Chronic Pain Support Group
Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...
Hi everyone,
I thought there was a specific DS group devoted just to disability stuff, but I couldn't find it... sorry if I just overlooked it. I'm cross-posting this to my CFS board and my chronic pain board since I'm not sure where this belongs.
I've had CFS and the chronic pain it causes for over a decade, and it's been getting worse and worse, especially the last few years. I've been working part time (about 30 hours) most of the time I've had it, but lately it's been SUCH a struggle to just do that that I started talking with my GP about going on disability. He warned me of what a long, difficult road it is, but said if I wanted to proceed, he would help me fill out forms, etc.
As it happens, I've also been seeing a psychologist to address the emotional problems that stem from a chronic illness, and when I mentioned to her how stressed out I feel every day going to work, she immediately pulled out her SDI disability forms and started filling them out for me, writing me up for six months of coverage.
Does anyone have experience with SDI? I've found it quite confusing; both their site and the people who answer their phone are not especially helpful. If anyone has any answers for me, these are my biggest questions:
Based on your "before disability" income, what percentage of that did SDI provide you? I've read that 55% is common, but I've heard different things from people who've been on it.
Did you go on Medicaid, and what was that like?
Does being on SDI hurt or help my chances of eventually going on long-term disability (which I think is coming, it's just a matter of time).
It seems like you *are* allowed to work reduced on SDI, and they'll cover your lost wages. I will probably have to do this because if they really only pay you 55% of your normal income, that won't be enough to pay my bills, meager as they are. Currently, I work three days a week, as of next week, I will go down to two days. If, later on, I decide two days is still too much, and go down to one (or none) can I adjust my SDI, or if I tell them I'm working two days, is that all they'll cover for the next six months?
Thanks to everyone! This has been confusing and a little scary for me, but I'm hopeful that I'll start getting some help soon :)
Sarah
I thought there was a specific DS group devoted just to disability stuff, but I couldn't find it... sorry if I just overlooked it. I'm cross-posting this to my CFS board and my chronic pain board since I'm not sure where this belongs.
I've had CFS and the chronic pain it causes for over a decade, and it's been getting worse and worse, especially the last few years. I've been working part time (about 30 hours) most of the time I've had it, but lately it's been SUCH a struggle to just do that that I started talking with my GP about going on disability. He warned me of what a long, difficult road it is, but said if I wanted to proceed, he would help me fill out forms, etc.
As it happens, I've also been seeing a psychologist to address the emotional problems that stem from a chronic illness, and when I mentioned to her how stressed out I feel every day going to work, she immediately pulled out her SDI disability forms and started filling them out for me, writing me up for six months of coverage.
Does anyone have experience with SDI? I've found it quite confusing; both their site and the people who answer their phone are not especially helpful. If anyone has any answers for me, these are my biggest questions:
Based on your "before disability" income, what percentage of that did SDI provide you? I've read that 55% is common, but I've heard different things from people who've been on it.
Did you go on Medicaid, and what was that like?
Does being on SDI hurt or help my chances of eventually going on long-term disability (which I think is coming, it's just a matter of time).
It seems like you *are* allowed to work reduced on SDI, and they'll cover your lost wages. I will probably have to do this because if they really only pay you 55% of your normal income, that won't be enough to pay my bills, meager as they are. Currently, I work three days a week, as of next week, I will go down to two days. If, later on, I decide two days is still too much, and go down to one (or none) can I adjust my SDI, or if I tell them I'm working two days, is that all they'll cover for the next six months?
Thanks to everyone! This has been confusing and a little scary for me, but I'm hopeful that I'll start getting some help soon :)
Sarah
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Tomorrow is National Relaxation Day but seeing how we already had a Moment of Zen this week and today happens to be a Friday, how about some relaxation jokes instead?! Namaste... enjoy! Happy Friday!
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If you only know one thing about me, it should be _____________________.
I'm on SSD and have been for 10 years. They do cover about 55% of your income, based on your total work history and the highest salary earned a year. As an RN, I had a few years working 2 full-time jobs which really helped boost my SSD earnings.
It is a long, long process and it took me 3 years to get approved. I had to finally go to a hearing before a SS judge, which was a nightmare.
The big problem is, that cp (and cfs) are not well understood by social security. You have to have a lot of documentation to prove you are disabled. Thankfully, my atty. had experience with lupus and he was very thorough.
I would strongly suggest you get a disabilty lawyer involved. They don't require any money up front, and they only get paid when you do, so you don't risk anything in getting one. Do NOT use the list that SSA has; do research lawyers on line and ask any friends you may have that have gone through the process. My lawyer was in Fla., which I've read is one of the hardest states in which to get approved. Apparently, the process varies from state to state.
And no, I didn't go on medicaid. I made too much money when working to qualify for SSI. It's a whole different thing from SSD.
Like I said, having a good atty. can make a world of difference.
Good luck and keep us updated!
Sandy
you can navigate from there, but there is a lot they don't tell you.
they pay an average of your last 5 years income...last i heard, which really hurts people who've stayed in the work force as part-time or self-employed...they don't care. it's based on paying into the system and they have very specific requirements re acceptable illness.
if you've worked enough to get a small amount of SSD, you may qualify for medicaid which is decided state by state. also with food stamps.
the work requirements are quite confusing. you can get booklets on most issues at 1-800-772-1213.
better to check now than find out you aren't qualified for pushing yourslef.
I was on social security as a kid in 20s I had psych problems as schizophrenic....I was able to come off of it in 1989 or 90 when I had graduated from college as teacher....I am the lucky schizophrenic who recovered when the right med was found.....I still take it and makes my life livable...from what I understand of the disease had they not gotten my meds right I would still be hallucinating and delusional....
I was young and did not get much....but it was blessing to have income...I smoked then...kept me in cigs....I was hospitalized about 13mnths then out into housing program that took my SSD and gave me rent and weekly $50 to live on they paid all the bills...phone electric gas water sewer whatever...which helped me go to college to get that teaching degree....
I recently investigated getting back on SSD....oh I will tell you after a year on SSD you get medicaide....anyway I would not be living well on SSD but with the ability to make money in some manner my driving school might make it worth while for me to go back on SSD....but the process to get it is not easy....takes long time and you can be denied several times before getting it which means multiple years waiting...
hugs good luck with it...bill
SSI is based on income, SSDI is based on your working history.
For the process of disability assessment, you are on the right track having the psychological evaluation along with the physical evaluation.
Several things you need to understand about submitting valid medical evidence that supports your application for disability, if you can not do something, you need to have information that proves that in some way, shape, and/or form. In cases where one medical condition is enough for partial disability, and you have several known medical conditions that qualify for partial disability, when those medical conditions are connected with valid medical evidence, then your application is easier to meet the initial levels required.
I was not approved until I went in front of the administrative law judge hearing, and fortunately, my attorney is expert in combination medical conditions, so it was well worth the money paid out of the settlement.
I do know rare cases of initial approval, and it is possible when all of your medical evidence meets the requirement for disability assessment numbers.
Best wishes.
I was able to overcome the agoraphobia a couple of times when I was younger, but then I was hit with cp and now I'm back to life filled with anxiety and agoraphobia once more.
If you have any of these kinds of problems do to your cp, I cannot tell you how important it is to let them now in great detail.
Good luck!
Sorry to be debbie downer, but you aren't eligibe if you are working AT ALL. In their eyes, if you're working, you're not disabled. And if approved, if at any time before your award date, you work AT ALL, your application is denied, because if you're working, you're not disabled.
It sounds like your doc is doing paperwork for short-term SSD. Short-term SSD is separate from long-term SSD, and you will need to apply for long-term SSD separately. Both require documentation from doctors you have seen, tests you have had done, etc.
And even if you're approved and they start sending you benefits, your case can still be pulled for medical review, and they can reverse the decision. If that happens, they will demand repayment of all benefits received. You may benefit from hiring an SSDI specializing attorney. If you receive an award, SS limits the amount your attorney can charge you (I think it's 25%). It was well worth it to me.
Gosh, I didn't mean to write a book. SSDI rules are SO complicated!
Good luck Sarah.
When I got disability there was no grey area, I couldn't work, heck I couldn't even go get my mail. THAT is how disabled you need to be in their eyes,,,,a shut in.
They wont even give you a mobility chair if you say your mainly using it for out of the house. It's as if they never want you to leave.
Sandy
Then there is STD and LTD which is short and long term disability insurance. This is insurance that you or your employer buys to supplement what the government will pay. This is based on your last pay but if you receive government benefits it will usually be reduced by that amount.
I would call three places - your state dept of labor, social security and your employers HR department.
Keep in mind that until you are approved for SSDI you cannot work even an hour. There is a 5 month wait period before you can even apply so you have to be willing and able to take the chance of losing all income for that period of time. If you are approved they will pay back to your start date but that 5 months is never paid unless you have state disability or private insurance.
You might also be able to find an agency that will help you understand all of this. Or contact a lawyer. If they accept you they work on a contingency which is paid if/when you are approved for SSD.