Hey Julie, I've done this multiple times, and have fibro (among other diagnoses) it very much depends on the doctor how this is done. Unfortunately, how many hoops they make you jump through also varies from state to state. Anyway, I've lived in multiple states and have dealt with having doctors do this. Some doctors I have just asked and given the information of who to contact regarding my disability, signed a release and that was the end of it. Others ie- my therapist, we go through a long form of questions together in order to arrive at clear answers regarding how my "difficulties" affect me and my ability to work. Fibro is the WORST thing to have to describe for these stupid forms, believe me I know. Questions like "how long can you stand?" um, on a normal pain day or during a flare? Those are two very different answers! Frankly, I don't feel that the SSI workers listen to us, the people living with the disorders at all, and rely more heavily on the reporting of our doctors. I HIGHLY recommend talking to your doctor about where you are on base pain days vs. flare days and about how unpredictible this disorder is and asking them to include that information in their report. Worst thing they can do? Ask you to see one of THEIR SSI doctors (I've only had to do this once) for an evaluation and they decide based on that person's report (at no cost to you so that's nice I guess) Anyway, the process is annoying and really not agreeable with unpredictable illnesses like fibro. I wish you the best!

A piece of my heart, thank you for your reply. Should I just go to my reumatoligist (sp?) the social worker wants this in 3 days...10 days to begin with, I have been waiting for the dr to call me back, have left 2 messages. Ugh I hate this. You are awesome by the way. :-)

I hear you, it STINKS and they don't give you nearly enough time. My last review was the week my mom died (not kidding!) they don't care. Definitely call your rheumatologist, specialists reports can go a long way. If you haven't already tell your doctor about the time crunch and maybe double back with the SSI people that you ARE trying to get ahold of your doctor. I never know if it's to my credit or detriment that I do this, I feel like it's a positive because of my paranoia that they'll just turn everything off if they think I am ignoring their request and yet I also wonder if I seem really capable because I am calling them with updates. *shrug* who knows, possibly a little of each? Thanks, it will come together, the process just totally sucks.

Hello! Yes, just take it slow and easy and get *more* than one doctor letter. Preferably, a GP, a neurologist and/or rheumatologist. I did all that and still was denied (my state counts my spouse's income as mine, too) but the point is... Play their paperwork game and don't give up!

A piece of my heart and Leo, are you both on disability, if you don't mind my asking? The paperwork game is exhausting! I feel like giving up every day, but with God's grace I shall continue, thanks both of you for replying. J

I had help filling out my application form for social security disability. Basically, pick your worst day, and the worst moments and run a narrative from the moment you wake up. Type it up and give it to the doc who can write the report. Docs always appreciate shortcuts (help) like that. Good luck.

Thank you Shakota6, my doctor is very reluctant about doing this, saying I need a functional assessment test, but I only want to get my food stamps!! Lol. I had a hard time explaining this is not the same as a disability letter request. Thanks so much for your reply.

Sending you much support getting good info and manage to sort this horrible person out. Life is hard enough with fibro without ridiculous hurdles just to get food. Everyone needs help at sometimes!e or other and it shows how petty people can be demanding 'proof' you it's your turn right now. What do they think you'll do with it? Sell it off on the quiet and live happily and comfortably off the huuuuuge profits?! Growl!

Evidence is a wonderful thing. Letters very helpful, and you can add to them yourself. There are a couple of useful 'rating scales'; one is a simple 'cfs&finromyalgia rating scale' from www.cfidsselfhelp.org (a simple % scale....100% fully recovered, normal activity with no symptoms; 0% bedridden constantly, unable to care for self. ) I'm about 25%, up from my low of 12%!!
The other scale is the 'revised fibromyalgia symptom impact questionnaire' or 'FIQR' that's more complicated as you have to add and devide scores for the final score but it's worth trying. This one is the opposite I'm scoring...100% maximum symptom impact on you day to day....50% is your 'average' fibro case 70% comsidered 'severe'....on this one I'm at an all time high of 90%. Together they reveal I can do slightly more at home, am awake an extra hour or so, but tasks of day to day living are too much.

DM message me if you want detailed info on long term self monitoring.

Good luck getting through this hurdle. Hugs.

If someone has restrictions put on them by their dr, they may be exempt from the work requirements for food stamps. Even though you are working some, you need to prove why you aren't able to work full time.

Who gets SNAP and do they work?-
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/able-bodied-adults-without-dependents-abawds

I wish they had put an edit button here when they redid the website.

Do not wait to hear back from your dr. If you need something from him, make an appointment and go in ASAP. You may be denied if the letter is not in on time. The worker may or may not be able to give you an extra day or two.