Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

I think everyone is told they will be denied a few times, but this isn't always the case. My husband, mother and recently brother-in-law were all approved the first try.

The biggest part is document everything! Keep a journal of how you feel, days you see a doctor etc and submit it for review. Be sure you list every illness you are diagnosed with and ALL doctors, hospitals, clinics etc you have been to in recent years.

Basically make it hard for them to deny you by submitting loads and loads of proof.

I wish you the best with it.

(((hugs)))
Lisa

What is the difference between ssi and ssdi? I hope things will work out for you.

SSI is need based disability. If you qualify as disabled you have to also qualify by income guidelines. I believe they count a spouses income too. It also caps out at a little over $600 per month I think.

SSDI is based on your work history. The amount you pay in through the years is what your monthly disability amount is based on.

I believe the disabling criteria for both are the same.

I have some experience working for SSA and I was trained as the person who pushed the button if you got disability or not. I can tell you it's a cold numbers game; there's no policy of "refuse first" or anything like that. I am shocked and ashamed how long this process takes when someone needs the help. There are smart people working there, but like anywhere there are knuckleheads. So make them explain to you in plain English what the decision was. Good luck!!

I myself had to apply last year after trying several times to return to work. The process was not as painful as I thought. I got names and numbers for case workers on both ends dealing with my claim there is a numbers side and a medical side. I called each week asking what they needed. Surprisingly it took about a month they said it would have taken longer had I not been so involved.

So I would say stay on top of them and call once a week to see what documents they need. I know how hard it is to give into the disease and admit that you can't work anymore. You never know what lies ahead just keep your faith.

Good Luck

I am so overwelmed with the whole process that I 'hired' a disability attory to do all the 'leg work'

I too was approved on my first attempt, but I did have a law company do all of the filling on my behalf. It made the process so much bearable, other wise I'm not so sure how things would have turned out.

Keep you chin up and don't let it get you down.

Best to line up a lawyer now and file. If you get denied (which is highly likely the first time around), you'll have the lawyer ready to go.

I filed for SSDI not long after my DX. I was denied the first time around. I then went blind and was bedridden for a very long time.

Fortunately, my lawyer was able to get the denial overturned and I got my benefits which are indeed my benefits as I worked for years before I got sick.

Be prepared is about all I can say and start looking around for a lawyer. If it is too much for you now to fill out all of the paperwork, etc., hire a lawyer as ChrissyH has done. Sometimes, we must bite the bullet and do what we must do to get what we need and deserve to survive.

Best of luck!

I feel so Blessed and fortunate. I was approved the same month I applied. I was dreading the process, like everyone, was told I would be denied at first and have to get an attorney.

Good luck....hope all turns out as fast for you.

I had to quit my job of 21 years in June, cognitive issues getting too bad. I applied for SSDI early in July, they said it could take 4 - 6 months. They don't pay anything the first six months anyway.

I copied all my medical records, filled out two forms online, and hand-carried the records in. Also told my previous employer things that would be helpful to say, and sent new symptoms to my neuro (I don't see him until October) and told him what SSDI would be looking for.

Just trying to cover all my bases.