| Author |
Message |
    
Ryan
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 19, 2001 - 11:53 pm: | 
|
I
am 22 Years old. I was just released from the hospital 2 weeks ago for
medical major depression. While I was in there my doctor said that he
could get me benefits for the last two years. I was hospitalized twice
in 1994 for two suicide attempts. I have never worked I am going to get
my GED this fall (try to). I live with my dad and brother. nether of
them have a job (dad has a 2 week, temp. job).
I had a meeting
with voc. rehab. a week ago, and they said (my counselor) told me that
because i was there i could not receive any benefits because i was
*willing* to work.
01) I was wondering Can I get *ANY* type of disability payment *at all*?
02) Where they lying (doctor and voc. rehab.) or telling the truth?
also) 03) could i receive benefits if i only go and *TRY* to get my GED?
|
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 21, 2001 - 6:26 am: |
|
You might be able to get SSI if you have little income or resources.
The fact that you are working on your GED is no absolute bar to getting SSI benefits.
Work if you can. If you cannot, file. If you are not sure, try to do both. |
joan arena
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2001 - 8:37 pm: |
|
I
AM A 53 YEAR OLD FEMALE WITH A MENTAL DISRDER CALLED AGORAPHOBIA. I
RECEIVE SOCIAL SECURITY WIDOWS DISABILITY BENEFITS SINCE 1998. I HAVE
MY DECEASED HUSBANDS BILL COLLECTORS CALLING AND INSISTING THAT I GO TO
MY CHARGE CARDS AND TAKE OUT A CASH ADVANCE TO PAY THEESE DEBTS. I ONLY
GET 861. DOLLARS A MONTH. THAT TO ME WOULD BE FRAUD BECAUSE IF I COULD
PAY I WOULD OF. AFTER MY HOUSEHOLD EXPENCES I CANNOT. THE COMPANY SAID
BECAUSE I AM THE COOWNER OF THE CARD AND THE MAIN OWNER OF OTHER CARDS
THAT I HAVE TO TAKE OUT A CASH ADVANCE. I HAVE EXCELLENT CREDIT UP TO
NOW. THEY HAVE THREATENED TO PUT A HOLD ON MY BANK ACCOUNT THAT IS ONLY
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT MONEY IN IT. CAN THAT BE DONE? I HAVE UNTIL I
CAN FIND OUT CHANGED MY CHECK TO COME TO MY HOME AND NOT DIRECT
DEPOSIT. THE SECOND QUESTION IS CAN A DEBTOR TAKE THAT ALSO. THAT WOULD
PUT ME ON THE WELFARE ROLL. THANK YOU JOAN
Reply by PaulThis is a state law, or perhaps bankruptcy question. Contact a bankruptcy lawyer. |
Clara Albert
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2001 - 2:29 pm: |
|
I
am 60 years old, masters degree in public administration, worked last
20 years in management (local government, not for profit.) Four years
ago depression caused me to lose my job and I was out of work for two
years. My psychiatrist told me to apply for disability, but I was too
stubborn. I used all my savings, had to sell my house to pay the bills,
and finally had to declare bankruptcy. I then got a job which I have
held for the last two years. I am about to lose it again, because I am
not fulfilling the mission given me by the Board. Depression strikes
again. My attorney (not a social security expert)and a social worker
friend who deals with the disabled both have told me recently to apply
for disability. My diagnosis is clinical depression and post traumatic
stress disorder. I take remeron, seroquel, adderall, and paxil. I also
carry clonazapan (sp?) for occasional panic attacks. My jobs have
always involved a considerable amount of public speaking. Now I cannot
do that without trembling. I have no energy. None.
About my physical pain.
In
the morning, I wake up with so much pain, that is is hard to move at
all for three hours. I am stiff with extreme joint pain. Probably
arthritis. I also have extreme pain in my legs. MD's are not sure of
the cause. I have had two doppler scans to see if it was a circulation
problem and two epidural treatments to no relief. It is not a
circulation problem, according to a test. If I have to walk more than
one-half block, it is excruciating. I cannot walk steps. One doctor
thought it "might" be a pinched nerve. My life style is zero. I also
started coughing up blood last year. Doctors told me to stop smoking. I
had not smoked in almost 30 years, but have always been around a lot of
second hand smoke. My lungs are somehow damaged and this also limits my
movement or exercise. Because of my depression, my painful legs, and
shortness of breath, I have become really morbidly obese. Because of my
obesity, I have sleep apnea and must rely on a bi-pap(sp) machine to
sleep. I think I have carpal tunnel syndrome,because my right hand has
become really numb and I drop things a lot. I take the maximum dose of
ibuprofen and the maximum dose of ultra for the pain. Mostly, to no
avail. I also take synthroid, aspirin, warfarin, and doxasin.
If I
took the advice of those around me, would I have a chance to receive
SSD? Thank you for taking time to read this long-winded note.
Reply by Paul
You certainly should consider applying. I would hesitate to give up a
job and apply, if you are able to hang on. But if you are out for any
reason, apply immediately. You might then continue to struggle to work
while you are waiting, but if you consider that, be sure to discuss it
with an attorney, and be sure to disclose the fact that you are trying
to work. Take care and good luck. |
anonymous
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 29, 2001 - 3:56 pm: |
|
I
am going to marry a man who has manic depression..He is not able to
work because of his condition, He has been receiving his SSI for five
years..He lives with his mother and has been hospitalized numerous
times. My income is only 18,000 a year before taxes. I was wondering if
his check will stay the same or go up. We will be living in an
apartment and being paying more money in bills then what he pays now.
My pay check is only 518 biweekly, and I couldn't not pay all of the
bills on just that. And is there a process we have to go through when
we get married to let SSI know about it?
Reply by Paul
I want to be as helpful as I can, and in this case I can be most
helpful by telling you that this is such an important question and a
difficult one that it is too dangerous for me to try to answer on a
website, so far away. But your marriage could reduce his check
drastically. As your income goes higher, it could eliminate it. The
exact effect might vary by state. Try sitting down to talk with local
legal aid, or with the Administration.
Take care. |
nancy walters
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 02, 2002 - 10:59 pm: |
|
I'M
a younger person 25 years of age.I have a disorder that I have no
control over.I have been to a doctor that told me it was a chemical
inbalance.It does effect my working ,i feel like everyone talks about
me,then I run to a confined room and cry.I don't like going out of my
house because I feel like people are talking and staring at me.
Would I be eligible for Social Security Disability? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 11, 2002 - 4:23 am: |
|
Nancy, you might. Of course, particularly at your young age, you should
probably struggle to get your problem taken care of and work if you
can. You might look in to jobs in which you have minimal exposure to
coworkers or the public, but of course supervisors are difficult to
avoid. If you find you still cannot work, be sure your doctor is behind
you, and maybe sit down and talk to an attorney who mostly handles
disability claims.
If you are having health problems, it is
important that you work enough to stay qualified for Social Security
Disability. You can find out how much you must earn each year by
calling 1 800 772 1213 about February. The amount for 2002 is $3480 for
4 full quarters; each $870 you make will help.
If your income is low enough, you might qualify for SSI without having worked. |
anonymous
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 31, 2001 - 2:37 am: |
|
I
have had a learning disablity which was dignosed back in fall of 93.And
I am 27 leave in Texas with my parents.before finishing high school i
worked about four hrs. a week than had problems getting there on time
lost two hrs.while i was working there for 7 yrs.until i felt i had
better chance of working with preschoolers,graduated 99 certificate of
CDA.Got hired for this type of work lasted a month felt mis treated the
boss how in the world did you get your CDA and no emprovement ina week
she would terminate me so I left her a note since she had to leave A
resign to consentrate on school.Cause of this I became
upset,unhappy,etc.on Feb.2000 I HAD no idea I had follen into
depression until my parents took me in emercercy room in October 2000
dignased as severe depression partial hosptal cause tried to suicide
with vitamin A a hand full.Oh forgot to mention i took another day care
job in late Aug, or early sept. that same year of 2000,worked about
seven different days two days no something like that she called my to
let my know i was terminated wich I was going to quite cause of lack of
concentration and ended making mastakes since she got on my case of not
have this baby on the right time to eat got nervous ended up leaving
his food out need to be put in refrig.supposably ended up causing rash
to a baby that was not clean well that is her reason for firing me.I
suffer from severe sinus problems with infections coming back several
times a year,and severe allergry and coughs i feel weak,no
concentration on more than one thing,work slow,oversleep,loss of
appetite and weight blood was test okay,fatigue,tension all day makes
in heard to get out of bed. I am taking wellbrutin 300mg,remeron
45mg,and now for a few weeks he add clonezepam for the tension in my
legs,sometimes i get dizz spells with a slight pook on my side of head
need to close eyes taught was cause of eating but it even has happened
when i just eat.Depressed i feel anxious at times.I want to know if its
possible for me to have a claim for SSI.I forgot I have a limit of
standing and walking of six hours due to bilateral in both feet snd
weak ligaments.Tried vocational trsining at TRC not much of a help.
Reply by Paul
It is certainly possible to get an award for severe depression,
provided that you have worked enough to qualify for Social Security
Disability, or provided that you are broke enough to qualify for SSI.
You
must see a doctor regularly, preferably at Mental Health or a private
psychiatrist, and be sure he is prepaired to back you up. And you know
I always recommend getting an attorney. Let me know your city if you
want me to see if I can suggest one; Texas is a pretty big state.
Unless
it is dangerous for you medically, you should continue to struggle to
work and to get education to make yourself more employable. Take care
and good luck.
|
An appreciative reader
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2002 - 12:56 pm: |
|
Just a note to say THANK YOU from all of us out here who are scared and
uniformed as to how our goverment agencies work..all we know is pay,
pay, pay but never how you can receive some of that back when you
desperately need help. Your questions and answers have been most
informative. Please keep up the great work!!!! |
Sandra Cardwell
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 09, 2002 - 11:36 am: |
|
I would like to know if anyone is out on social security disability for
anxiety disorder. Didn't know if it would be approved to get disability
for anxiety. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 13, 2002 - 5:05 am: |
|
You can win on this basis. Be sure to be seeing a psychologist regularly and sit down and talk to an attorney. Take care. |
karen sutton
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 4:12 pm: |
|
i am 36 totally blind in my right eye since i was 5 was ana ccident i
had then that caused my blind eye, i have had bad migraines for years
and i cant stand to be around people i dont like being told what to do,
everything seems to stress me out, like i have no patience helping my
kids with homework so i dont help them, i have no patience to talk on a
phone, i have to sleep in the light every since i was young darkness
scares me because i see my grandmother and grandfather and they seem to
like to sit on my end of my bed and stare at me, i know i see them in
the dark my husband wont let me drive because i almost get hit each
time and he;s scared ill kill me and my kids driving im signed up for
disability but am i eligible? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 24, 2002 - 6:24 am: |
|
Karen, you well might be disabled from your psychological condition.
You must be able to deal with people at the minimal level required for
supervision in order to work. One other concern is whether you have
worked enough to qualify for Social Security disability, or whether
your family income is low enough for SSI. You should check with a local
attorney or the Administration. |
anonymous
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, July 07, 2002 - 7:46 pm: |
|
I am a 36 year old female and a mother of three teenage children. I
have have a total hysterectomy and I also have a chemical imbalance
along with being diagnosed with sever depression and anxiety disorder.
I have applied for social security and I am in the later process of
waiting for a decision. All medical and Psychological information has
been received by the determination office. my question is. Do I have a
fairly good chance in receiving disibility having over 20 years of work
history along with my medical evidence. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 20, 2002 - 8:49 am: |
|
Even though you have told me a lot, you have not told me anything that
will help me tell if you will win your case or not. The crucial data
that is missing is the exact limitation of function caused by your
problems; whether you have done everything to help cure your problems;
whether you have doctors' reports and other evidence to support your
exact limitations; and whether there is anything else in your record
that seems to contradict this evidence.
Take care and good luck. Get an attorney to work all of this out with you. |
barbara passarge
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, August 03, 2002 - 5:07 pm: |
|
I have a chemical inbalance that was diagnosed in my 20's. I am now
almost 40. Lately I have missed alot of work because the inbalance
affects my muscles and my emotions are out of control. I am afraid that
I will eventually lose my job. Can I qualify for disability? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 5:23 am: |
|
Possibly. Of course don't give up on work casually. I would sit down
and talk to an attorney now, before I lose my job. If you are sure that
you are going out of work, consider filing while you are out briefly,
and returning, though that can make a mess, and you must report, of
course. Be sure that your doctor is behind you. At 40, I would hire a
lawyer before I filed. |
Diane Inman
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 1:15 pm: |
|
My sister is bi-polar. Earlier this year she was hospitalized and
received electro-shock therapy. She is on heavy medication. She has not
worked for at least 15 years. She is devorced and receives child
support of 600 a month. She and her husband have joint custody of their
two children ages 14 and 11. She owns her own condo with mortgage. She
has held two jobs in the last couple of months. The first in a grocery
story bakery, she was fired because they felt she was too slow and they
were afraid of her hurting herself on the equipment. The present job of
which she is about to be fired is in a bookstore. She just doesn't
function clearly or quickly enough. She is about to loose her home
because of debt. If she takes out bankruptcy she will loose her home.
Rent is more money than her mortgage. These last facts may be
superfluous. I would just like to know if she would be eligable for SSI
benefits? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 04, 2002 - 6:03 am: |
|
I am not sure about whether she will get SSI; there are income limits
and also resource limits. She should sit down with a lawyer
immediately. Take care. |
Claire Collins
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 9:38 am: |
|
I am a 47 year old woman who has worked for all my life until I was
diagnosed with PTSD and major depression this year. I have had 3
suicide attempts in the last 6 months. I have tried to work twice since
I was diagnosed with these problems, but had to quit due to the stress.
My husband is on social security and gets only $700 a month in
benefits. Should I apply for social security disability? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 06, 2002 - 6:17 am: |
|
Claire, you should work if you can, and file if you cannot. If you are
not sure, try both. I think that the fact that you are trying and
failing might help your case. Be sure your doctor will back you up.
Take care and good luck. |
d.t (Bluestar)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 17, 2003 - 11:51 pm: |
|
I am 33yrs old and have been diagnosed by 3 different psychiatrist in
three different states and have had also 3 different psychologist that
I have seen every two weeks for the past 4 years. My disorders have all
been diagnosed the same. I have earned enough credits to qualify for
benefits. Do you think my chances would be good in getting disability
benefits without an attorney? |
kyleM
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 10:57 pm: |
|
I can't hold down a job anymore due to severe depression and, now, fear
of going outside almost to the point of agoraphobia. I'm 47 and worked
most of my life. The last few jobs kept getting shorter and shorter
because as I have gotten older I can't handle the stress anymore. I am
male, almost broke (only about 400 dollars left), single and live with
my mom and brother. Also, my eyesight is getting worse, going to need
minor dental work at some point and have a sore on my foot that I can't
fix. I've tried. I have to walk with a limp because of the pain.
I
know I cannot hold down a job anymore. I lose every one I try because
of depression. I used to be able to struggle through it but as the
years go by it just gets worse and I can't fight anymore.
I am not suicidal but I am too depressed to even bathe or keep myself up. I'm a mess and all I see is hopelessness.
My last SSA statement said I could draw about 1,000 if I were disabled. I have no money for a doctor or lawyer.
I don't know where to go for help or if I could qualify for SS disability. Am I possibly eligible?
Thanks for any help. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 20, 2003 - 5:15 am: |
|
Yes you are. One thing I always look at for folks with mental
impairments is the work pattern; a lot of short duration jobs indicates
that something is wrong. I would sit down and talk to an attorney; or
get your mom to if you can't face doing that. You should also get help
for your depression, through counselling or church or mental health;
the last two often provide help for no charge. Keep struggling and
don't despair. |
kylem
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 22, 2003 - 7:11 pm: |
|
Thanks, Paul. That does give me some hope. Thank you so much. It's the first positive word I've heard in a long time. |
Brad Fortner
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 18, 2003 - 2:23 pm: |
|
I have applied for disability. One doctor diagnosed me schizo-affective
depressed type,and another diagnosed me with major depressive disorder,
with pshycotic effect. What does this mean and do I have a good chance
of getting some kind of financial help??? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 01, 2003 - 3:10 pm: |
|
Brad, with a few exceptions, it is almost never enough to name your
diagnosis and ask if you have a good chance of winning a disability
claim. There are usually a lot of people with your diagnosis that are
working, and a lot that are not. The crucial question is how your
health problem affects your ability to function at work.
I am
not certain of the exact meaning of your diagnoses. That is a medical
question, and I would not be comfortable making a guess about what they
mean. |
HEATHER MILLER
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 06, 2003 - 5:12 pm: |
|
I HAVE HAD MAJOR DEPRESSION SINCE THE AGE OF 14 YEARS, I AM 27 YEARS
OLD AND LIVE IN TEXAS. I HAVE BEEN HOSPITALIZED TWICE. I HAVE SEEN A
DOZEN DIFFERENT THERAPISTS. I HAVE BEEN RECENTLY DIAGNOSED AS BI-POLAR,
OCD, ADHD,. I TAKE TEGRETOL, PAXIL, ADDERALL. I HAVE BEEN UNEMPLOYED
FOR ALMOST A YEAR DUE TO THE FACT OF MY ILLNESS ALONG WITH A HUGE
ANXIETY, AND ISOLATION PROBLEM. I HAVE RECEIVED INFO FROM SSI STATING
THAT WOULD RECIVE SO MUCH A MONTH IF I AM DISABLED. WOULD MY ILLNESS BE
CONSIDERED A DISABILITY TO THE GOVERNMENT, OR JUST A DISABILITY TO ME.
THANK YOU. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 01, 2003 - 3:05 pm: |
|
|
