ssdi

[Guest guest]

Sue,

I see people all day trying to claim SSDI benefits. Like myself, you

have had a lifetime CMT diagnosis.

To claim SSDI benefits, a key is to tailor one's application towards

the SSA's Blue Book Listings (I posted this book link a few days ago)

Also, to be approved for SSDI benefits, the claimant must be

found " disabled " by SSA. Their 'definition' is not the same as most of

us believe it to be. Here's a link to the " steps " SSA uses, go over

it and click on to Step 3 when you are ready.

http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify5.htm

I hope this helps. No, nothing is fair, however, persistence and

determination and a fully completed application help. If you have

already applied and are 'expecting' a quick decision, don't. There are

millions of people applying for Disability. Don't give up, if you are

denied, file a Reconsideration Request, if you're denied after that,

enlist the help of an attorney and ask for an Administrative Law

Review of your case, or an Administrative Law Hearing. It is your

right.

One good thing about the video hearings is that they can be done

faster than in-person ones, 40,000 were done last year alone. You can

also ask for a copy of the transcription of your hearing. You can also ask for a

copy of the transcription of your in-person hearing with the Judge and any VE's

or MD's testifying on your behalf.

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

I would like to know if there are people who have CML who are not in the acute

stage that have actually been approved for SS benefits. As a CML patient for

only eight months I know that some of the side effects of Gleevec can make

" work " very difficult or impossible some days. Along with my type II diabetes

and CML I doubt very seriously if I could handle a 40 hour week any longer.

The guidelines for SS, however, disallow approval based on those two conditions.

Does anyone have different information? Thanks. Don

---------------------------------

Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.

[Guest guest]

Hi Don, I too have type II diabetes and CML in chronic phase, and

have just appealed SSDI decision to disallow coverage. This is my

first appeal, so will have to see how it goes and keep our fingers

crossed. I also have severe side-effects with Gleevec and diabetic

neuropathy in my feet, and I know what you mean about it being

difficult to contemplate working. I also have severe daily sweats

which doctor says are related to CML, and other symptoms such as

extreme fatigue, etc. I am sure you know them well! Anyway, we just

have to keep applying and if necessary retaining an attorney,

although where I can find the $$ for that is a mystery to me. I also

have not worked for six months. I have 3 unemployment checks

left,and then I am in the soup for sure...I am praying that things

go more favorably this time. It gets rather depressing and stressful

and that just makes all symptoms worse, doesn't it. I try to get out

for a walk every day and the fall weather is so beautiful here in

Pacific Northwest that I feel cheered up. My dog is also having

health issues--having biopsies tomorrow, so I try to worry about him

instead of me. It helps having a distraction.

Best of luck--

Vicki in Seattle area

>

> I would like to know if there are people who have CML who are not

in the acute stage that have actually been approved for SS

benefits. As a CML patient for only eight months I know that some

of the side effects of Gleevec can make " work " very difficult or

impossible some days. Along with my type II diabetes and CML I

doubt very seriously if I could handle a 40 hour week any longer.

The guidelines for SS, however, disallow approval based on those two

conditions. Does anyone have different information?

Thanks. Don

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Andy,

You are right that SSD will not approve a case while you ARE working,

but if you have to quit working if anything the fact that you worked

as long as you could will go in your favor with an SS application. The

thing is you have to be unable to perform " any substantial gainful

activity that you are reasonably qualified for and is available in the

national economy " to meet the SS requirement of disability. They

define SGA as any job making over $920 a month. I'd say they go a bit

easier on that if you're over age 55 or at least they don't expect you

to train for a new career.

SSD might only pay $1500-$2000 a month for someone with 30 years of

moderately high earnings, so you're right to be concerned it won't be

enough.

Now might be the time to reassess your career goals and see if you're

doing something you can do for the next 10-20 years. If not maybe a

different more sedate job in the same line of work would be a good

move. Barring that, your state probably has an Office Of Vocational

Rehab that can train you for a more suitable job.

[Guest guest]

Andy,

If you need a wheelchair, contact your local Muscular Dystrophy

Association office. The MDA lends, i. e., for free, wheelchairs to

anyone with a neurological disease.

The MDA might also be able to assist with other assistive devices so

long as they are recommended by a PT or OT.

If your considering SSDI, be as thorough as is humanly possible in

explaining your limitations. I cannot lift a two-pound box of dish

washing detergent. I told them that and gave them very, very specific

information about what I can't do and why.

Throw everything into your application that you can think of.

Everything. I've received SSDI twice on the first application. I

went back to work after retraining in another field in 1993 and threw

in the towel for the last time in 2003.

Good luck.

Ephraim

[Guest guest]

Ephraim,

Thank you much for your reply.  The problem I have is I can not find an OT or PT

who will prescribe or recommend and mobility assisted devices which was one of

the emails I sent earlier because I have seen several OT and PT's who tell me

they do not do that there and said people usually come in with those devices

from the hospital following their injury.  Of course I had no injury and wasn't

in the hospital. 

One PT suggested I get my primary doctor to right a script for one and then I

remind them my primary doctor was the one who referred me to them for that very

reason. 

Another PT told me to go to a surgical store and try different things and see

which I like but I need a prescription there too.  I bought a straight cane and

I use it for more stability but I am not sure it is appropriate for my

condition.

I am going to try hard to stay at work a few more years and I don't know how I

will survive with SSDI alone because I am alone with my daughter and living in

NJ is very expensive. 

I am sorry for seeming negative I just have spent 4 months of going to

specialist after specialists seeing me finding out I have CMT and refer me out

and it gets no where.  I think I will look to travel some to CA or over sees

where there are real doctors. 

Thanks again about MDA I never thought of that and I will certainly explore that

as well as finding specific things like how much I can lift in preparation for

the application if and when that occurs.

Andy

[Guest guest]

,

I have worked 20 years (since I was 12) but only have made over $60,000 in the

last 5 years.  Before that I worked in mental 8 years making half that.  I am

only 33 so I worry about my age and the fact I have a masters degree and have

had no time off from work.  In fact I have received a lot of awards for

outstanding performance and it's a state government office job so they will

certainly think my job is suitable and that I should be able to work. 

At my job it is very common for people to be employed there 20 + years and I

would love to retire there and be there 20 + years.  I am in so much pain and

continue to fall a lot because I work my self to exhaustion which is what the

job has become for me.  I need to look at other possibilities for the state

government when and if the hiring freeze ends.  In NJ there is a huge budget

crisis and they are laying off a lot of people so I am happy to have a job.

$1500 a month would barely pay my mortgage and utilities and that scares me but

I will have to find a way to survive.  I thank you much for the info I will see

if there is a more suitable job for me that doesn't lead to an early grave! 

Andy

[Guest guest]

Andy,

MY GP gave me these recommendations. Doesn't have to be a specialist, just an

MD.

[Guest guest]

Hi Andy,

I was recently approved for disability. Email me privately

and I will share what info I have to help you in any way that I can.

Teri, PA

[Guest guest]

Gretchen:

Actually I was living in the lower Hudson Valley of NY when I received SSDI.

Marin

[Guest guest]

Social security denies about 70% of ALL claims at a first time

application. That means 30% are approved. Of those denied, some

percentage go on to the appeals process, and eventually have their

claim approved. Some just go away or keep filing a new application

(not a good idea)

Generally you have to have worked a minimum of 5 of the last 10 years

to be considered in " insured status " . If you are in " insured status "

the next test is if you meet the SSA disability criteria (unable to

perform any substantial gainful work). If you have worked 10, 15 or 30

years does not matter to this test, but they do consider all of your

work history, experience and your education. It is generally though

that SSA is more likely to consider if someone under 55 is able to be

retrained for a different occupation, but there is no hard and fast

rule on this in the SSA process. Every case is considered

individually. They look at all factors.

I'm sure someone works and suddenly claims they are unable right after a

marriage or the birth of a child would raise some red flags in the disability

determination process. OTOH someone who worked off and on for years and/or

changed jobs or reduced hours to accomadate a disability and claimed they

eventually couldn't work at all might have more credibility in the disability

determination process.

IOW: you have to be unable to perform pretty much any work for which

you may qualify and be capable of in order to qualify for SSDI or SSI

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/

[Guest guest]

How many years you have to have worked depends on your age

--you earn one credit for every $1090.00 dollars you make with a

maximum of 4 credits per year.

--depending on your age you must have earned 6-20 credits in the 3-10

years before you become disabled

you become disabled... Then you generally need:

In or before the quarter you turn age 24 1.5 years of work during the

three-year period ending with the quarter your disability began.

In the quarter after you turn age 24 but before the quarter you turn

age 31 Work during half the time for the period beginning with the

quarter after you turned 21 and ending with the quarter you became

disabled.

Example: If you become disabled in the quarter you turned age 27,

then you would need three years of work out of the six-year period

ending with the quarter you became disabled.

In the quarter you turn age 31 or later Work during five years out of

the 10-year period ending with the quarter your disability began.

If you become disabled... Then you generally need:

Before age 28 1.5 years of work

Age 30 2 years

Age 34 3 years

Age 38 4 years

Age 42 5 years

Age 44 5.5 years

Age 46 6 years

Age 48 6.5 years

Age 50 7 years

Age 52 7.5 years

Age 54 8 years

Age 56 8.5 years

Age 58 9 years

Age 60 9.5 years

[Guest guest]

,

Not sure where you chart is from, but afraid I have to disagree.

After age 31 it's about 5 of the last 10 years in covered work. note: a credit

is a covered quarter, 20 credits = 5 years) Under 31 it's less.

===========

See below from:

http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/ssa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=342 & \

p_created=960252460 & p_sid=87BR8Vrj & p_accessibility=0 & p_redirect= & p_lva= & p_sp=cF9\

zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9MTMsMTMmcF9wcm9kcz0mcF9jYXR\

zPTAmcF9wdj0mcF9jdj0mcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hbnN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3N\

lYXJjaF90ZXh0PXF1YXJ0ZXJz & p_li= & p_topview=1

==========

The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends

on your age when you become disabled. Also, the credits must have been earned

within a certain time period. Generally, you need 20 credits earned in the last

10 years, ending with the year you become disabled.

Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. For example:

* A worker who becomes disabled before age 24 needs to have earned six

credits in the three-year period ending when disability starts.

* A worker who becomes disabled between age 24 to age 31 needs to have

credits for half the time between age 21 and the time disability starts. If

disability starts at age 27, the worker would need credit for three years of

work (12 credits)) out of the past six years between age 21 and age 27.

For additional information, we recommend that you read our publication,

Disability (SSA Publication No.05-10029)

===============

[Guest guest]

,

I got that from socialsecutiry.gov its info from the disability tab so is you

disagree take it up with social security

I know this to be true because i got my disabilty statement and I am 24 and have

worked part time the last three years and never made more than 3K a year. I can

get ~$302.00 per month and up to 50% of that per child and spouse.

SEE THESE LINKS

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/dibplan/dqualify2.htm

http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/ssa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=379 & \

p_created=963610558 & p_sid=*5uGAYrj & p_accessibility=0 & p_redirect= & p_lva= & p_sp=cF9\

zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9JnBfcm93X2NudD00Nyw0NyZwX3Byb2RzPSZwX2NhdHM\

9MTA1JnBfcHY9JnBfY3Y9MS4xMDUmcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hbnN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3BhZ2U\

9MQ** & p_li= & p_topview=1

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html#part2

[Guest guest]

I see where we differ. One is a " Duration of work " test (years you have had to

work in your lifetime depending on your age). The other is a " Recent work test "

(how much you have worked in recent years)

After age 31 you don't qualify if you do'nt have 20 covered quarters of the last

40 (5 of last 10 years). IOW: Someone who works from from 20 to 40 and stops

will no longer meet the recent work requirement after age 45.

At age 24 to 31 you have to have worked 1/2 the time since age 21.

I have seen this happen with people who get disabled and delay applying or just

file more applications after denials rather than requesting a hearing.

I guess the lesson is, people should not wait in filing an application, though

the disability criteria are much tighter for a young person because they

consider they may be able to be trained for a new career.

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I started to get Social security disabilty last year 2008.Yes you can get it

because CMT is under Muscular Dystrophy and social security says that is a

disabilty under there guide lines.It took me 3 months to get it .Most people get

denied the first time but if You have CMT you have a great chance to get it on

the first try.

[Guest guest]

Social Security must find you disabled under THEIR Rules. There is NO category

for " CMT " . CMT is evaulated under several categories: 1.00, 11.00, and depending

on each individual, categories of 2.00, 3.00, maybe 4.00, possibly 12.00 etc.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.ht\

m

Just because CMT is under the MDA " umbrella " does not mean you qualify or are

eligible for SSDI benefits.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

The thing is, there's no specific disability that qualifies people for SSDI. The

listing is just so you know what tests will be expected to diagnose a disability

and to extent a given condition might qualify.

No matter how disabled, you still have to meet the " unable to perform any

substantial gainful work " requirement and that's based on not just your

disability, but your age, education and experience.

Hawking, the physicist with very advanced ALS, for instance, would

probably not qualify for SSDI because he's brilliant and still able to function

as a quantum physicist.

These are the steps SS uses in making a determination:

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/416/416-0920.htm

PS: It's not true that everyone is denied once. Some 40% of applicants are

approved on first application. The approval typically takes about 100 days from

application. If denied you should follow the reconsideration - appeal process.

An appeal can take years depending on how busy the region may be.

>

> Social Security must find you disabled under THEIR Rules. There is NO category

for " CMT " . CMT is evaulated under several categories: 1.00, 11.00, and depending

on each individual, categories of 2.00, 3.00, maybe 4.00, possibly 12.00 etc.

>

>

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.ht\

m

>

> Just because CMT is under the MDA " umbrella " does not mean you qualify or are

eligible for SSDI benefits.

>

> Gretchen

>

[Guest guest]

,

CMT alone will not get you SSDI.

 

 

I was in very bad car accident (I had multiple FX) I was in wheelchair for 6

months non weight bearing on both L, R arm and R leg.. I have metal plates

holding in my clacles, humerus and my sacrum ( very end of my spine) was

crushed, I'm left w/nerve damage in bouth of my hands.  I went beck to work... I

did not get SSDI.

 

I was advised, that you can get it only if you are totatly disabled, I do not

fit the bill...

 

so please tell me that you have more then CMT...

 

Monia

[Guest guest]

Monia,

I did get approved for SSDI for CMT alone. I have no other conditions. I was

diagnosed 25 years ago and worked all those years. It wasn't until the last 2

years that it started to become unmanageable. It became increasingly difficult

for me to sit at my computer for the 8-10 hours required of my job. My legs

would get to achy, fatigue and my hands are affected. As this was the only

ailment that I listed on the application, it was due to CMT.

Having CMT is not an automatic eligibility, but how it affects your life is,

based on the extremity of your condition. I happen to have a severe form of CMT,

according to my neurologist.

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Monia and :

An easier way to describe when you are eligable for SSDI is when you are unable

to work. The minute I couldn't continue working at Mc's which was in my

late teens I qualified for SSDI.. A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis

and reasons why you are not able to do daily activities such as working is

suffice. Social security has a list of all disorders/diseases with doctors that

confirm your application.

[Guest guest]

Tamara.

Where do you live?....Gosh did you find a answer. do you have any relatives?

Geri

[Guest guest]

Hi Geri!

Nobody that can help me or that I can move in with! I am divorced. My kids can't

help and I don't have a boyfriend. I just work and live in pain and also trying

to help care for my sick father.I live in Fort Worth,TX. I have friends but

nobody has offered help. They just don't get it. The pain I go through. I got on

anti-depressants and have helped some. I have money in a 401 but if I take it

out I have to loose about a third of it and I have already lost alot of it. I

could possibly live for about 9 months if I had to take it out and pay taxes,

penalties,etc. But would they consider that income. The SS people?

Tamara

[Guest guest]

Hi Tamara,

 

Just read your second email and wanted to add:

 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) isn't awarded based on income.. 

It's based on whether or not you work enough quarters to earn the insurance

benefit and your inability to work.

 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is awarded based on income.  It's a financial

protection for low income seniors and disabled people.

 

If you qualify, you can get both.

 

To qualify for SSDI, you have to be unable to hold any type of job.

 

However, if you are still able to work if you had a different job, then you

aren't qualified for SSDI yet, but you may be eligible for unemployment

benefits.  You can check with your local unemployment office for assistance..

 

You can't collect unemployment while waiting for SSDI to kick in, because

unemployment benefits are only for people willing and able to work.  So, look

into Unemployment if you can do a different job.  Apply for SSDI, if you can't

work anymore. 

 

To apply for SSDI, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline/.  Also, if

you are going to apply, check Gretchen's archives on this site for lots of

information/suggestions before completing the application.

 

If you can do some other type of job, i.e. a desk job, you may want to try to

get a job with a company that has short term and long term disability benefits,

which may help you when you get to the point you can no longer work.

 

[Guest guest]

Tamara,

Is there a program in your state that pays you to take care of your dad?rather

than a rest home? Call a social worker or senior linkage line, senior center,

can you move in with your dad and become his care giver?There is a program here

that pays relatives for caring for relatives.

Geri