Guest guest Posted June 24, 2003 Report Share Posted June 24, 2003 Thanks, she was diagnosed at 23 and is now 37 I believe, she's a miracle. Had 2 strokes within a week of each other about a month ago which has affected her speech, but she doesn't give up on life, she lives everyday to the fullest. My " aunt " (mother of this girl) as I said sent in the same paperwork each time, didn't use an atty, and the doctor at the U of M also used the same letter, only changing the date. Unfortunately, it takes time, even when someone doesn't have time. Again, the govt is screwed up, all they worry about is their expensive parties and yachts and vacations, most don't give a damn about someone who is sick or suffering till it happens to them or someone real close to them, then most concentrate on that and still forget about the rest of us out here. And you are right, the govt just figures we're so sick and tired of it all we will drop the case... most that are faking would, which is again why we have to fight so damn hard, even those with terminal problems... the govt looks at the documents and says nope, they'll get better, no need to help them. When they finally do approve it they don't give you enough to live on if you're her age (23) b/c she had been in college and had very little work exp, or like me who did have work exp but at 32 when this happened I still didn't have a lot of credits, but thankfully enough to get some monthly income. I could go on and on about how crappy the govt takes care of disabled people, you have to be homeless then you're still out of luck. Connie Re: Disability > Connie' > Thank's for the information. The government just > figure's you will finally give-up if they hassle you > enough.I hope your friend is doing okay? I also have a > real good friend who's son just found out not long > ago that he has terminal cancer,they put in for > dissability and they told him it would take 30 to 120 > day's and the man is terminal and has no insurance and > income.They are fighting to get it sooner. > Thank's > -- __________________________________________________________ Sign-up for your own FREE Personalized E-mail at Mail.com http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup CareerBuilder.com has over 400,000 jobs. Be smarter about your job search http://corp.mail.com/careers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2003 Report Share Posted June 30, 2003 Thanks Marti, I live in Wisconsin. First things first though. Have got to apply for disability. My husband doesn't acknowledge or believe the pain and because he has never heard of PA believes that I just don't want to work. I am still quite capable of design work most of the time but am concerned about the near future. PA has a tendency to progress rapidly unlike the government and it may take quite a while to get approved. Without insurance I would have to go without treatment and that just isn't an option. It's good to know that I can still work part-time because jobs will still be coming in and I don't want to have to turn them down. Once I am on disability I'll be able to connect to other related sources I'm sure. This whole think is such a long process. Thanks for answering Mickey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2003 Report Share Posted June 30, 2003 ---n't > acknowledge or believe the pain and because he has > never heard of PA believes that I just don't want to > work. Hi Mickey, Will your husband read some of our posts? Will he read info on PA? You said a mouthful in one short sentence-PA progresses rapidly while the government does not. Do you have a supportive Doc for disability? That really helps to get it. Also maybe your husband would listen to the Doc. I wish you good luck! Marti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2003 Report Share Posted July 1, 2003 --Hi Mickey, That denial can be a hard one. One of my good friends confronted me and said Can you honestly say your arthritis is getting worse or do you just think it is (x-rays,etc show it is getting worse but NObody likes to hear that) I have a good friend with RA, fibro and bipolar. She has to stay completely away from many of our meds or she goes into a manic phase-esp the prednisone does that to her. Good Luck at the Doc! Marti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 Marti, I don't understand why a friend or spouse would question it. Do they have little respect for you to think you are making it up for attention or sympathy? That is truly an insult. Good news, after my third dose of MTX I actually sat on the floor CROSS LEGGED and played with my grandbaby. First time in a year and a half. Did too much through the day though because I felt better and paid dearly for it by supper time. Oh well, it was fun to move around. I have to be careful not to go nuts on days I feel better. I've never been one to sit around because I have ADHD and it's like being in a straight jacket when I can't walk. Mickey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 2, 2003 Report Share Posted July 2, 2003 -Hi Mickey, Don't know why people are the way they are. Sometimes I think it is just too painful for them to deal with the truth. My friend thinks there might be some guilt involved,esp with family. She says if they admit how sick we are then they feel responsible for helping. I think some people like to think these illnesses would never happen to them. They find a reason to blame the sick person for their illness so they can continue thinking they are safe from it all. Glad to hear the good news about the MTX, I hear you on trying not to overdo it on the good days too! Marti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2003 Report Share Posted July 3, 2003 Hi Mickey, It sounds like your husband has had a tough life. I didn't realize that people might fear death from our illnesses until a young friend blurted it out one day. I was surprised but took the opportunity to explain that we don't die we just live a harder life. It really relieved her mind. Sorry your husband has gotten so distant. Hope things turn around soon. Best Wishes, Marti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 30, 2003 Report Share Posted July 30, 2003 Welcome back, Marge! Sounds like a fun trip. I'm so happy to hear that you had a good time. Sorry about your insurance trouble. I hope it's nothing. Good luck on the 8th with your interview! [ ] disability > Hi all, I'm home from my 10 days in New Jersey....great time with a stop over in the Poconos. My interview for disability will be August 8th...I'm trying to have all my documentation in order...they said it will probably be 5 months until I hear the results re approval or not...since I have a small amount in my savings account, I will not be eligible for short term assistance...I have to call my insurance company, for some reason they denied my last visit to the rheummy (after paying for 3 years of visits). I hope it doesn;t have anything to do with my switching to cobra...shouldn't...but...can't figure out why it would be different....any suggestions anyone has for me would be appreciated related to the interview...my best friend is going with me and I have 2 letters from past co-workers documenting change in my ability to carry out everyday work tasks....will must close hands aren't working too well and I am back spacing to correct constantly...it is 1 a.m. and i hope to get some sleep in the near future....warm milk time....hope you are well...missed you over the alst 10 days...but the fishing was grfeat...had to put away my fly rod...cou.ldn't cast it..oh well one more thing for uncle arthur.....marge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2003 Report Share Posted August 19, 2003 > I know many people who were denied disability the first attempt and had to see attorneys. < Yeah...I had heard that from a lot of people so I expected it...no surprise there! > As far as housekeeping, I hear what you are saying. < But she said I was not to do ANYTHING that caused pain...so what am I supposed to do? Everything hurts from a mild ache to terrible spasms. It is not my nature to just sit around. WC got me on video doing housework and my benefits were stopped. Will disability send someone out to spy on me also? I go bowling with my friends...I look funny as I don't bend or twist, but I have fun...even though I know I will pay for it later. So does life completely stop for those on disability? I am also attempting to become self-employed with dog evaluations & training, and photography...later opening up a boarding kennel...how will that affect things? I just can't see me giving up on life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2003 Report Share Posted August 19, 2003 > I have to really pace myself with cleaning. < That is what I have been doing...no major cleaning at all, just a little each day. But the lawyer said to do nothing that causes pain. I just don't see how that is possible. I have already gained 50 hateful pounds from not being as active as I used to be, and that is while being on a low fat & sugar diet! It is going to kill me to put on more weight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2003 Report Share Posted August 19, 2003 I've always heard it takes an attorney to help anyone get their SS disability. For those of you on SSD, how much did you have to end up paying to an attorney for help to get it? joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2003 Report Share Posted August 19, 2003 > Well Joe Ihad a company called Allsup Inc. they were excellent Joe. They have a 95% success rate. They do everything for you... Carol - Hang onto that for now. I'm doing research on the revision surgery and hope that I might get some relief via that route. If I do, I will still be able to stay at my job. Thanks for being willing to check. joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2003 Report Share Posted August 20, 2003 > For those of you on SSD, how much did you have to end up paying to an attorney for help to get it? I'm not on it yet, but my lawyer is taking 25% with a $5400 max cap from my first check...when and if I get it. Vivian H. Vivian H. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2003 Report Share Posted August 20, 2003 There is a limit $4,000.00 or 25%, but not over $4,000.00 Michigan's rate. Chris Re: Re: Disability > For those of you on SSD, how much did you have to end up paying to an attorney for help to get it? I'm not on it yet, but my lawyer is taking 25% with a $5400 max cap from my first check...when and if I get it. Vivian H. Vivian H. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2003 Report Share Posted October 30, 2003 In a message dated 10/30/2003 5:07:17 AM Pacific Standard Time, mellowcargo2003@... writes: I received a "partially favorable decision" from SSA. The appeals judge ruled in my favor for getting disability going back to Aug. 2001. However SSA will take 60 days to evaluate that decision then either approve, deny or require more information from me. The waiting game goes on..............Bob i need some help..i am working p/t..barely making it...where do i start?? help please...ssi?? disability?? Peace, Sielicki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2003 Report Share Posted October 30, 2003 Hi . Go to theSocial Security office and get some information. There are two types of disability, depending on your financial status, family etc. The supplemental depends on financial hardship, etc. while the other part depends on your past earnings and how much you've paid in. www.ssa.gov/disability/ www.nosscr.org/faqind.html The first link is to the government site and the second is a "frequently asked questions" site that may be helpful. You can apply on your own and then if turned down see an attorney or get an attorney right off the bat. The initial decision doesn't take too long, but should it go against you the appeal can drag out for a long time. The attorneys are bound by law that they can only charge 25% of whatever your initial payment from ssi is. You can easily find attorneys who work on the basis that you only pay if you win. Do your homework and get doctors to write letters on your behalf, etc. should you decide to try to go apply on your own behalf. Good luck. -dz- i need some help..i am working p/t..barely making it...where do i start?? help please...ssi?? disability?? Peace, Sielicki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2003 Report Share Posted October 31, 2003 Dear Al: I was 33 years old when I was diagnosed and became disabled I also had a broken back. However, I went in with no lawyer, I have 3 bachelors and a masters and speak two languages, that was also stacked against me. I took all the prescription medication that I am supposed to take a day at the allotted time (I am on valium for anti anxiety, Oxycontin for pain, neorontin, predisone, MTX etc.......and I could barely speak. The judge asked if this is what I was like on a regular day and I said yes. I got my check 3 months later. I don't know what meds you are on but the problem or what type of job you did or do that matters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2003 Report Share Posted November 1, 2003 Ally, I went on SS disability when I was 30. I was approved right away and didn't have to go before a judge so I can't offer you any first hand experience. Here are some articles that may help: RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS & Disability http://www.ssdisability.net/arthritis.html Preparing for a Disability Hearing http://www.lawhelp.org/program/766/RTF1.cfm?pagename=Preparing%20for%20a%20D isability%20Hearing Preparing For Your Day In Court http://arthritis.about.com/library/weekly/aa111898.htm Good luck, a > Hello Everyone, > > Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. Please know that I > always read your posts and I think about this group all of the time > sometimes I'm just a little quiet. My disability hearing is > scheduled for Monday and I need advice. I am so nervous. I have a > lot stacked against me as I am 26 yrs old (no judge wants to label > someone this young disabled--according to my attorney) and my blood > tests do not show a positive RF. Is there anything that can and > should be said during the hearing. I really don't feel very prepared > for it....my attorney hasn't told me a lot about what to expect. Any > advice would be greatly appreciated. > > Thanks-Ally > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2003 Report Share Posted November 1, 2003 Good luck, Ally! I can't give you any advice from personal experience, but I see that others are trying to help guide you. Do keep in mind that a significant percentage of people with RA are never RF-positive (up to 30%, depending on the source of the information). Please let us know how it goes. [ ] Disability > Hello Everyone, > > Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. Please know that I > always read your posts and I think about this group all of the time > sometimes I'm just a little quiet. My disability hearing is > scheduled for Monday and I need advice. I am so nervous. I have a > lot stacked against me as I am 26 yrs old (no judge wants to label > someone this young disabled--according to my attorney) and my blood > tests do not show a positive RF. Is there anything that can and > should be said during the hearing. I really don't feel very prepared > for it....my attorney hasn't told me a lot about what to expect. Any > advice would be greatly appreciated. > > Thanks-Ally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 4, 2003 Report Share Posted December 4, 2003 In a message dated 12/5/2003 3:41:27 AM Pacific Standard Time, szeis_1@... writes: I just received a notice that I am going to get SSDI starting next month. Also qualified effective Jan 2002 so I will get retro amount minus lawyer fees. Also went to see doctor. She ordered lab work to see where I am with viral load, etc. Next Tuesday will be my 48th shot but she wants me to continue until we get lab results. So far being 3b I was on tx 24 wks, off for 3 mos, and now 48 wks. Bob where did you go first??? Peace, Sielicki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 , I applied for SSDI. I was approved for SSI. I was told SSDI was like insurance premiums. I have worked since I was 16 years old and had disability taken out. But, SSDI goes by the last 10 years. I was in college 4 of those years and working for the state after that. The state didn't take SSDI out. So, I was approved for SSI of only $790 a month. I am thankful for that, but do not understand how all of this works. I do not receive Medicare, but the state's insurance of MediCAl. There is even a difference between straight MediCAl and ? MediCal I am finding out. I did find out I have straight MediCal whatever that means. This is just my experience. I hope it helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 In a message dated 1/9/04 2:21:59 PM Pacific Standard Time, j.sloane@... writes: But it will be higher than for someone who has never worked -- that amount is about 550 per month last time I checked it out. So, I am getting the same as someone who never worked. Ouch. California adds to this amount...I am not sure why. But that is why I am receiving $790 a month. I know that if I moved to another state, I would be receiving the $500 and something a month. It also took me about 2 years before I was approved. I had an attorney. I was denied the first time. I sent an email to a public figure and received a phone call shortly after that from my doc saying he received the paper work. Things moved fast after that. I'd be ok on this amount if I didn't have the medical installment debts and tax installment debts I am paying. I also applied for low income housing and was approved for it. I am thankful for that. Mostly, I just want to get well and get back to work. Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 Your message has been edited. Please read the file entitled " Cleaning " Instructions found at /files/ for more information. Lyme Aid Owner ========== It depends on how much you have put into the system from what I understand. [ ] Disability Can anyone tell me how the state, and/or govenment desides how much we get for disabilty? And, also how Medicare works. I have managed to work through my Lyme for the last 16 years, however as sick as I have been recently, I may have to go on disabilty before it is all said and done. Any input will be greatly appreciated. thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 , There's a group regarding disability online Disinissues, I think it's called that you can join on regarding disability and insurance issues. I can tell you that your disability amount will be determined by how much you have earned in your working life and how much you have paid into the system. You can get a report from Social Security that will tell you what that amount will be. It's not a fortune that's for sure! But it will be higher than for someone who has never worked -- that amount is about 550 per month last time I checked it out. It's a long process, especially with something like Lyme Disease. It took me about 18 months the third time I tried, and had to use a lawyer. Then, once you are on disability you have to wait for Medicare to kick in. If you are too sick to work, I would not delay in applying, as it takes a while. But do check out the resources I mentioned above. There's a lot to learn about the application process. Good Luck to you, Blessings, > Can anyone tell me how the state, and/or govenment desides how much > we get for disabilty? And, also how Medicare works. I have managed > to work through my Lyme for the last 16 years, however as sick as I > have been recently, I may have to go on disabilty before it is all > said and done. Any input will be greatly appreciated. > > thanks, > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2004 Report Share Posted January 9, 2004 Your message has been edited. Please read the file entitled " Cleaning " Instructions found at /files/ for more information. Lyme Aid Owner ========== I don't know what state you live in, but you can also go to the Medicaid website and then go to the state you live in on the Medicaid website and that will give you info also. You can do the same thing for your Medicare. I am not an LD patient, but my best friend has LD (25 years) and I'm her caregiver, support, etc. and have been with her through every battle she has fought over the years. The best advice I can give you to help your disability process is to ask friends or relatives to write a " To Whom It May Concern " letter. In the letter have them describe - from their point of view - how you look, act, what you can and can't do physically, mentally, emotionally...anything. Have them be totally honest about how you used to be and the changes they notice now. This letter doesn't need to be fancy or in any specific format. It can be handwritten and can be as short or as long as the person wants. The more letters you have, the better. My friend and I live in Ohio. She applied for Social Security Disability without a lawyer and was successful on the first attempt...which is unheard of in Ohio as the first and usually the second attempt is automatically declined. She had several letters from friends and relatives to support her request. Also, record keeping is vital. Document everything, never give out a piece of paper unless you make a copy of it for yourself. If you have not done so, begin to keep a copy of all of your medical records, any test results, lab results, etc. It is not unusual (in our experience) for someone to ask for something that was months prior...so document and copy everything. Also, you could contact your county Social Services for information. Don't let the process overwhelm you. It can be done...patience and documentation are key. Hugs, Sandy [ ] Re: Disability , There's a group regarding disability online Disinissues, I think it's called that you can join on regarding disability and insurance issues. I can tell you that your disability amount will be determined by how much you have earned in your working life and how much you have paid into the system. You can get a report from Social Security that will tell you what that amount will be. It's not a fortune that's for sure! But it will be higher than for someone who has never worked -- that amount is about 550 per month last time I checked it out. It's a long process, especially with something like Lyme Disease. It took me about 18 months the third time I tried, and had to use a lawyer. Then, once you are on disability you have to wait for Medicare to kick in. If you are too sick to work, I would not delay in applying, as it takes a while. But do check out the resources I mentioned above. There's a lot to learn about the application process. Good Luck to you, Blessings, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.