GET A LAWYER!!! man that would scare me to death and I would run straight to a SSD law firm. But my BP makes me parinoid like that.

I have been on SSDI since June 2005 and I am in review. I filled out the forms and mailed them back to them in October. In December, I got a "Ticket to Work:". I called them and told them I would love to be able to work but I had no idea what I could do now that I cannot feel my hands or feet. I was told don't worry about it, it's only if you can or want to. I was told the review process takes 4-6 weeks, but I received no "letter" (you must receive a determination letter re the review or it's still considered open). Anyway, last week I got two packets in the mail. One with medical release forms and another 12 pager asking me every detail of my life from waking, eating, pet care, etc. I have two weeks to get the info to them or it's too late. In the meantime, I am having to hand write everything as pain allows me. I have it sitting on my kitchen table and any time I can sit and write without pain, I do.

I used to be a secretary. Typing is very, very difficult. It's why I post rarely here. However, I am taking my time to reply to you because we all have to help each other. SS doesn't approve people willingly, and I am sure with the recession we are in, they have been advised to cut people out as much as possible.

I am BP, diabetic, have a snapped vertibrea pushing against my spine and my surgeon refuses surgery because he doesn't think I can handle it. The list is longer, but you get the picture. Cleaning my house is next to impossible, let alone going to work. However, I am being reviewed via the Rehabilitation Division of SS. Along with the Ticket to Work, I am positive they think I can work. I am hoping they do set up some doctor appointments with their doctors. I have nothing to hide. I would give anything to be able to walk, sit, clean, etc. without pain. But I don't think they are paid to care what you want, and will find anything you can do to get you back to work.

I am scared to death. I am a single mom to an 8 year old. If I lose my income (same as yours), I will be on the streets. We have no family or friends to help us. I don't want to give up my son because I get denied. But I am unable to work. Answering the questionnaire makes me cry every time I sit down because it reminds me of all the things I can no longer do.

Anyway, the advice I give you is be as honest and detailed with anything they ask you to do. Don't get a lawyer IF/until (hopefully not) you get denied. This is the very, very important part: IF you get denied to continue, IMMEDIATELY in writing request continued payments while the appeal process is conducted. You have only 10 days to make this request, and I believe the time starts running from the date they have on the rejection letter.

By the way, getting reviewed is normal. At least that's what I've been told by others on SSDI. They either review every 1 (if recovery is expected), 3 (if recovery is possible) or 5 years (if recovery is unlikely). From what you wrote, it appears you were passed over before for review. I know people who nearly died and are in wheelchairs and need life assistance get reviewed and denied. I don't understand the process.

Anyway, I can't type more and I'm afraid if I keep letting it sit on my screen I will lose the work I've done.

Try not to panic ... crazy difficult, I know. I'll pray for you if you pray for me. I don't want to live in my car and lose my son. I would work if I could. I wish I could. Let's try to think positive. Anyone reading this, please include us in your prayers and positive thoughts. It's so scary.

I've been on disability since 2001. I was up
for rewiew in 2007. Like both of you I was
scared to death! I think in my case they were
checking me out because I started working two
days a week and they mostly wanted to know I
was not making more money than they allowed. I was up for review again in 2008. If you do get
a part time job and keep your salary under
their limit and your Doctor will answer their
questions as to why you can't work a full time job, then don't worry. If you are not
working at all you will probably be fine.
They check on everyone every few years since
there are people who abuse the system. Don't
panic!