Social Security Disablity Community Group

This is for any one that has found themselves in the long wait for Soicial Security. Any one that has gone through this process or is in the middle of it. Venting is allowed.

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Personal Challenges
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What Do You Think

kshort49
kshort49
Hi-I haven't been here much, but now I need some advice. I lost my job in May, 2008. I have been on unemployment since then, looking for a job. I have breast cancer (in remission but still being treated), lupus, fibromyalgia, DDD, and I fell last spring and have a MTBI (with memory and concentration problems, dizziness and balance problems). I could not apply for disability as long as I was getting unemployment, but needed that because I needed the money. Well, now my unemployment is running out in 4 weeks, and I am losing COBRA the end of Dec. So a called a disability lawyer to get his advice. I was going to have him handle my case. He surprised me and said that if I did that I would be losing money to him because I could apply on my own, and should be approved quickly because I am over 60 years old and have the health problems I have. Do you think he is right? If I could get approved without a lawyer, of course I'd do it, rather than give the money away. But from I read, everyone should have a lawyer. Or is my case a simple case, like he says, I was just wondering what advice you might be able to give me. I am just freaking out right now, because I really do need disability, but I also need to have medical coverage. I feel so lost. Well, thanks for letting me vent. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Kathy
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes! I agree with the attorney. Aply on your own and then if you get turned down and have to go to a hearing hire an attorney. You should also be able to apply for Medicare at your local job service. That as well as food ETC. It takes a while so make sure you have enough to get you through a year or so.
kshort49
kshort49
See, that is my problem-I have nothing to use while I am waiting to be approved for disability. My unemployment will end in 4 weeks, which is when I will be allowed to apply for disability. But I have used up all my savings, cashed out my life insurance, have nothing to live on. I know people can do it, but I have no idea how. I can't get Medicare because I am not 65 yet (4 more years). I am thinking of getting a reverse mortgage on my house, but cant do that until I am 62 (maybe the house value will increase so there will be some money left after the liens on it are paid). I always try to be positive, even with all the illnesses and stuff I have, but I am having a really hard time right now, and know that all the stress can make me really sick again, especially the cancer and lupus. I really need help, but I don't think there is any. Thanks for your response. Kathy
deleted_user
deleted_user
An attorney can do NOTHING for you at the application stage other then take your money. It really is a waste to get them unless you can't fill out the paperwork yourself. They can't hurry anything up, they can't push paper work through or even really talk to anyone for you. they are really only useful at the hearing stage. good luck.
lonelyinNY
lonelyinNY
Unfortunately you may have to apply for social services help ,if its available in your area to get you through..They will try to put you to work and you will need doctors verification saying that you cant..But to make a good case for ssi or ssd you need to keep up on constant doctors appts anyways.I agree you really dont need a lawyer until and if you are denied.Think Positive and Take Care! Many Hugs xoxozo
deleted_user
deleted_user
SSI can help you in the mean time, I wasn't able to get help because of my age but now that am I approved they are paying me back pay lol, it would of been helpful 1 1/2 years ago.
good luck
deleted_user
deleted_user
I would go down to the SS office and file for SSI and SSA asap. YOu should qualify for SSI if nothing else right now and that would give you medical care through state assistance automatically.

I actually think you found a honest attorney!! Keep his name handy in case you do need one down the road. But, he is right in what he told you. The closer you are to retirement age the more likely you will get approved.

While the forms are aggravating, as long as you can complete them and be sure you collect all you medical records so you have copies you should be in good shape to apply for SS on your own.

Usually when you request your medical records for disability, they do not charge you anything. If they try to charge, then just let SSA request them and they can send them direct to them.

For myself, I keep copies because like you, I have several issues and if I am out of state I need to have a few things with me just in case I needed care away from home.

Please let us know what is happening and there is no reason why you can not make an appt to apply if you only have one more month of unemployment coming.

Hang in there and know we are here for you.