Re: cmt disability/working

[Guest guest]

Yes, some people with CMT recieve SSDI benefits. We have many, many posts on

this in our Archives. Most recently Jackie shared her unique and successful way

in which to apply for benefits and be awarded in 5 months. You can find her

posts from last month in our Archives.

You do not need a lawyer just to apply. Only use an attorney if your case is

denied after a reconsideration request.

I am assuming you are over 18, so for all about SSDI please read the info at

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/adult.htm

If you're younger than 18, go to

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/child.htm

[Guest guest]

thank you for the information. i am 53 so i am going to check into it.

[Guest guest]

There is a group for SSDI that can offer a lot OF HELP:

ssadisability/messages?o=1

This Web site is also great:

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/

Understand that to be eligible for SSDI you must be unable to perform what SS

calls and " Substantial Gainful Work " . In your case, maybe you can't be a

waitress anymore but would be able to do a more sedentary job like an office.

They consider your work history, experience, age and education in determining if

there is any work you can perform.

You are also very likely to be denied if you are working when you apply .... no

matter how hard the work is or how much you are in pain after work, they will

just say you are working.

An SSDI application tales a minimum of 100 days to process and you are not

eligible for 6 the first 5 months after becoming unable to work. If you get

denied and have to appeal it can take several years. The hardest part is finding

a way to support yourself during that time.

Depending on how long you worked and how much you earned, most SS benefits range

between $700 and $2000 per month so nobody is living high on the hog with just

SSDI.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Guest guest]

tmkwek56:

All you need to do is call your local social security office; you have options

of doing it over the phone, at their office, or get an application through the

mail. No need to see your doctor or lawyer is needed to get approved for it.

CMT and many other neurolgical disorders are on the SSDI list for it's approval.

A lawyer would be needed on a rare occasion you are not approved. Make sure you

have documentation from your doctor of your CMT and the reasons why it effects

your life. I was approved in three months.

[Guest guest]

To increase your chances of being approved the first time your apply...be very

specific about why you can't work.  Don't just explain why you can't do your

current job (waitressing), but explain what prevents you from doing ANY job. 

Take your time, think about everything, be specific.  Also, make sure your

medical records clearly state your issues and that SSDI gets those records.

 

[Guest guest]

You can also file OnLine at the SSA web site.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline/

I recommend that method because it gives you more time to compile all teh doctor

information and more time to consider your answers. You can save and return to

an online application later.

[Guest guest]

thanks angela. i am having a really bad time with it, and needed some questions

answer, before i went forward. again thank you