Guest guest Posted January 28, 2005 Report Share Posted January 28, 2005 This is so bizarre! Colleen, I was just thinking of you this morning! I was actually praying that you would write to the group and let us know how you are! (This just happened with the other Colleen on our group, too, Cricket in California....) I just had to giggle when I saw your name...I am tickled that you wrote. I wish I knew about the SS Disability so I could help you out there, but I really don't know anything about it. I am sure others will write if they can help. I know for sure was on disability...let me know if you don't get the answers you need...I can put you in touch with her. Are you settled now? I am so sorry for what you have been through. I hope you are doing okay through everything. Have you been in touch with the MTV people? Did they give you any idea when your story would air? We are still waiting to see Shari's, and I know there were several other women who went through taping with MTV as well...Sure would love to see a few of these stories get out soon! Stay in touch Colleen! We've missed you...let us know if there is anything else we can help you with. Hugs, Patty > > Hello everyone! Hope you all are doing well. > > Got a question about SS Disability...I finally got approved back in > June and I was told by my attorney's office that I would receive an > approval letter from the judge who approved my case, then I > would start receiving monthly checks about 3 weeks later. > > Yesterday, I got a letter from SS just stating the amount I am > approved to receive. I don't know if this is " the " letter or not. My > mom looked at it and said she gets one just like it every year, so > it might be something everyone gets. > > I can never get through to my attorney, so I was wondering if > anyone here is on Disability, and has received it before, can tell > me exactly what " the letter " is. This whole process has been one > LONG nightmare and I am SO ready for it to be over!! > > I'd appreciate any insight! Thank you! > Colleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2005 Report Share Posted January 28, 2005 Hi Colleen! I know exactly how you feel and how exasperating dealing with the state can be. I can only tell you what happened in my case, which sounds like yours. I received the letter from the judge, stating that he had approved my disability and in the letter it said I would be hearing from disability 30-60 days stating what my benefits were and when I would receive it. Well, I never did get that 2nd letter, but about 45 days later a lump sum arrived in my checking account! No word from the state or my attorney. That was almost a month ago and I'm waiting now for my monthly amt. to arrive. Hope this helps, but they sure do keep you guessing and hanging on and on! Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2005 Report Share Posted January 28, 2005 I am on disibility and have been for awhile now. My disibility was not given to me for my physical illness, it was for my emotional problems and it was easy for me to get it. I saw my psychiatrist and he declared I was too depressed to work. He put me on meds, and sent in the paper work for me. I didn't realize that people had a hard time getting this. I started recieving checks within a one month waiting period. Maybe it is dependant on what state you are living in as well. I wish I could be more help but I never had a problem getting it. No attorney or anything. I did have long term disibility through my old job too, so that is also helping pay the difference between my salary and my disibility checks. Does that make sense? Do you or did you have long term disibility? Annie , " Colleen McKenzie " <cfortner@e...> wrote: > > Hello everyone! Hope you all are doing well. > > Got a question about SS Disability...I finally got approved back in > June and I was told by my attorney's office that I would receive an > approval letter from the judge who approved my case, then I > would start receiving monthly checks about 3 weeks later. > > Yesterday, I got a letter from SS just stating the amount I am > approved to receive. I don't know if this is " the " letter or not. My > mom looked at it and said she gets one just like it every year, so > it might be something everyone gets. > > I can never get through to my attorney, so I was wondering if > anyone here is on Disability, and has received it before, can tell > me exactly what " the letter " is. This whole process has been one > LONG nightmare and I am SO ready for it to be over!! > > I'd appreciate any insight! Thank you! > Colleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2005 Report Share Posted January 28, 2005 Cheryl what state are you in? That is interesting, I never recieved a lump sum. That would have been nice to apply to my explant surgery. Did you have long term disibility at your work? I think that helped me along too. I think that it must be something about having mental illness or being diagnosed with it. At that time I was suicidal and did not have a clue it was implants that were making me sick. I made that connection later on. Are you basing you disibility on physical symptoms? What kind of work do you do? Good luck to you both Annie In , " Cheryl " <sunbum256@a...> wrote: > > Hi Colleen! I know exactly how you feel and how exasperating dealing > with the state can be. I can only tell you what happened in my case, > which sounds like yours. I received the letter from the judge, > stating that he had approved my disability and in the letter it said > I would be hearing from disability 30-60 days stating what my > benefits were and when I would receive it. Well, I never did get that > 2nd letter, but about 45 days later a lump sum arrived in my checking > account! No word from the state or my attorney. That was almost a > month ago and I'm waiting now for my monthly amt. to arrive. Hope > this helps, but they sure do keep you guessing and hanging on and on! > Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2005 Report Share Posted January 28, 2005 My disability claim is based on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Epstein Barr Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Depression. I'm supposed to get retroactive pay back to when I first filed, which was Sept. 2003. I am anxiously awaiting that! I worked as an art director at an ad agency up until April 2003, when I just couldn't do it anymore. My brain was so foggy, I'd mess up jobs and a couple of times, I got lost on my way to work. Also, some days the fatigue and pain were so bad, I could barely function. That's good that you were able to get long term disability from your work. It wasn't available to me. My depression was pretty bad too. I was also suicidal, so I feel you there. I think my depression was a big part of my claim getting approved. Take care! Colleen > > > > Hi Colleen! I know exactly how you feel and how exasperating > dealing > > with the state can be. I can only tell you what happened in my > case, > > which sounds like yours. I received the letter from the judge, > > stating that he had approved my disability and in the letter it > said > > I would be hearing from disability 30-60 days stating what my > > benefits were and when I would receive it. Well, I never did get > that > > 2nd letter, but about 45 days later a lump sum arrived in my > checking > > account! No word from the state or my attorney. That was almost a > > month ago and I'm waiting now for my monthly amt. to arrive. Hope > > this helps, but they sure do keep you guessing and hanging on and > on! > > Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2005 Report Share Posted January 28, 2005 Hey Patty! I've been thinking about you too! How are you doing? Things in my world have settled down a little. The strain of having no source of income is still pretty rough...that's why I'm so anxious about this disability thing! I'm also waiting on it so I can file for divorce. I'm living with my big sister now and hopefully when I get my disability $ I can get a little place of my own. Last I heard, the Mtv show will air sometime in Feb. I haven't heard back from them about the exact date, but as soon as I do, I'll let you know. I'm pretty nervous about it. It was very emotional and we talked about very personal things, so I know watching the show is going to be emotional for me....but I am SO glad I did it. It makes me feel like I'm doing a little to help out, ya know? I'm hoping the show will open up more opportunities for me to tell my story. Kacey and I keep in touch..have you heard from her? She is doing so much! Speaking tours and everything! She is such a strong, wonderful lady!! It's good to hear from you! I'll probably be around more now since I'm somewhat settled in. Oh! Do you want me to mail you one of the Memphis Flyer's with the article that we were both interviewed for? I've got lots of copies, so let me know...you can email me directly and give me your address if you want. My email has changed, but I can't figure out how to change it in my profile dealie. It's poisonedbeauty78@.... Talk again soon! Love, Colleen > > > > Hello everyone! Hope you all are doing well. > > > > Got a question about SS Disability...I finally got approved back > in > > June and I was told by my attorney's office that I would receive > an > > approval letter from the judge who approved my case, then I > > would start receiving monthly checks about 3 weeks later. > > > > Yesterday, I got a letter from SS just stating the amount I am > > approved to receive. I don't know if this is " the " letter or not. > My > > mom looked at it and said she gets one just like it every year, so > > it might be something everyone gets. > > > > I can never get through to my attorney, so I was wondering if > > anyone here is on Disability, and has received it before, can tell > > me exactly what " the letter " is. This whole process has been one > > LONG nightmare and I am SO ready for it to be over!! > > > > I'd appreciate any insight! Thank you! > > Colleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2005 Report Share Posted January 28, 2005 Colleen I haven't even tried the SS disability yet - I was approved through my plan at work (my ex-work now). They have me approved through Jan 4, 2006 so far but I know I need to file for SS also. It a real pain in the butt? Who did you call? I need to do it but I haven't a clue where to start. Is the MTV thing driving you crazy yet? Sheeesh I wish it would air!! thanks love shari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2005 Report Share Posted January 28, 2005 Annie how long have you been on disability? Have the meds helped your depression? What are you on? Depression has been one of my worst problems ever since my husband died. But I very sensitive meds and now I am perimenopausal and that is really making me moody/depressed. Thanks kathy > > > > Hello everyone! Hope you all are doing well. > > > > Got a question about SS Disability...I finally got approved back in > > June and I was told by my attorney's office that I would receive an > > approval letter from the judge who approved my case, then I > > would start receiving monthly checks about 3 weeks later. > > > > Yesterday, I got a letter from SS just stating the amount I am > > approved to receive. I don't know if this is " the " letter or not. > My > > mom looked at it and said she gets one just like it every year, so > > it might be something everyone gets. > > > > I can never get through to my attorney, so I was wondering if > > anyone here is on Disability, and has received it before, can tell > > me exactly what " the letter " is. This whole process has been one > > LONG nightmare and I am SO ready for it to be over!! > > > > I'd appreciate any insight! Thank you! > > Colleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2005 Report Share Posted January 29, 2005 Hi Colleen, I feel like an expert when it comes to disability as I've been fighting the disability insurance companies for over three years. They are ruthless. However, SS is easier to win. I won my ss disability in 5 months. They sent me to two of their doctors and I immediately found that I was approved. As for the letter you are talking about, I would not be able to give you a definite answer unless I see it. Although you said that your Mother gets the same letter every year and you never received this letter leads me to believe that you have been approved. The way to know for sure is to call the attorney that helped you get approved to ss disability. What about your LTD disability? Did you have this for work? That is a real nightmare. It took my attorney 17 months to fight my case. Finally won only to receive 7 checks and then they terminated me. We fought for another 9 months and on Christmas Eve, yes Christmas Eve, I was notified that I had not been approved. I have been very ill and have had many problems. Had to move in with my sister only to find out that she would throw me out 2 weeks later. I'm now living with my Mom. My bed and TV are still at my sister's house. I have no money or friends that would move these items to my Mom's house. So, needless to say, I'm screwed! I'm in the process of finding another attorney to fight my LTD case. I did find one that feels confident that he can win the case but must start all over again. This means another two years of waiting for me. He will also take 40% of my earnings if I win. So if you think SS disability is a nightmare LTD is even worse. MUCH WORSE. It makes you feel like giving up on everything. I know that was a long answer to your question but this is something that I feel very strongly about. These insurance companies should not be able to do what they are doing to people. It is just as bad as plastic surgeons implanting patients with the toxic mess called breast implants and saying that they are safe and will last a lifetime. If you need anymore information, please let me know. I do know alot about the insurance companies and how ruthless they can be and are!!! Beth S.Colleen McKenzie <cfortner@...> wrote: Hello everyone! Hope you all are doing well. Got a question about SS Disability...I finally got approved back in June and I was told by my attorney's office that I would receive an approval letter from the judge who approved my case, then I would start receiving monthly checks about 3 weeks later.Yesterday, I got a letter from SS just stating the amount I am approved to receive. I don't know if this is "the" letter or not. My mom looked at it and said she gets one just like it every year, so it might be something everyone gets.I can never get through to my attorney, so I was wondering if anyone here is on Disability, and has received it before, can tell me exactly what "the letter" is. This whole process has been one LONG nightmare and I am SO ready for it to be over!!I'd appreciate any insight! Thank you!Colleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2005 Report Share Posted January 29, 2005 Shari, I just picked a law firm out of the yellow pages, with a big disability ad. After I got denied the first time, the lawyer handled all the rest for me, so no more hanging on the phone with the state office and they helped me fill out all the endless paper work. It's a long, tedious process, but think they do it to weed out the illegit. Get your initial application from your local disability office, it can take quite a while to fill out and even longer to hear back from them, once u file! Good luck!! Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2005 Report Share Posted January 29, 2005 I spoke to a man who was employed a SSDI office. He told me that they deliberately give claimants who have attorney's priority. He wasn't any happier about it than any of us! . . . He thought it was despicable that those people who need help the most were being delayed, while those with the money/savvy to use an attorney were given preferential treatment. Hugs, Rogene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2005 Report Share Posted January 29, 2005 When I first applied, I didn't have an attorney. I filled out the application myself. After my 1st denial, I hired a lawyer. I was told that your chance of winning your case with an attorney was much higher. Most all, take the case with no out of pocket, on your part. They collect their fees from any lump sum, back pay, back to when you stopped working. They take a percentage and the court sets a limit on how much they can take. PS: Disability payments are taxable, so be shore to set aside taxes. Hope this helps! Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2005 Report Share Posted January 30, 2005 Hi, I have been collecting disability insurance SS for 2 1/2 years and have never had to pay taxes on them. Does it go by state? I don't do my taxes on my own but have someone that is retired from the IRS do them for me. I'm very surprised that you have to pay taxes on your disability income. Beth.Cheryl <sunbum256@...> wrote: When I first applied, I didn't have an attorney. I filled out the application myself. After my 1st denial, I hired a lawyer. I was told that your chance of winning your case with an attorney was much higher. Most all, take the case with no out of pocket, on your part. They collect their fees from any lump sum, back pay, back to when you stopped working. They take a percentage and the court sets a limit on how much they can take.PS: Disability payments are taxable, so be shore to set aside taxes.Hope this helps!Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2005 Report Share Posted January 30, 2005 Rogene, Same with LTD. There is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY you can win a LTD case unless you hire an attorney. They take 40% on average of your winnings. I think that it is absolutely horrible!!!! Beth S.Rogene S <saxony01@...> wrote: I spoke to a man who was employed a SSDI office. Hetold me that they deliberately give claimants who haveattorney's priority. He wasn't any happier about itthan any of us! . . . He thought it was despicablethat those people who need help the most were beingdelayed, while those with the money/savvy to use anattorney were given preferential treatment.Hugs,Rogene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2005 Report Share Posted January 31, 2005 Good luck to you Colleen. I hope you get your disibility! Annie , " Colleen McKenzie " <cfortner@e...> wrote: > > My disability claim is based on Chronic Fatigue > Syndrome/Epstein Barr Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and > Depression. I'm supposed to get retroactive pay back to when I > first filed, which was Sept. 2003. I am anxiously awaiting that! > > I worked as an art director at an ad agency up until April 2003, > when I just couldn't do it anymore. My brain was so foggy, I'd > mess up jobs and a couple of times, I got lost on my way to > work. Also, some days the fatigue and pain were so bad, I could > barely function. That's good that you were able to get long term > disability from your work. It wasn't available to me. > > My depression was pretty bad too. I was also suicidal, so I feel > you there. I think my depression was a big part of my claim > getting approved. > > Take care! Colleen > > > > > > > > > Hi Colleen! I know exactly how you feel and how exasperating > > dealing > > > with the state can be. I can only tell you what happened in my > > case, > > > which sounds like yours. I received the letter from the judge, > > > stating that he had approved my disability and in the letter it > > said > > > I would be hearing from disability 30-60 days stating what my > > > benefits were and when I would receive it. Well, I never did > get > > that > > > 2nd letter, but about 45 days later a lump sum arrived in my > > checking > > > account! No word from the state or my attorney. That was > almost a > > > month ago and I'm waiting now for my monthly amt. to arrive. > Hope > > > this helps, but they sure do keep you guessing and hanging > on and > > on! > > > Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2005 Report Share Posted January 31, 2005 Kathy I have been on disibility for 2 years. I can't believe it has been so long. I had a good job as an executive assistant so I had long term disibility. LTD, and that has helped my situation I am sure. I do believe the meds keep me from insanity. Being home all the time, unable to do all the things I used to, having 2 children to raise and an ex-husband who is not technically my ex yet, well it is all a lot to deal with. I take the pain medication and then the effexor, just a small dose, and for anxiety the ativan. I think if you take a small dose these work wonders for the down times. All of us are different though Kathy, and I can understand how you feel. I am approaching menopause myself so I know how that feels too. I had my son at 40 so I am 45 now and can feel the difference in my hormones. My biggest issue is that without sugar, bread, many carbs etc I am losing weight, I am worried I will be too skinny soon. Anyhone else has this problem? Thanks ladies Annie In , " mikat828 " <mikat828@y...> wrote: > > Annie > how long have you been on disability? Have the meds helped your > depression? What are you on? Depression has been one of my worst > problems ever since my husband died. But I very sensitive meds and > now I am perimenopausal and that is really making me > moody/depressed. Thanks > kathy > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hello everyone! Hope you all are doing well. > > > > > > Got a question about SS Disability...I finally got approved back > in > > > June and I was told by my attorney's office that I would receive > an > > > approval letter from the judge who approved my case, then I > > > would start receiving monthly checks about 3 weeks later. > > > > > > Yesterday, I got a letter from SS just stating the amount I am > > > approved to receive. I don't know if this is " the " letter or > not. > > My > > > mom looked at it and said she gets one just like it every year, > so > > > it might be something everyone gets. > > > > > > I can never get through to my attorney, so I was wondering if > > > anyone here is on Disability, and has received it before, can > tell > > > me exactly what " the letter " is. This whole process has been one > > > LONG nightmare and I am SO ready for it to be over!! > > > > > > I'd appreciate any insight! Thank you! > > > Colleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2005 Report Share Posted January 31, 2005 Actually annie, I do. I weigh 125 lb now and that is the heaviest I have been. I am 5'6 " . I have been as low as 103lb. My son is gaining weight by eating six small meals a day. He eats mostly protein and veg/fruits. I don't think I could eat that much! But I have read that walnuts and almonds are good for you and can cause a weight gain by eating a handful a day. Also, using more olive oil on dishes and eating avacado, eating dark poultry instead of light meat, using organic cream, milk, etc. should help with weight gain. As far as the meds are concerned, I did use ativan for several years. I really liked the way it made me feel. But then I started to get addicted to it. I had what is called rebound addiction. I would start getting nervous, upset and other symptoms as it wore off and before I could take another one. At first, I didn't catch on to what was happening. But after I researched side effects I realized it and got off. The withdrawal period was pretty intense--I felt like I was going to have a stroke. And I never took more than 1/2 to 1 mg. a day which is a pretty low dose. At this point, I think if I could get my hormones in balance--and that may be impossible at this point--my emotions will be much better! Hugs kathy > > > > > > > > Hello everyone! Hope you all are doing well. > > > > > > > > Got a question about SS Disability...I finally got approved > back > > in > > > > June and I was told by my attorney's office that I would > receive > > an > > > > approval letter from the judge who approved my case, then I > > > > would start receiving monthly checks about 3 weeks later. > > > > > > > > Yesterday, I got a letter from SS just stating the amount I am > > > > approved to receive. I don't know if this is " the " letter or > > not. > > > My > > > > mom looked at it and said she gets one just like it every year, > > so > > > > it might be something everyone gets. > > > > > > > > I can never get through to my attorney, so I was wondering if > > > > anyone here is on Disability, and has received it before, can > > tell > > > > me exactly what " the letter " is. This whole process has been > one > > > > LONG nightmare and I am SO ready for it to be over!! > > > > > > > > I'd appreciate any insight! Thank you! > > > > Colleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 3, 2005 Report Share Posted June 3, 2005 I called disability today to see how far along my claim is. Well they told me they had a decision and were sending it to another office and then I will be noticed by letter in about two weeks. He also said if I call back next Friday he would let me know where it is at and when for sure I would get my letter. I did not have to see one of their doctors. They said they had enough medical history on me from my doctors. I was wondering if anyone else has had this happen to them before. If so what was their outcome. I just hope they found enough evidence that I have disability to give me SSDI. With CMT and now I have Degenerative Disc Disease and Arthritis in my back I don't see anyway of me being able to go back to work. Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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