Dear Jody, Hi there! Sounds like we have a few things in common. I have been HIV+ since 2004, and from the onset my CD4 has climbed from 94 to 396. I too have gone through the process of applying and been turned down several times. i have had pneumonia, candidiasis, and meningitis--all Opp infections. Either the HIV/AIDS or the meds have caused me neuropathy and therefore I have excruciating pain in my hands and feet, and I have chronic tension headaches. I take around the clock pain meds, (Duragesic 75mch/hr every 48hrs.) I too have a history of self-destructive behavior, (ie: substance abuse) it really blossomed around my diagnosis since I was hell bent on being the one to pull the proverbial trigger, not some tiny microbe! Thankfully, I have been clean of that for about 18 mos., but the depression from being in pain, and being ostracized by my family for being both gay and having HIV makes things really tough. Not to mention the inability to work a steady job. I'm sure if I could get a job that would let me work when I felt like it, then sure I might be able to, but even then it would be part time at best, and we know that isn't going to happen! So I can identify with you. Be glad to chat with you in the future! Hang in there, girl--things have got to get better, they sure as hell can't get much worse, can they?

Hi Jody! I work with people on SSDI, which is probally what you qualify for. Unusually it takes 2 or 3 trys before anyone is accepted to recieve the benifits. My advice is to keep trying. Going before the judge is a good thing, as long as you can justify your need for the benefits, of course. Be sure and bring doctors statements (especially one that states that you can't work and the reasons why... I'd stress the chronic pain). If I can be of any further help please let me know.

expect to be rejected, and then expect to have a long fight ahead of you. I started out in a an AIDS induced coma, took me 3 years of fighting, I guess it's a good thing the coma subsided after 3 months....I have too many complications to list, my most recently added: Glaucoma.

My advice, work as long as you can, because with number's like yours, it's going to be difficult for you to get a doc to say your are permanently disabled.....remember society now believes that HIv is chronic but manageable for all. (NOT)

Good Luck with your quest.

Yeah...I have to agree with project. A lot of times, unfortunately, the people at SS don't consider HIV/AIDS to be reason enough. (I guess they don't understand the costs of medicine, doctors, lack of insurance... blah blah balh) I am currently trying to get disability myself. My friend who has benefits said it took him about two years before he finally won. Just KEEP ON PUSHING FORWARD! You sound like a fighter! So keep up the good fight!
~M@

I don't know what really has made me different then everyone on this post but I did not have a hard time recieving ss. It took me about 6 months and I have recieved benefits dating back to when I actually filed. I got Dr appts dates, diagnoses, names of Doctors and written notes from doctors and filed. I am sorry you are having such difficulty. Maybe one of your doctors can offer some information to help you get ss...Good luck....