Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Tell me about your application for disability

AtHomeNow
AtHomeNow
I've just started the process to apply for social security disability. I'm working with a lawyer to do this. Share with me your process: did you use a lawyer, how long did it take and what are the hearings to appeal like? And how may people were finally denied for good?
Emerald22
Emerald22
I'm interested in responses too. I think I've reached the end of the line.I've tried 2x in 18mo and lasted 4mo at ea attempt. Sucks being 42. Hard to get my head around it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi
I just filed my first appeal. They denied me saying that while I could not do the work I did before, and could not work with the public, and must find work that involved little physical effort, I could still work.
What?
Yes, I don't know where this job is that requires little effort, and no people...sounds rather like taking a nap, alone. So if you hear of a job that involved planned napping, let me know.
AtHomeNow
AtHomeNow
I was always told that one's success rate improved with a lawyer so that's what I did. SS limits the amount a lawyer can get. Mine gets 25% of the retro amount limited to a max of $6000. Only if you win. I'll try.
carrottop50
carrottop50
I was 47 when I applied for SS. I was told anyone under 50 has it a bit harder to get SS plus they are asked different set of questions then someone over 50. I did the first try by myself... denied, second time denied, so I got a lawyer and had to go before a judge for the third try... so on the Third try.. I got it. You have to go to the SS's Doctors too I had to see 3 of their doctors. When you go before a Judge there is another person in the room that will tell the judge if there are jobs you can do within 4 or 5 counties of your home. It seems here in Ohio that for most folks it takes up to the third try to get SS... If I had not talk to others about all this I would of given up after the first try. So glad there were others out there willing to help and let me know that it is a process to go through for most. But my health was a mess I just knew I could not work any longer... and after hearing that most had to go through the three tries so I went for it. So glad I did. I would of not gone back to work... we would of had to make ends meet some how. Most important is that you have your doctor in your corner... that seemed to be the thing I had going for me... My doctor told me I needed to quit working or I would be in the hospital all the time or worse. But I do have other problems besides RA.... make sure you list all your health problems. After you start receiving your disability every three years SS will send you a form you have to fill it out and send it back in ....then they will contact you for another hearing or will say you don't need another hearing at this time. Good Luck!!!