getting disability questions

[Guest guest]

I have come to the point where I believe I need to receive disability. I have

KNOWN that I

have CMT for over three years (it was there obviously much, much longer). I now

have

AFOs, progressing numbness in hands, wrists, forearms, feet, ankles, etc, and am

losing

small motor skills (using a pen, knobs, and the alike). I work as a secretary in

a church and

receive no benefits. I have worked various jobs since I was 15 (now am 45) with

the

exception of four years. I called social security and filled out the forms, etc.

and was told I

needed to work two more year (05-06) in order to qualify since I was a high

school

secretary for ten years and was a state employee (no SS taken out) although I

did have

additional jobs at the same time. ANYWAY, I don't think I have two years or even

one year

left in me. When I went to an attorney last year it was suggested I divorce my

husband so I

could get SSI only. Not going to get this by lying. I am tired and am saddened

b/c I see so

many folks who receive it and cannot figure out why a person with CMT is lower

on the list

to a person who hurt their thumb. I am sorry if I sound selfish and

self-centered, but this

is really frustrating. Does anyone have any suggestions which could help me? I

sure could

use it.

Virginia in Kentucky

[Guest guest]

don't give up!!! Many people who get the benefits get it by deception. I

believe you should contact a lawyer just to be sure seems to me if you are

disable enough it shouldn't matter that you haven't always had a job that took

social security. I worked all my adult life up until 13 years ago when I

married

a wonderful man who was forced to retire early and since we wanted to travel

i quit working, now I can't work and can't get my social security because I

haven't worked in the last 5 years. Hang in there and call a lawyer there has

got to be something that can be done that social security won't tell you.

they hate to approve people you would think it was there money the way they act.

[Guest guest]

Virginia, I'm not sure what you CAN do, but I'd report that attorney to your

state bar. The guy is unbelievable to even suggest you divorce your husband

to " beat the system " . I don't think because you have CMT you're " lower on

the list " . By being disabled myself, I have personally learned never to

pass judgment on others or think they're any worse or better off than I am.

Sometimes disabilities are not visible to others. But, I agree with you to a

point - there will always be those who abuse the system. There are actually

good disability attorneys out there who might be able to help you. Also you

might find the following website helpful:

www.disabilitysecrets.com/

My heart goes out to you. Good luck with your pursuit. K.

[Guest guest]

Hi Virginia,

I don't know what to say except, I don't understand how come I have to be

off work for 12 months, then I can get ssd, and then go back to work...If I

don't work for 12 months I'll be living under the bridge, then I can

work????? Doesn't make sense at all. Best of luck to you and let me know

if you get any good info.