Disability Advise

[Auntie TooToo]

Looks like I may have to end up applying for disability retirement @ age 53. Wondering if anyone else has found themselves in this position and if the process was successful. I could use any advice that anyone could offer.

[renidrag]

Yes, I did at 60. I had short term disability with the company I worked for, and turned into long term. The disability company filed all the paper work to get SSDI so they would not have to pay out more than half of my benefit. First hand I did not deal with Social Security Admin but from what I hear they turn you down the first time no matter what. Hoping people get tired of the paper work I guess. I would recommend a lawyer familiar with SS if you can afford it. If not patience is the key.
Dale

[annekat]

Auntie, I did it at age 58 with no lawyer and did not get turned down the first time. There are so many ins and outs to it that it is hard to remember all the steps I went through. But I did my application online, which I found to be an exhaustive process, and when I first started it, I was too sick and fatigued to finish it up in a timely fashion. The ladies at the local office were on my side and bugged me to finish it, and did a couple of phone interviews with me. I never even talked to my docs about it, and apparently they were contacted and supplied the information about my case. I never had to see any SS docs or get any special tests as I've heard some have had to go through. When I was finally approved, I got my first check within a couple of months, I think, and a large retroactive check in recognition of the time I had been only minimally working and had been sick with Wegs without knowing it.

I think I had it easier than many. One's age is a factor, I think, and whether one is currently working. I think you have to be not working for 6 months before you can collect benefits. But their definition of working is anything over a certain amount, like around $1000/month, and with the small pottery business that I employ myself at, I was not considered to be working by that definition. And I had gotten into debt with family members and such as a result of getting Wegs, so this really helped me out. But it's still a struggle, since I hadn't paid a lot into the system with my low income, so the check is relatively small. Also any other income you have that you have that is not from work, such as rental income or investments, does not count as income for the purposes of SS disability, so that helps, too.

I assume you are talking about SS disability, and have little understanding of how that works with other disability such as that from an employer. But I may think of other helpful comments and if you have any specific questions, let me know. BTW, WG and other vasculitis
is on a "list of impairments" in the SS system, which does not guarantee qualification but does give special consideration. I've heard things to the effect that things have become a little easier for WG patients due to the influence of some top specialists. A lot may depend on your local SS people and how they process your case... I felt that the local ladies did everything they could to further my getting approved, including exaggerating or distorting some things I told them on the phone, in my favor..... I even tried to call and correct some of what was on the transcripts of those conversations, and never got a returned call, so, what the heck....

In any case, I wish you the best of luck if you decide to apply, and hope it is as easy for you as it was for me.... unfortunately, I do not expect that always to be the case.

[Alysia]

Hi,
I am glad that you posted that, eventhough it is prob different in each country :unsure:
I am working and intend to continue to work (although some days I have to "drag" myself to work and hold myself untill the end of the day, being too tired most of the time).
my accountant advised me lately to try to get disablity (which is not the same always as incapacity). if I can get more then 90% then I will don't have to pay some taxes.
it is long procedure: I am going this week to a doc who will write for me his opinion (for lots of money that I will have to pay for him :rolleyes1: ) and then I will have to come to a kind of "investigation" in front of a committee (who usually treat anyone like a liar), with all the papers, hoping they will think that I have more then 90%.
there are parsimonious rules as for how much percentage you can get for each organ damage, for example, nose deformity is only 5% :mad1:
wish me luck.
which means that it is not going to be ease. and I am too tired to fight for this :sad:

[annekat]

That is interesting, Alysia. It seems like they should be looking at your overall ability to work, or the lack thereof, instead of individual body parts. It would seem to make sense for you to work half time, for example, and get disability to cover the other half, so you can have a better chance to avoid stress and recover from this disease. But governments of any country aren't known for doing these things in a way that makes sense.

Good luck!

[windchime]

I Applied for SSDI and received the denial letter before I got the adult disability report filed. Actually it came within a week and a half of submitting it. They said I was denied because I was working. The app clearly stated that I hadn't worked since Nov 7th. So I went through the process of calling and waiting 30 minutes to talk to someone who was very unhelpful. I did fill out a Reconsideration form where I painstakingly explained that I'm not working that I'm on short disability. We'll see how that goes. I really don't want to hire an atty as they can charge up to 25%. I'm not sure of what the amount is they use.

The adult disability form is time consuming and cumbersome especially if you have very many doctors. Good luck with whatever you end up doing. Keep us posted on your journey with SS.

[annekat]

I'm sorry it didn't come through for you, Cindy. I'm editing this post, though, because I realized you said you quit working Nov. 7th, and I'd gotten the impression, if it was real work and over a certain small amount, that one needed to have not been working for six months in order to be approved. I guess they expect you to have enough savings to cover that time. And then if approved, you would probably get retroactive payment for that time. In my case, they didn't consider what I was doing, pottery making, to be real work, as I wasn't making enough at it for it to be considered as such. And still am not, but at least I have the small disability check to supplement it. It doesn't sound like they explained it to you very well. In any case, I hope your short term disability from work will get you through until such time as you might be able to collect from SSD. I'd continue to pursue it as best you can, and I hope you can do it without a lawyer.

[windchime]

I'm sorry it didn't come through for you, Cindy. I'm editing this post, though, because I realized you said you quit working Nov. 7th, and I'd gotten the impression, if it was real work and over a certain small amount, that one needed to have not been working for six months in order to be approved. I guess they expect you to have enough savings to cover that time. And then if approved, you would probably get retroactive payment for that time. In my case, they didn't consider what I was doing, pottery making, to be real work, as I wasn't making enough at it for it to be considered as such. And still am not, but at least I have the small disability check to supplement it. It doesn't sound like they explained it to you very well. In any case, I hope your short term disability from work will get you through until such time as you might be able to collect from SSD. I'd continue to pursue it as best you can, and I
hope you can do it without a lawyer.

You don't have to be out of work for six months to apply, but you do need to anticipate that you will be disabled for at least a year. You will not get a check for the first 6 months however. I was more annoyed by the person on the phone who could give me no information. We'll see what the reconsideration brings. :rolleyes1:

[annekat]

Cindy, I'm sure you are right, since you are more recently in contact with the process. I got a big retroactive check, but I guess it did not include the first 6 months during which they considered me to have been sick. You are so right, it is so hard to get helpful information on the phone, and the website, too, is so convoluted that it makes me tired to even think about negotiating it. I think the best source of info for me has been my local office, on the phone, but even that is an exhaustive process, as it is hard to get to talk to the right person and they aren't good about returning calls. In any case, best of luck with the reconsideration, and keep trying if necessary! I feel l lucky that I got it so easily.

[Alysia]

so, I went yesterday to meet the doc who is going to write for me an opinion about my disability.
it was tough meeting. first he said: "you don't look sick". ha ha. we know that statement already.
he was very decent but strict and explained to me how strict that committee is. he said that prob only with a kidney involvement they consider wg to be enough severe.
then he was looking at all my papers (I have a heavy file) and was thinking aloud: "you have to convince me first, and then I can write it down". after a lot of papers coming out of my file and a lot of explanations I convinced him. so he is going to write his opinion, unless he will change his mind while trying to write...
he also warned me that my "temperament" can cause my troubles with the committee because I look too much vital and energetic :blink:
so,he, secretly, adviced me to look more "weak" when I will come to the committe. I hate to do a "show".... :thumbdn:

[Texastatoogal]

My primary had suggested I apply for disability when I was diagnosed with idiopathic tracheal stenosis. I went to social security and quickly found out that since I have been a stay at home mom who has worked on and off the last 18 years I did not qualify. I wish there was something I did qualify for. Between all my co-pays and now with my daughter sick. We are paying anywhere from $100-$200 a week lately. That is making it very hard to pay other things.

[Debbie C]

I found it very easy,but I did work for a group of S.S. and workman's comp lawyers.And I learned alot of ins and outs. They let me go about a month before I was diagnosed so I was collecting unemployment. But I gathered all my drs. reports,ct scan reports and I had a note from my pulmy dr. that due to the type of work I did ( that I was around people all day) and that my immune system was so compremised that I had to be off work at least a year. THAT'S the key thing....you can not be able to work for a year.So I took everything down to the S.S. office and this guy asked me questions for about an hr. but the major thing was my drs. note. I was approved in 3 months and got back pay for the wait and also got widows benefits. They did make me go see their pysch. but I was so wigged out from the about of drugs I was in at the beginning,he would of had me certified.But there is a blog in the archives that shows where AI shows you to be disabled (something like that ) you need to find it and print it out and take it with you.
It is best to go to the S.S. office in person,the people on the phone don't care but face to face they tend to have more of a heart. Also you are able to make up to $ 900 and still collect.
Hope this helps..you have 30 days to appeal,so I would to so as soon as possible. Good Luck !

[pberggren1]

I hope you can get the disability sweetie pie. I will help you practice the sick look......:sad:

[Debbie C]

They go by the amount of S.S. you have paid into over the years of work...but Tex. you should be able to apply for welfare,medical asst.,food stamps. I don't know how it is in OK. but you should check into that.

[Auntie TooToo]

I so appreciate your response. I have submitted my SS disability application online and am working on gathering copies of all medical documentation from my file {which as with most of us is extensive}. I go to my rheumy, pulmonary & infectious disease 1st week of January and plan to discuss matter with them; hoping to have their support, don't think it will be a problem at all as with all my respiratory involvement {and recent hospitalization}, I just don't see myself being able to return to work. My rheumy originally took me off work back in August 2013 when starting treatment due to being classified high-risk with pulmonary involvements. Only problem is , I can't seem to be able to stay on chemo to even get WG under control as I keep getting infections and have to keep stopping treatments. It's been really ruff ... I can't even manage to go from bedroom to restroom with becoming extremely short of breath; I can't imagine how I walk from my parking space to my office much less make it through a stressful 8-9 hour day at work! I just hope and pray that I can get this approved, I'm still drawing paycheck from my job right now but my time on books is close to being exhausted. Thank goodness I work for State and my HR is submitting for Sick Leave Pool next month; since I've been there over 10 years I qualify and I always donate to help others with catastrophic illness so I am eligible. I am hoping the state will donate additional sick time to my account so that I will have additional time to cover me; that will help me also with my health insurance and give me more time to work on SS disability.

Sorry if I'm going on and on ... guess I just needed to talk tonight. A lot on my mind and thoughts going crazy, trying to figure out what to do. I so appreciate everyone's support and advice.

[windchime]

Hey it's okay to vent we all need to from time to time. Sounds like you are doing everything you can. You don't need to gather the records for SS as they will request copies from your docs. I don't know if providing them makes the process go faster or not. I think my pulmy doc is going to try to send me back to work when I see him on Jan 6th. He's not getting the whole picture. Thankfully I see a Rhuemy at Mayo on Jan 8th. Hopefully she will be more understanding.

For anyone that needs to keep track of symptoms for docs. Google calendar is wonderful for this. If you already use it you can create an additional calendar that is separate form your regular calendar.

Good luck with your SS app Auntie. Keep us posted on your progress.

[annekat]

I did not gather any records, I just filled out all my docs' contact info, meds they had prescribed, etc., online, and they got in touch with my docs to get the records and I don't know what else, like statements or assessments of my condition by the docs, which I never heard anything about if they did happen. My docs never even discussed the issue of disability with me. I hope it will be as easy for you, Auntie, but I thought you could not get approved if you are currently working. If you get some kind of sick leave first, and actually don't work for awhile, then it seems like it might improve your chances.

[Lilly]

Yes, I had to get on disability last year, and I just turned 48 in Dec. It was a very difficult thing (emotionally) to do. I Love working, and have always worked since I was 16 years old. But in 2010, I began having chronic pain in my face, due to the aggressive damage wegeners did to my sinuses, nose and eyes. I worked for a pain Dr. at the time, and I was in so much pain, but was basically in denial, until I began making mistakes at work. She put me on pain meds, which helped. But she basically told me that I was skipping Dr appts, small surgeries I needed, etc. And I needed to focus on my Dz and do everything I needed to so It would not progress. I could not do that with a job. So as I was going through my divorce, I hired a lawyer to help me get disability. I tried by myself, and got turned down immediately. They had NO IDEA what I had and how I could have that much pain in my FACE. So the lawyer did some research and it was tedious, but I eventually got it. Im glad I did now. But still, even Drs dont understand my face pain, that is until they look at my sinus Xrays, then their mouths fall open! I have a glass tube in one eye and have had over 6 surgeries on my eye tear ducts. (called DCR surg. with stint) I have my sinuses cleaned every 3 to 6 months. I have so many dr appts, I just cannot have a full time job. I was totally depressed. I was lonely, and so 2 months ago, my sister got me a part time job where she works for an eye dr. I work 4 hrs a day, I choose the hours, and can take off when I need. I check patients insurance before they come in for their eye appts. I do not have to walk or file. I just have my little room where I have my list of patients, and do my job. I love it! And the little extra money does not even effect my disability money! This turned into a story about my, so sorry. Im new here and obviously have to learn that I talk a lot, even on the computer! But in a nutshell, it is worth it, just be prepared to find things to do with your free time, because it was harder than I thought not to be lazy and just handle not having a schedule. Good luck, if you have any specific questions, please dont be afraid to ask, as i will keep my answer much, much, much shorter!! :)
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[annekat]

Lilly, it is easy for any of us to get carried away telling our story. The point is, you did get disability, and it is important for anyone in that position to read about what you went through to get it, the roadblocks along the way. Also, it is great that you are able to make some income on the side without it affecting your eligibility for payments. Me, too, I was already making pottery and making too little money for them to consider me gainfully employed, so I am just continuing to do that while collecting the check. I also have a renter and some other small amounts of income from non-work sources, which do not count against me collecting a check since I did pay into the system and am on SSD and not SSI. SSI is what you can get if you have little income or assets and did not pay into the system to get regular SS Disability. In that case, you end up getting Medicaid instead of Medicare for your medical needs. Some people qualify for both and thus can get more stuff paid for, with fewer copays and more help with paying for meds.

[Debbie C]

Lily, I don't know what buttons you keep hitting at the end of your stories but if you just scroll down a little bit you will see where it says "Post Quick Reply " just hit that and you won't get all that other stuff that keeps coming up.:biggrin1:

[annekat]

Lily, I don't know what buttons you keep hitting at the end of your stories but if you just scroll down a little bit you will see where it says "Post Quick Reply " just hit that and you won't get all that other stuff that keeps coming up.:biggrin1: I was wondering about that, too. And I noticed it appeared in her original post, I think, if I remember right. Not sure I understand it....:unsure:

[Lilly]

Hi Debra, I keep wondering why all that keeps coming up! I asked my mom, because it's her computer, but she told me it just happens sometimes! So I'm on my phone right now. And when I send this to u, I'll see if all that comes up. Thanks for the info. Also, my Mom just registered last nite on here. She is ALWAYS blown away about how little some dr's know about our dz, and she thinks this site will help her get questions answered, etc. Since she is basically and thankfully by my side thru all this, I'm glad she decided to join. Well, I hope u have a great day! I'm going to work for the first time since my sinus/eye surg, and the holidays. I'm looking foward to it! Although, I'm still fighting the tail end of a shingles attack and my eyes are still sore.....I'm ready to go! And one other thing.....since my surgery...I can smell a little.....and taste too! How nice to b able to make sure I don't put on too much perfume, or answer someone honestly when they ask..."how does that taste?" :) Thank The Lord for the little things that when they happen to u, they feel like BIG things! Have a Blessed day~

[Lilly]

It's just on my moms computer. I'm on my phone now....hmmmmm......I'm gonna have to try to figure out what is doing that.... It's a lot of wasted space! I do like u say, I scroll down and click "quick reply", but it doesn't happen on my phone, so I'll see if she has her computer on a weird setting...thanks...Talk to u later, have a Blessed day :)

[Debbie C]

Hope you have a good day back on the job. I am enjoying my day in my sweats and doing really nothing I don't want to !! It is too cold and snowing outside so I'm having a lazy day ( one of many !! ) You had shingles too,cheez!!! Glad your senses are coming back, especially with the holidays and all the food to smell and taste.
I can't figure out what could be wrong with your moms comp. either..that's weird,but everyone here knows I am not comp. literate so maybe someone else can advise you.
Hope you have a blessed day as well and don't work to hard.

[LillysMom]

My daughter and I found a local lawyer that specialized only in helping people get disability. She was 45 when she applied and it took a year, but it was worth it. He only charged if the person got disability. She paid him $2,000 out of her 'retroactive' pay she got at first. This worked out well. Maybe some other people have other experiences.

LillysMom





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[annekat]

My daughter and I found a local lawyer that specialized only in helping people get disability. She was 45 when she applied and it took a year, but it was worth it. He only charged if the person got disability. She paid him $2,000 out of her 'retroactive' pay she got at first. This worked out well. Maybe some other people have other experiences.
I have heard that they normally don't charge unless they win the approval and the person gets the disability. I am lucky I did not need a lawyer, not sure why it was so easy, but I suspect it had some to do with my age, which was 58 at the time. It took me more like 6 months to get approved, partly because I was slow at applying online, and once approved, I got my first payment and my retroactive benefits within a couple of months, if I am remembering it right.