The process can be very long. I went out on STD from work in Dec 05 and after 3 months it turned into LTD. My LTD insurance carrier insisted that I file for SSD. I didn't know anything about it then but went ahead and applied.

You need to have all your doctors support you in this effort. Your medical and work records will be scrutinized. Any little thing you doctor writes in your chart will come up.

I did a lot of research after my initial application and really listened to what others had to say about the process. Some sites that really helped me prepare were;

disabilitysecrets.com

http://www.masscfids.org/disability/disability-handbook

After being denied twice, I did have a hearing in June 09 and won. But the judge cheated me out of a year of back pay and dated my disability on the date I had a medical procedure done on my back.

The whole thing was a nightmare. My LTD issues were the hardest as they spied on me and then sent the tapes to every doctor I've ever seen and then it became part of medical records that in turn went to Social Security. But having said that, SSD is what I'm surviving on and would be homeless without it.

No point in getting a lawyer until you've gotten those first denials. Most won't take your case anyway until you've gotten that far. They don't get paid unless you win so don't worry about that.

I went through the process in CA

Hi,

There is a DS board on SS disability:

http://www.dailystrength.org/groups/social-security

Hope that will also provide you with some advice/input!

I applied in June 2010 for SSA. Subsequently I have completed extensive paperwork, had an in office interview and was sent to be assessed by a psychiatrist to establish mental acuity. I was originally on STD through my company, then granted LTD in Sept. 2010.

I was referred to Allsup to prepare my case for SSA. I have already received two denials. Allsup will do extensive research on my behalf. I provide frequent updates on medical care/medications/etc. They will present my application with supporting documentation to the assigned judge. It is possible that it may be granted without an actual hearing. I count on nothing until it happens. I was given Allsup as a referral by my LTD insurance provider. I have heard good things from others here regarding Allsup, but whoever you choose, it is important to look at all of your options. SSA takes considerable time to get. It is important to see what options you have regarding your current employer. It is important to document you medical treatment, medications, therapies. I have also been told that it is important to present anecdotal letters from those who can attest to your health and abilities pre and post diagnosis. I had many long time sub-specialists, but there was only one who truly went to bat for me on this. She is the one whose office has completed all forms specifically required for SSA, for LTD, for Allsup and so on. Documented information is crucial. This information in addition to my medical records provides key details on my abilities to work. How much I can do, how long I can do and so on.

I was very ill, very scared and worn out when I began this process. So I began with prayer. Everyone has their own path, but I was so overwhelmed and praying helped to clear my mind and guide my steps all along the way. I wish you well, I send care and support for the days ahead! Hugs!

My advice is to hire an attorney. I believe more cases are decided favorably for applicants who have lawyers fighting for them.

Also, have friends, family, doctors, dentists and dental assistants, etc. write dated testimonial letters about how you were before CFS struck you, and how you are now. What you were capable of before, and all the activities and things you did daily, and what you can(not) do now.

In my case, those letters really helped, because they were mentioned in the SSDI decision paperwork.

My advice is to hire an attorney. I believe more cases are decided favorably for applicants who have lawyers fighting for them.

Also, have friends, family, doctors, dentists and dental assistants, etc. write dated testimonial letters about how you were before CFS struck you, and how you are now. What you were capable of before, and all the activities and things you did daily, and what you can(not) do now.

In my case, those letters really helped, because they were mentioned in the SSDI decision paperwork.

And forgot, I was turned down twice before receiving a fully favorable decision. That's why it's good to have a lawyer, they can file the appeals for you.

Artos, you don't say which type of disability benefit you're seeking - LTD benefit from a private insurance company or SSDI from SSA. There's a different process for each. If it's SSDI, then you will need to hire a lawyer at some point since you will be denied (everyone applicant is denied). You might as well hire one at the beginning. The lawyer fees are limited by law - 25% of the first 5 months of benefit up to $6K.

There has been a lot discussion on this so a SEARCH on this forum for disability should yeild a lot of good info.

If you're speaking of LTD through private insurance, let me know. I just went through this and can provide some tips.

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts and help with this! This is all very new to me; I hadn't even thought about long term verses short term. I have an appointment tomorrow morning to talk to my GP about it, and I guess I'll just go from there, depending on what happens. Thank you all very much!


Sarah

btw my lawyer told me that recently in California the government has begun to go into peoples houses to see how they live and if it matches up with their statement. ( Screwed up I know) just an FYI