credit at that time.I have worked every year since then and made about $20,000 a year. How likely is it that I will get approved? Also ,if I am approved, don't I have to be out of work for a year before I receive payments? How would you suggest I proceed from here? Has my credited amout increased since Dec.2002? I am sorry to be so long winded but I tried to supply you with as much information as possible.   Paul McChesney (Admin) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Saturday, July 20, 2002 - 9:53 am:        Pat, here are my answers, such as they are: Q. How likely is it that I will get approved? A. This is hard to say. It depends on how your whole file looks, in part. You certainly have a shot at it. Q. Also ,if I am approved, don't I have to be out of work for a year before I receive payments? A. No. You condition must have lasted, or be expected to last, for a year. If I become suddenly disabled tomorrow, I can apply and if they agree and work fast I can be declared disabled even though a year hasn't passed, so long as I prove I will still be disabled in a year. But benefits start the month of application for SSI and 5 months after you become disabled for Social Security disability. Q. How would you suggest I proceed from here? A. As always, hire a lawyer and line up your doctors. Q. Has my credited amout increased since Dec.2002? A. Almost certainly not. Occasionally they accidentally credit LTD, but they are not supposed to. You need to establish disability to protect your benefit amount. If you do not, they will start averaging all of the "$0"'s you are earning now into your earning average, and the amount of your potential disability and retirement checks will go down.   Nancy D Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 9:29 am:        I am a 46 year old female diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in Oct 01. I had major surgery on 10/29 and even had congestive heart failure on 10/31 due to hospital error. I can not return to work because I didn't respond well to chemo and am taking daily meds that include prozac, tamoxifen, Xanax and sometimes Dalmane. I have two children 11 and 9. I had worked for 30 years at various positions, but did not work in 1999. I am married to a money control freak, therefore I have no money. I find it hard to believe but SSA refused to take an application for me. Any Advise would be helpful.   Paul McChesney (Admin) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Sunday, August 25, 2002 - 1:45 pm:        Nancy, I do not understand why they would not take an application. Generally, someone who is not now working, and has worked about 5 out of the last 10 years, or less if you are under 30, should be permitted to file an application. There could be something I am missing. Try again, or better, talk to an attorney about it. I do not give suggestions about malpractice outside South Carolina, except to say that you should get an attorney. Take care and good luck.   Robert White Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 3:09 pm:        I was medically retired from the Army in 1997 due to asthma/emphysema. I was initially awarded a 70% rating from the VA. I recently went through a re-eval w/ the VA as my conditions have worsened. I'm fairly certain they will award a 100% rating this time. I am awaiting a call from a SS rep for disability. The call is scheduled for the 9th. I want to know if there are any bits of advice one could give me to ensure I have what I need and be prepared for the call. I've heard that it's almost an inevitability to be declined bennies the 1st time. I want to avoid this, if possible as I'm sure I qualify (Steroid dependent asthma, Emphysema, Major depression, Sinusitus, Hypertension, GERD, and Insomnia are all well documented since 1997)for the benefit. Thanks for any advice.   Paul McChesney (Admin) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 6:27 am:        The person that talks to you is just gathering exactly the information that he asks you about - who your doctors are, what your education is, what work you have done, etc. Just get that stuff as fast as possible to avoid delay. Winning your case is a separate question; that requires that the doctor records document specific limitations sufficient to disable someone with your particular work skills. And, as always, I suggest getting an attorney, if not immediately, whin initially denied.   Cindy Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Wednesday, July 09, 2003 - 1:56 pm:        I'm 33 yrs old. I've had back pain for over 10 yrs now. I recently had surgery. The doctor fused my L5 to my S1. I have severe pain most of the time in my lower back and down my right leg. I also have some numbness in my right leg. I can't sit or stand for long periods of time and at night I wake up twice an hour because of the pain is so bad. I'd say I get about a total of 4 hours sleep. I'm on pain medication and a musle relaxer but it barely dulls the pain. I haven't worked in a year. Do you think I have a good chance on getting on SSI? What do I need to do? Cindy   Paul McChesney (Admin) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Sunday, July 13, 2003 - 6:35 pm:        Cindy, anyone who has had fusion surgery must have a serious health problem, and while many people with fusions lead productive lives, many have trouble. It is more difficult to win a claim if you are as young as you are. Some of the crucial questions in your case are whether you have work skills that will let you work with your particular impairment, and whether you can attend the most sedentary work regularly. If you were older, the questions would be different; for example, sometimes people over 50 only have to show that they cannot perform work they are skilled to do, and cannot do anything more than sedentary work. I would sit down and talk to an attorney, or maybe a couple of them, right now, at the start of the process. A seperate question is whether you should hire one now. The advantage of not hiring an attorney early is that you avoid the fee if you win on your own. The advantage of hiring one is that you can better control what evidence gets in. Since an early win is unlikely at your age, the balance for you leans toward hiring one now.   DarlaLott Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Friday, July 11, 2003 - 3:10 pm:        My son is 13. His father and I were never married. His father has never paid child support, but I recently was told by a family member that he is receiving Social Security Disability due to severe epilepsy. Would my son be entitled to a benefit from this? How would I go about getting this started?   Paul McChesney (Admin) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Sunday, July 13, 2003 - 7:30 pm:        Darla, you might be able to solve this problem on your own, and simply, by going down to the Administration and simply asking for the money. If that doesn't work you must get an attorney. There are many things you must show in order to establish a right to benefits for your child. Some of them include whether, since you weren't married, he supported the child (which is different from paying child support); whether he worked enough to qualify for Social Security disability, as opposed to SSI; and if so whether he worked enough to be entitled to benefits for his children. That's the long answer. The short answers are "maybe" and "apply or talk to an attorney." Take care.   Dee Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 11:26 am:        I am 43 years old and became a bk amputee on June 2, 1999 due to deep vein thrombosis. The only medication I take is an aspirin everyday. I have since been treated for Hepatitus B and C, depression, joint and muscle pain, anxiety and stress (all unsuccessfully). I have a prosthetic and people have told me that I will not be considered disabled. I cannot be on my feet for very long at a time, it becomes painful and uncomfortable. Wearing my prosthetic all day hurts. i need to "rest" my residual limb. I have tried to work and it becomes painful to walk, sit, lift things, etc. I am currently unemployed and draw survivor's benefits. (I am widowed with a minor child.) Should I apply for disability or keep hoping things will improve?   Dee Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 5:37 pm:        I wrote earlier and need to add that i do not have any medical insurance, no hope of medical insurance and cannot afford to continue my medical treatments. The medication alone for Hep C is over $1300 a month. All i can afford is an aspirin a day. I cannot afford the medical attention that i need. Would disability help me? I know i need help and cannot find any. What should i do?   Paul McChesney (Admin) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Saturday, August 23, 2003 - 6:38 am:        In general, a person with health problems should either work, or pursue Social Security disability, or both. It is dangerous to sit on your sofa and hope things will get better. If you work steadily and are over 30, once you stop work you are only eligible for Social Security Disability for about 5 years. What you should not do is sit back and let your eligibility for Social Security Disabilty expire. Your survivor's benefits are something of a trap. If you live off of them, when your child reaches 16 your mother's benefits will stop, and eventually his will. If you have not worked or qualified for disability in the mean time, there will be nothing for you but SSI, which is usually not as good as Social Security. If you get Social Security disability, you will eventually get Medicare. If you get SSI, you will eventually get Medicaid. You should search for medical help. What is available varies around the country. Some areas have lots of resources; others few. Start by calling the United Way; they usually keep a list of all available local resources. And medication can often be gotten for free. Start by searching on needymeds.com.   francis x boyle Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Friday, October 17, 2003 - 3:49 pm:        my husband is a 100% disabled veteran he became disabled March 4, 1968 and was medically retired from the us army feb 1969 after 11 month and 10 days in the hospital he has tried to work and has failed at his job hand has not been kept working. he was either let go or asked to leave we have all the medical reports and paperwork from the VA how does he file for social security disability ? thank you   Paul McChesney (Admin) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 6:33 am:        Frances, the simplest way to file is to call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to set a telephone appointment. For this to work well, you need to be able to read and write well, or have a friend who can. You can also apply online by going to ssa.gov. If you do that, be sure to get a PIN number, that you can use to check the status of your case. Or you can apply in person. The best way to do that is to call the 800 number and set an in person appointment. When you call the 800 number, if you want to speak to a real person, press 0 about 10 times, slowly; that will usually clear off the menu and you will be put on hold for a few minutes.   cynthiawood Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Saturday, May 29, 2004 - 11:46 pm:        im 25. i have MCTD, SLE, Migraines, RA(which has my right writing hand derformed)because of it, fixed drug erruptions, scleroderma, Cold Agglutins, CoupeDeBrae, and anemia. I have been very ill here lately, especailly after i had my baby last year. My sister moved across the street to help me, with my son. They will not approve me. ive been sick since i was 12. i use to work partime here and there but now i havent worked since 2000. my granmother took care of me up until last year when she passed. i go to the doctor reguraly. What am i to do?   Paul McChesney (Admin) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Sunday, May 30, 2004 - 3:43 pm:        You need to: a) be sure your doctor supports you. b) appeal if you have a live claim; refile if you don't. c) hire a lawyer. Your chances are low on the first claim, but improve if you keep appealing and hire an attorney. You must either work or pursue a claim or both, but not neither.   michael edward poly (Whosrbud) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 3:26 pm:        i am a 60 year old male with the following disabling conditions: severe COPD, strabismus of the right eye, ruptured meniscus in both knees, epithelial erosion of both corneas and afflicted with severe manic-despressive disorder. i am unable to climb a flight of stairs or walk more than 30 feet without stopping to catch my breath and can no longer carry anything in excess of ten pounds without great effort. i could not exit a building quickly in case of fire and require nebulizing treatments a minimum of four times a day. my strabismus is such that my right and left eyes do not track with each other and as a result i see a double image, especially while driving. since my field of endeavor was in computer animation, i am no long able to maintain focus of a single image on my CRT and would be unable to meet deadline requirements in the broadcast industry. the meniscus in both knees has been ruptured and has resulted in intense pain when i walk on any hard surface. i also suffer from recurrent epithelial erosion in both eyes and approximately 2-3 days of the week cannot open my eyes during daylight hours. i would be unable to drive or work during these episodes. though i am being treated for my bipolar disorder, it is far from being under control and the manefestions of this disorder were primarily responsible for my being furloughed from my last employment 16 months ago. my wife and i are now penniless, and our COBRA will expire in 35 days-after which we will have no medical insurance and to make matters worse, no insurance company will write a policy because each of us has a pre-existing condition (COPD) i originally filled in the online portion a year ago but never finished doing all the paperwork application. my wife is is worse condition than me. she is 61 and has not applied for disability even though i have implored her to do so. i contacted an attorney in charlotte but they only take on clients who have filed and been rejected. what is the most expedient order of things for us to do disability-wise? thank you very much for having this resource available on the internet. -michael   Paul McChesney (Admin) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Sunday, May 30, 2004 - 2:32 pm:        I am sorry to hear about your condition. I would be glad to help in any way I can; I handle Charlotte cases. Of course you both must apply immediately for Social Security Disability and probably for SSI. Online is the best way, if you can figure out how to do it, or call 1 800 772 1213 and ask for a telephone appointment. I am very concerned, though, about the time it might take for you to win your claim. You MUST go ahead and file immediately!! Please see other sections of this forum timing details. The moral of your situation is that folks should file quickly because otherwise you can get into serious financial trouble while you are waiting for a favorable decision.   james henry stewart (Comm1) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Saturday, May 01, 2004 - 7:07 pm:        Hi Paul,. Iam 54 years old,always done manual labor,12th grade education I have many health problems and havn`t worked in 7 months.in october the doctor took me out of work because of neck pain, back pain and numbness and pain in my arms---had mri done--, I have advanced degeberative disk and joint disease at mutiple levels ( c3-c4,c4-c5,c5-c6,c6-c7,c7-t1)the operation was postponed because a second mri showed a mass on my thyroid gland.I walk with alimp because of an achilles tendon ruputure,was rated with a 19% impairment,trying to carry anything is near impossible,just sitting and iam in pain,just trying to walk causes back to hurt,so i walk no more than 20 minutes at a time.thyroid is oversized and causes shortness of breath.I also have a bad back that the doctor have to check after the other two problems have been corrected. should i apply for ssd now or wait until i have been operated on?   Paul McChesney (Admin) Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 4:51 am:        James, I am quite sure that you should apply immediately. Don't wait another day; call 1 800 772 1213 and hit 0 until you get put on hold for a live person. Then ask to set a telephone appointment. Some people win within 3-6 months, and maybe you will be so lucky. But it is common to have to go to a hearing, which could take more than a year and a half, and in case that happens you want to make sure you file now, to get that year and a half started. If you get better and are able to work, you can always drop your claim - but don't do so until you are sure you are back to work for good. If you are denied, I would be happy to represent you if you are anywhere nearby the Carolinas; if not, I might (or might not) be able to suggest someone. Be sure to cut your expenses ruthlessly in case it takes longer than we hope.   Glenda Goode Unregistered guest Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Thursday, November 18, 2004 - 5:25 am:        I am 53 years old. I have been teaching special education for 17 years. I have been diagnosed with COPD. I can no longer keep up with my students. They run and I cannot catch them. I am expected to go to their Adaptive P.E. classes and assist the P.E. teacher. This involves everything from running with them to square dancing. I cannot do this without gasping for air. I have to climb 22 steps at a minimum of 4 times daily, although it is usually many more times. Each time, I am gasping for air, sweating profusely, and exhausted. Am I eligible for SSI? I feel that I can no longer endure my job. I am so depressed.   Paul McChesney (Admin) Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 918 Registered: 5-2004 Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Wednesday, December 01, 2004 - 12:57 pm:        Glenda, it is not enough for you to show that you cannot be a special ed teacher; you must also show that you could do no other job. Could you perform a job that required the intelligence and work skills you have, but that would let you sit down all day? There are such jobs. I suggest you sit down with a local lawyer. Take care.   Anonymous   Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2005 - 3:18 pm:        I am 52 years old. I've had a kidney removed due to cancer. I have arthritis in all my joints which get worse every year. I have to stand about 6 hours a day turning lifting,reaching and then sit and deliver my mail for 3 hours a day from the wrong side of car stretching to reach mail boxes. I've been to a rumataligist and kidney doctor and both tell me a can't take arthritis meds because they will destroy remaining kidney . I've worked for post office for about 23 years. Due I have to work in all this pain till I'm 62 I can't handle this much longer   Paul McChesney (Admin) Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1011 Registered: 5-2004 Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 5:32 am:        This is a critical question for you, so I am not even going to attempt to answer it. Right now, you should sit down with a lawyer who is familiar with both Social Security Disability, and Post Office benefits. I suggest you do this before you stop working. As a postal worker, you might or might not have some rights to benefits that are important, but difficult to collect unless you are careful. If you jump too soon, you might lose your right to benefits; if you jump to late, you might get hungry waiting for them to start.   JenniPatterson (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Rating:  Votes: 1 (Vote!) Posted on Tuesday, March 08, 2005 - 5:50 pm:        Hi I am 32 yrs old and have been having siezures for about 12 yrs. It went undiagnosed until 2 yrs ago. I went to the Dr. Today and was told that I can not drive for atleast 6 months from my last siezure which would be Sept 2005. We depend on my salary to make ends meet. How can I and what can I qualify for? Who do I contact?   Mary Lou Hill (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 - 2:43 pm:        Paul, I am 56 years old and have been diagnosed with glaucoma, diabetes, polycystic kidney disease, hypertension and peripheral artery disease. I am now working, but my boss told me that I need to consider disability and that he would rather see me leave on my own than have to let me go. I feel trapped and alone and do not know what I should do at this point. Can you give me any advice?   Paul McChesney (Admin) Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1075 Registered: 5-2004 Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 6:06 am:        Mary Lou: You are in a tough spot. You are wise to feel panicky; you need to be alert and work hard and fast on your situation. It is not at all clear to me whether you have some serious conditions, but are able to work, or whether work is hopeless for you, or something in between; I don't know if you have long term disability insurance, or could get it, through work; I don't know how much your boss might work with you for a while; and a lot of other things. I know little about your rights if wrongfully fired, or what wrongful firing is. For all those reasons, because I am uncertain and am concerned about you and don't want to encourage a step that turns out to be the wrong one, I am not going to give you one word of advice, except to quickly gather up your benefit booklets and your medical records and sit down with a lawyer who does a lot of disability work in your area. Everything I could think of about finding a good lawyer is set out here: suggestions about finding a lawyer. Take care.   Anonymous   Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 - 8:50 pm:        HI, I AM 47 YRS OLD AND I APPLIED FOR SS DISIBILITY LAST YEAR 11 MONTHS AGO. I AM WAITING FOR AN APPEAL TO SEE THE JUDGE. I AM WAITING TO SEE A DATE TO SEE THE JUDGE.I HAVE CONFIRMED RA INFLAMMATORY, I NEED A RT KNEE REPLACEMENT FROM NO CARTILAGE THAT HAS BEEN DESTROYED AND I HAVE OSTEOPORIOSOS, AND OSTEOARTHRITIS. I HAVE BEEN OUT OF WORK FOR 1 YEAR. MY SS PAPER SAYS THAT I WOULD BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE ABOUT 787 PER MONTH. DO I HAVE A CHANCE TO GET IT. I AM IN ALOT OF PAIN ALL THE TIME AND AM ON MEDS ALL THE TIME.   Paul McChesney (Admin) Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1074 Registered: 5-2004 Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 10:24 pm:        Yes, you have a chance. Rheumetoid is a serious disease. It is hard to say how good of a chance; I would need to see your records to say more than that. Get a lawyer and have him look at your records. Take care.   stacey (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 - 1:03 pm:        I have CFIDS & fibromyalgia. I suffer all symp; IBS, extreme fatigue, muscle pain, slp apnea, insomnia, dep., HBP, mig hdaches. I've worked for USPS for 11 yrs. FMLA has saved my job. The job is phys. I have BS (no exp)& was trying to go back to schl, but had to drop out do to hlth. My DR told me to quit or he would drop me as a pt bec. I had no business working there, & that I wasn't going to get better as long as I work there. I can't quit. I need ins, & who is going to hire me with a med. cond.? I switched drs, even tho I know he's right. It's extremely diff. to work, but have to even in pain & don't feel like I'll make it most days. I'm 34 , sgl female with a house pymt. How could I ever quit for 6-12 months & pay my bills in order to apply for dis.? I would like to get disability long enough to be able to go to school so I could get a job that I might can work even w/ CFIDS and FM. Any suggestions?   Paul McChesney (Admin) Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1073 Registered: 5-2004 Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 10:16 pm:        At the post office surely they have long term disability insurance. If so, it is possible that you could start out with that and never miss a check. But of course it is still dangerous to let go, you might not win your claim, and once you quit you might never get another good job. I should add that if you have to wait for a hearing, it could be a lot longer than 12 months.   shelly smith (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 8:31 am:        A couple years ago I was diagnosed as bipolar and received short term disability- This time around I've been unemployed(from a different job)for 8 months(received unemployment until December)and haven't been able to hardle leave the house. I made an apt. to go back to the p-doc -I haven't been to see him for over a year-and want to file for ssd or/& ssi but I honestly don't think I can do it on my own(and don't have friends or family that could help) it just seems to overwhelming- but I don't have the money for an attorney- Is there anyplace to go to for help? Or any suggestions you have? thanks   Paul McChesney (Admin) Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1081 Registered: 5-2004 Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 7:10 am:        Sure. You don't have to have money for an attorney. He or she will charge you a percentage of the back benefits, at the end of the case. You do need to go to the doctor; it will make success in your case a lot more likely. Take care.   Anonymous   Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 12:16 am:        First - Thanks for this forum! I have two arthitic conditions, psioriatic arthritis (PS) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), first diagnosed in 1990. Both have progressed, and the AS has spontaneously fused my C2-C6 vertabrae. Despite using the newer treatments, my condition has now deteriorated to the point where it is hard to make it through the day. I also have Type II diabetes (since 2000), which has become challenging to control even with insulin. A hospitalization this past October for pancreatitis was the proverbial straw, and I have not really recovered my strength and stamina and can no longer drive. To round out the medical history, I am also being treated for depression and severe psoriasis. I pay for LTD at work, and feel it is time to apply for it. My concern is making a mistake in the process; I have read so many horror stories. What are you thoughts? Thanks again, JJ   Anonymous   Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 11:28 am:        I realized I did not include some information you requested. Age: 41 Location: Concord, NC Work requries sitting at a desk all day using computer and phone to work with customers; being on-call 24x7; travel 2-5 weeks per year Education: Some college, no degree; several professional IT certifications Work-related problems: Can only sit for 1-2 hours before extreme back pain sets in; can no longer concentrate or organize sufficiently; memory has become impaired (think due to meds); extreme fatigue; ability to travel is now limited/difficult Thanks for your feedback, JJ   Paul McChesney (Admin) Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1175 Registered: 5-2004 Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Sunday, May 29, 2005 - 7:12 am:        JJ: You have some serious conditions, and must be tough to have lasted so long at work. Still, you have to be careful. Here is my list, in order: -Cut your expenses to the bone. -Be absolutely positive that your doctor is lined up behind you. -Maybe get his records and be sure they help, too. -Get the LTD form and make a copy so you will have a blank if the doc messes it up. -Get the doc to fill it out and check it over carefully to be sure that he filled it out right. Sit all day in his office if necessary. -Turn the form in along with the records, and then stop working. -Once you have stopped, call 1 800 772 1213, or go on the web at www.ssa.gov and file a Social Security claim. -If you are denied in either, hire a lawyer immediately. I will be glad to help at that point; I handle Concord cases. Take care and good luck.   Diane Moore (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Friday, August 19, 2005 - 1:45 pm:        My husband has had 3 surgerys in a month in a half. One for a blood clot. After they got it they found out he has blocked arteries in his legs. He had two other surgerys and finally they cleared out the blockages and put in 2 stents in right leg and 1 stent in the left leg. He is taking plavix and asprin. He was told that at his age of 39 this started early and will have more problems with it the older he gets. He is at risk for more blockages and some people are at risk for amputations. Would he be a candidate for applying for disability?   Paul McChesney (Admin) Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1452 Registered: 5-2004 Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2005 - 10:18 am:        It is hard to say. If he has a condition that might disable him at any time, but that is causing no present symptoms, that is generally not a problem for which you can win a disability claim, until symptoms develop. If he is having problems functioning right now, that is different.   Mary Simmons (Carebear) New member Username: Carebear Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2005 Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 8:53 am:        Hi I am 38 years old and have been diagnosed with COPD from the emergency room, I also have depression and have been on paxil for about 7 years now. I also hurt my back at work about 2 years ago and was told I have arthritis in my back and am not suppose to lift anything over 10 pounds. I would like to know If I would be elgiable to apply for SSI Disability. Thank You! I Live in Fulton, New York   Paul McChesney (Admin) Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1073 Registered: 5-2004 Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 4:45 pm:        Ms. Simmons: You might be eligible. It depends on how severe each of your conditions is. I suggest you gather your medical records and sit down and talk to a lawyer who handles a lot of Social Security disability cases. There is a page on the website that shows how to file a claim, and something about how to prove it. (Message edited by admin on March 12, 2006)   Candy Martin (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 11:24 pm:        Hi! I could really use some advice. I am trying to assist my Bipolar little sister. She is apx. 40 years old and on >8 meds. She has had numerous suicide attempts. She has tried to work, she has a high school education and works at a grocery store. She is unable to handle working, she becomes anxious, shaky, and suicidal at the thought of working. I just pushed through an FMLA claim, which she was approved for--she was hospitalized for a week. I fear the stress of trying to work will throw her over the edge. I would like some advice about applying for social security disabilty for her. I love her and don't want to see anything else happen and I feel like if I can take this stress away for her it will help. Thank you.   Paul McChesney (Admin) Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1072 Registered: 5-2004 Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 4:41 pm:        The medical question is more important than the money question. Don't send her somewhere where she is going to get sicker. Work with her counsellors and be sure you are doing the best thing for her mental health. She should apply immediately, while she is out. Help her do that. But look around the site and you will see how long it can take. She will probably need a lot of family support while she is going through this rough period. Take care.   Charlotta Sandersfuller (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) Posted on Saturday, July 01, 2006 - 5:04 pm:        I am 26. I have been diagnosed with a spur on my L5. I have Exotropic Strabismus and amblyopia. My doctor is afraid that I may also have Stenosis and has ordered an MRI to further diagnose me. I am currently in so much pain that I can not stand up straight and can't even stand to pick up my 16 lb infant. Sitting for more than 10 minutes puts an excruciating amount of pain on my back and a lot of pressure. Even laying down bothers my back. The doctor has put me on Vicodin for pain, Mobic for inflammation, and Robaxin for muscle relaxation. I should mention this began bothering me 10 months ago when my infant was only 2 weeks old and I leaned over to give my 3 year old a hug and could not straighten up. It has gotten progressively worse. I do not currently have a job and have not worked in a while as I had to quit when I was six months pregnant do to Pregnancy complications. Should I apply for Social Security Disability and SSI.

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