Social Security

August 4, 1999

Phil,

Do you know about the disability insurance issues mailing list, DISINISSUES?

You can sign up for it at www.onelist.com by searching for DISINISSUES. It's

a great list with a lot of people who are knowledable about SS disability

issues.

In a message dated 8/2/99 6:46:57 PM Central Daylight Time, philcome@...

writes:

> i know this list is not for SSDI but I I'll ask anyway; maybe somebody

> else has been through this part before. I just heard back from my

> attorney regarding my lawsuit on my first SSDI application. The federal

> judge has ordered my application back to the SSA for review. Basically

> he indicated that the ALJ erred when he ignored the documentation of my

> physician in denying my application. Fortunately the law judge has since

> then retired. Does anyone know if your chances become better at this

> stage or if it still the same runaround?

November 4, 1999

All of this talk about social security confuses me a bit. What is the social

security called that is offered through the state? Is this SSI and SSDI

offered through the federal government?

November 4, 1999

The curse of the online community...we all speek in acronyms! Let's see if I

can clear some of this up! <g>

SSDI = Social Security Disability Insurance. It is a sub-program of Social

Security. Like Social Security, the amount of benefits is dependent on your

work history and payments into the system. Where some confusion may creep in

is that after taking your initial application, Social Security turns your

file over to the state to determine whether you qualify for benefits,

following their rather strict guidelines. You can, of course appeal these

decisions, and most of us do.

SSI = Supplemental Security Income. These are programs set up and

administered by the state. They are usually designed to help those with no

other income source. Income and expenses, rather than prior work history,

determines the amount of benefits.

I'm on SSDI and can answer questions about that program, but I'm not really

up on SSI.

Don

AIH Minneapolis

[ ] Re: Social Security

From: CREE8V1@...

All of this talk about social security confuses me a bit. What is the

social

security called that is offered through the state? Is this SSI and SSDI

offered through the federal government?

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December 2, 1999

,

Thanks so much for the web sites. I really appreciate all you people on here.

God Bless.

[ ] Social Security

Hi Pam

Here a couple of sites that have a lot of information on Social Security

disability.

Look at them then contact a lawyer who deals in Social Security disability

their fees are set by Social security and they only get paid if you get

disability.

http://www.crowe-shanahan.com/listing.html

http://www.concentric.net/~Severe1/index.html

Dake

August 18, 2000

Hey Anne,

IF you wouldnt mind and you have it handy i would love to hear about the different things you are alergic to. Alergys interest me. ( along with lots of other medical things hehe) You can send it to me private if you dont want to send it to the list.

Must stink to be alergic to so many different things. This is my first year with allergys. Thank god they are not bad like yours. My ears get plugged up and my throat gets full of guck and feels like a vice is squeezing my head. But its not as bad as other peoples.

Dont worry bout rambling, i like to hear from you. And i like all the colors hehe.

Your friend,

melinda

Social Security

Hey Anne,Thanks for the offer on the flea stuff. Ive heard that Brewers yeast and Garlic( they eat it) helps to get rid of the fleas. Im worried ill make her puke though. I don't know exactly what they suggest, but I know where to find the stuff to a point... may take me awhile though. I feel like SHIT!!! No, not the same as the " Butt Girl " ! I hate running round cleaning up piles of doggie barf. hehe. I don't blame you!! Yuck! Yep that isnt alot to live on. I always feel so sad for other people who are disabled. I know that they dont get nearly enough to live on. So i feel like a jerk when im whining about my meger check. I didnt even want to get disability, I was NOT given a choice. The actual application process was started by my allergist, NOT by me! I was pulled from school, work, and life! She was pretty persuasive because she also got me out of my lease more than 6 months early! I kept trying to work, kept trying to go to school, gave up having a life so I could still try to get my education and pay for myself. But that wasn't really working anymore... and on April 1 (April Fool's Day) I was in 3 ERs, 2 ambulances, and ICU step down in less than 6-7 hours. allergies set off at home --allergic reaction broken with Epinephrine and Benadryl allergies set off on I-94 by a bunch of semi trucks in front of me! Went to Menonimee ER.. took over an hour to break reaction, I have a history of rebounding, so they left the IV site in place (heparin lock) allergies set off again by trucks, had only made it to Baldwin... the next town down the highway. I kept driving until I could NOT breathe at all ( I was NOT doing the speed limit!!) Stopped at the weigh station just inside of Minnesota from Hudson, WI. They closed down the station so the BLS ambulance & fire dept could come in ( I was gray & then blue) Was taken " Lights, Sirens, & God! " to the closest Level One Trauma Center.... in less than 10 minutes.... there was a Paramedic on board the BLS Ambulance (thankfully)!! Treated in the Emergency Room at St. Ramsey Medical Center, was being admitted to the ICU immediately, until they found out the whole reason I had come to the Twin Cities was to be seen by my allergist. So I was transfered over to the University of Minnesota Hospital by ALS ambulance. Was seen in the ER by idiotic asshole doctor, but was admitted anyway to the ICU step down unit for the next 4 days! Oops didn't mean to babble on and on, like this! Brain check out, no forwarding address! i thought that there was probly someone else out there that needed it more than me and felt guilty for asking. If it werent for Todds parents helping us out we would be on the street i think.They are more than generous. Nice people too.Huggs anne,MelindaIt is nice to know that SOME people out there really do care, about more than just themselves! Too bad they are the minority, NOT the majority!! Talk to you again soon! Love Always, AnneThe Being Sick CommunitySharing our resources:-Add a website URL you think may help another, or even add a link to your own webpage. Chat:- Scheduled Daily Chats at # on IRC DALnet.http://www.elderwyn.com/members/chat.htmlEgroups JAVA based chatroom for your use anytime:-chat/ (Anyone on web-tv will not be able to access java and it is very slow compared to IRC.)Memorial Page:-http://www.elderwyn.com/members/inlovingmemory.htmlMembers Lounge:-Medical resources, counselling via email, information on the daily chat times, free psychic readings and the cartoon of the day. http://www.elderwyn.com/members Members Profiles, pictures, and birthdays:-Message Archives and Digest Attachment Pictures:-messages/Promoting This Community:- Would you like people to be able to join from your webpage?promote/Subscription Details:-1) Individual email - means that every email sent to the list you receive.2) Daily Digest - sends you 25 messages in one single email for you to browse. This is an excellent option if you receive alot of email.3) Web only/No mail - means that you can pop into eGroups at your convenience and receive no email.To modify your subscription settings please visit mygroupsTo subscribe or unsubscribesubscribe/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~“Hold on to what is good, even if it's a handful of earth. Hold on to what you believe, even if it's a tree that stands by itself. Hold on to what you must do even, if it's a long way from here. Hold on to your life, even if it's easier to let go. " - Pueblo Prayer

January 1, 2001

"I felt very guilty when I first applied for Social Security disability."

Oh me too!!!G and I were stubborn and were bought up to think of being on a pension as failing. (Even though its not from choice!) We still would rather be earning then being on a pension but the reality is just not there.

At the time we had our own company (although had been bed ridden for a year so company was deaddddd!!!!) but thought they would not grant us the money cause of that. Anyhow one desperate day at about 10 mins to 5pm, I phoned them. A lovely woman answered the phone and I told her our situation. Well she did all the paper work there and then, as well as talking to Gwydi to get put on the carers pension also. She said that if we got started that day we would even get back payed to that date!! She stayed on the phone with us for over an hour to get it all sorted out, even when her office hours were well and truly over.

I told my immunologist that I had applied and he said "I'll do all the paperwork when you need me to." And this is from a busy Dr who works 5am-11pm most days!!

I do not feel like a leech on society either. I worked my ass off even when I was sick but still upright. 7 days a week!!

And in many ways we are all still working cause we are looking after each other which is just as important if not more so!!!

*starts singing "We are the Champions my friend"... and then gets really carried away and dances around her bedroom in her new, I mean old, lovely slippers that resemble hersheys kisses* (Just dont loose your ding dongs!!!)

Much love,

Aisha

January 1, 2001

I totally agree. I wish i didnt have to though. wish i could work. :(Melinda

Social security

I felt very guilty when I first applied for Social Security disability. My doctor had to talk me into it. He said that there was no other way I could support my children. However, I do not feel like a " leech on society " . I do try to work, which is limited to about 2 hrs a day. I also take care of my kids and keep them in school and safe. I help others as much as I am able. I feel that our society is morally willing to help those who are sick and cannot work. I worked full-time for 20 years and get a decent amount of Social Security. It is not enough to support my boys but I usually get by. I hope I can find a way to work but at this point my health won't allow it. I'm grateful that our society is willing to put money aside to help those who are ill.

Lee

January 2, 2001

Thank God for SSD I dont feel guilty I know all of us would rather be well

and getting no SSD. It is the only way I am going to be able to make it and

I am very thankful that my case went through on the first try. I agree and

have been happy that we live in a country that provides this type of

service/plan because I sure never thought this would happen to me.

Hope everyone had a good holiday

Hugs

Colleen

January 2, 2001

" I totally agree. I wish i didnt have to though. wish

i could work.

Melinda "

Guilty is the one thing I didn't feel when I applied

for Social Security. I started working at the ripe old

age of 14, working after school and 40 hours a week

during the summer. I have worked my entire life up

till the age of 47. During that time I raised three

kids as a single parent with no assistance from the

govt. Now, at 49, my body is telling me I'm tired. I

feel that we have worked many years and if our health

says we can't work, then we shouldn't feel guilty

about it. I don't feel like I am a " leech to society " .

Even though I don't work outside my home, I still work

hard every day. I am raising my two year old grandson

because his parents decided they didn't have to work

and the state could support them. (Unfortunately, my

son did not follow my work ethic). My husband works

hard to make sure that we have all we need (not always

all we want, but need). I just wish Social Security

didn't make it so hard to get for those who truely

need to be on it. It is set up for that purpose but

you have to fight long and hard to prove you are sick.

I know that there are some that take advantage of the

system and that is why it is so hard on the others.

All get punished for the wrongs of another.

=====

searching for Deborah

dob 1/14/57 in nna, Fl

Relinquished in Chicago, 1961

brother and 5 other siblings searching

Half-sib found 1-16-00!

__________________________________________________

January 3, 2001

Vale - best place to ask this is at the Disinissues

site on egroups - thisis a great list for disability

issues. My understanding is that the review is much

easier than the initial process, but not having been

through it yet I can't say for sure.

Good luck - Jennie

--- valer@... wrote:

>

> Can someone tell me what I'm about to go through? I

> just received a

> questionnaire from Social Security after being on

> disability for

> almost three years. I understand there is a review

> process at three

> years. Is this like the beginning, with some clerk

> denying my case

> and I have to go through a chain all over again or

> is it more

> reasonable this time around? I'd also like to know

> if we win at a

> higher percentage then the initial process. If I

> have a problem, at

> what point do I need to hire an attorney? I still

> see the same two

> MD's that helped me receive SS. Any information

> would be greatly

> appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> Vale

>

__________________________________________________

January 3, 2001

I, too, felt very bad when I had to apply for SSD for . I was more

than able physically to work, but I just didn't have the time. Taking care

of was a 24/7 job, literally. Plus, he spent so much time at the

hospital that I couldn't have held a job, anyway. In fact, I got fired

from the job that I had when he got sick because I missed too much work.

And to hire a nurse to take care of Matty's needs...well, the agency wanted

$30 an hour for an RN, which insurance wouldn't cover at all, so that really

wasn't an option either, especially since I only made $7 an hour.

So I did feel guilty...in a way I felt like I was profiting off of

my son's illness. But I didn't have any choice...I had to support my family

somehow. And the amount of money they gave me didn't even begin to touch

what we needed, but I had to make it work, ya know?

I guess my point is that none of us would have (or are) drawing SSD

by choice. It's not because we are lazy, or taking advantage, or being

"burdens to society". It's because we had/have a real need and we have

to have some way to meet that need. I mean, let's face it, none of us is

getting rich off of SSD payments, okay?? (*giggles*) It's not a matter

of sitting back and living the good life, full of luxury. It's a matter

of survival, of having a way to deal with the most basic and necessary

needs.

*hugs*

l harris wrote:

I felt very guilty when I first applied for Social Security disability.

My doctor had to talk me into it. He said that there was no other way I

could support my children. However, I do not feel like a "leech on society".

I do try to work, which is limited to about 2 hrs a day. I also take care

of my kids and keep them in school and safe. I help others as much as I

am able. I feel that our society is morally willing to help those who are

sick and cannot work. I worked full-time for 20 years and get a decent

amount of Social Security. It is not enough to support my boys but I usually

get by. I hope I can find a way to work but at this point my health won't

allow it. I'm grateful that our society is willing to put money aside to

help those who are ill.

Lee

January 3, 2001

YES YES thats what i mean. What she said.

Melinda

Re: Social securityI, too, felt very bad when I had to apply for SSD for . I was more than able physically to work, but I just didn't have the time. Taking care of was a 24/7 job, literally. Plus, he spent so much time at the hospital that I couldn't have held a job, anyway. In fact, I got fired from the job that I had when he got sick because I missed too much work. And to hire a nurse to take care of Matty's needs...well, the agency wanted $30 an hour for an RN, which insurance wouldn't cover at all, so that really wasn't an option either, especially since I only made $7 an hour. So I did feel guilty...in a way I felt like I was profiting off of my son's illness. But I didn't have any choice...I had to support my family somehow. And the amount of money they gave me didn't even begin to touch what we needed, but I had to make it work, ya know? I guess my point is that none of us would have (or are) drawing SSD by choice. It's not because we are lazy, or taking advantage, or being " burdens to society " . It's because we had/have a real need and we have to have some way to meet that need. I mean, let's face it, none of us is getting rich off of SSD payments, okay?? (*giggles*) It's not a matter of sitting back and living the good life, full of luxury. It's a matter of survival, of having a way to deal with the most basic and necessary needs. *hugs* l harris wrote: I felt very guilty when I first applied for Social Security disability. My doctor had to talk me into it. He said that there was no other way I could support my children. However, I do not feel like a " leech on society " . I do try to work, which is limited to about 2 hrs a day. I also take care of my kids and keep them in school and safe. I help others as much as I am able. I feel that our society is morally willing to help those who are sick and cannot work. I worked full-time for 20 years and get a decent amount of Social Security. It is not enough to support my boys but I usually get by. I hope I can find a way to work but at this point my health won't allow it. I'm grateful that our society is willing to put money aside to help those who are ill. Lee

January 5, 2001

"I mean, let's face it, none of us is getting rich off of SSD payments, okay?? (*giggles*) It's not a matter of sitting back and living the good life, full of luxury. "

LMAO !!!!!!!!

I always tell G that he married me for my money! HAHAHAHAHAHA

How is Gracie doing hon?

Love ish

February 9, 2002

Social Security

Perhaps we were asking the wrong questions in this

past election year. Our Senators/Congressmen do

not pay into Social Security, and, therefore they

do not collect from it. Social Security benefits

were not suitable for them.

They felt they should have a special plan. Many

years ago they voted in their benefit plan. In more

recent years, no congress person has felt the need

to change it. After all, it is a great plan.

For all practical purposes, their plan works like this:

When they retire no matter how long they have been in

office, they continue to draw their same pay until they

die, except it may be increased from time to time by the

cost-of-living adjustments. For example, former Senator

Bill Bradley (New Jersey) and his wife may be expected

to draw $7,900,000.00 over an average life span, with

Mrs. Bradley drawing $275,000.00 during the last year

of her life. Their cost for this excellent plan is " $0 " ,

nada, zilch. This little perk they voted in for themselves

is free to them.

You and I pick up the tab for this plan. Our tax dollars

at work! From Social Security, which you and I pay into

every payday for our own retirement, with an equal amount

paid in by our employer, we can expect to receive an

average of $1,000 per month. We would have to collect

our benefits for 68 years and 1 month to equal the Bradley's

benefits.

Imagine for a moment that you could structure a retirement

plan so desirable, a retirement plan that worked so well,

that Railroad Employees, Postal Workers, and others who were

not in the plan would clamor to be included. This is how good

Social Security could be, if only one small change was made.

That change would be to jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement

Plan out from under the Senators & Congressmen. Put them

into the Social Security plan with the rest of us. Watch

how fast they fix it!!!

If enough people receive this message maybe a seed will

be planted, and maybe good changes will evolve.

Don't forget, our girl, Hillary Rodham Clinton, now comes

under this Congressional Retirement Plan. Talking about

the Clinton's, it's common knowledge that, in order for

her to establish NY State residency, they purchased a

$ million + house in upscale Chappaqua, NY.

***Makes sense.

Now, they are entitled to Secret Service protection for life.

*** Still makes sense.

Here is where it becomes interesting.

A residency had to be built in order to house the Secret

Service agents. The Clinton's now charge the Secret

Service rent for the use of said residence and that rent

is just about equal to their mortgage payment, meaning

that we, the tax payers, are paying the Clinton's mortgage,

and it's all perfectly legal.

If this does not make you ANGRY .. NOTHING WILL

How many people can YOU send this to?

May 8, 2002

Keri that's great news!!!!

May 8, 2002

Dear Keri; we couldn't be happier for you. It is a beautiful day. I spent

most of it outside in the forest with one of my best friends, neighbor and

thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes, this should help so much for you and your

family and I hope easier days ahead for you. Thank you for sharing with us,

and of course we hope that others comes soon also. Smiles for your news,

Melt

May 8, 2002

Congratulations Keri!!!

Not something we hear everyday, and it was soooo great

to hear you have been approved, and the first time yet!

You deserve to treat yourself a little bit, and enjoy the victory!

~~tricia~~

-- Social Security

Hope everyone is doing well. I have really good news.... After hearing all

of the horror storys from everyone that applied for SS and they were denied.

I was ready to be denied the first time around. I wasn't getting my hopes up

at all. And guess what I WAS APPROVED!

Can you believe it!!!!! I am so thrilled. I hope this gives hope to some of

you out there that are applying for SS or that are waiting to hear if they

are approved.

This has been a really hard year and hearing that we won't have financial

problems anymore takes a huge weight off my shoulders.

I hope that today was pain free day.

Take care,

Keri

May 9, 2002

What great news Keri.

Maybe this means that Stills has gained a little recognition with the

government and the judges -- finally. Congratulations! I know the money isn't

that great, but the medical benefits are TREMENDOUS!

Take care of yourself. Love to ya. --Sue

September 14, 2002

Hi all,

As for the SS eval you usually see a Psch and then a medical DR of theirs. Hep-C alone as was said, is rarely ever considered as a disability. My husband was turned down the first time but not the second.

He was considered disabled because of the Chirrosis and the fact that his Memory,(brain fog) was a definite impairment.

Unfortunately he passed away 5 weeks ago.

He only received the SS since January of this year.

I wish you a lot of luck and would like to know how it turned out for you.

Take Care,Pat*

April 3, 2003

In a message dated 4/3/03 9:29:46 PM Eastern Standard Time,

embroidery4@... writes:

> I have heard elsewhere that some of the AS children qualify for Social

> Security benefits. Does anyone know the facts on this. I called SS but

> got an appointment for a consult but don;t know if I'll be taking time from

> work for nothing. We are financially strapped and child support is low.

> I'm am concerned about working full time and having my children in before

> and after school care. I don;to feel it is best now. I'm also trying to

> go back to college too. But Wayne (AS age 10) does need social skills ect.

> and our insurance covers only 10 - 20 visits per year. Plus the BEST

> people for AS will NOT take our plan so SS was suggested.

>

WHew!

When you go for your first appt, they will give yo a packet to fill out.

FILL IT OUT COMPLETELY ! Go into great detail when answering questions.

Take time to think about what you are saying. Maybe write it on a seperate

piece of paper and then you cna change it after proof reading. WHen they

asked about the ability to do things independently for instance, i told in

detail about sitting on the floor 20 mnn later with a sock in his hand

and his underwear still around his ankles. (He doesn't do this anymore,

LOL-- but he's still a bear to get ready in the AM!)

I think we were lucky in that the doctors involved truly wanted to help. It

wasn't a disruption to their day.

They will take into account your income, anyone else in the home's income and

the child's income, which is what child support really is. If you get CS, it

significantly changes how much you will recieve.

Be prepared to save everything. You will have to go back every year and

requalify. They want EVERYTHING! They found out that my kids have savings

bonds. I didn't know my ex had bought them when the kids were little. I had

to get a letter from him stating that he was the guardian of them and the

kids and I had NO access to them.

I know there is more I can tell you, but I;m drawing a blank right now.

Connie

April 4, 2003

It would certainly be worth looking into it. has it.We had to get

records from school,Dr's & Psych eval reports but we won after the first try.

<embroidery4@...> wrote:I have heard elsewhere that some of the AS

children qualify for Social Security benefits. Does anyone know the facts on

this. I called SS but got an appointment for a consult but don;t know if I'll

be taking time from work for nothing. We are financially strapped and child

support is low. I'm am concerned about working full time and having my children

in before and after school care. I don;to feel it is best now. I'm also trying

to go back to college too. But Wayne (AS age 10) does need social skills ect.

and our insurance covers only 10 - 20 visits per year. Plus the BEST people for

AS will NOT take our plan so SS was suggested.

Any thoughts?

Ria in NJ

April 4, 2003

yes, you should qualify, however, you will probably be turned down several

times before getting approved. Don't give up. There are also usually

lawyers who will assist in receiving benefits and not get paid unless you

do. good luck

( ) Social security

> I have heard elsewhere that some of the AS children qualify for Social

Security benefits. Does anyone know the facts on this. I called SS but got

an appointment for a consult but don;t know if I'll be taking time from work

for nothing. We are financially strapped and child support is low. I'm am

concerned about working full time and having my children in before and after

school care. I don;to feel it is best now. I'm also trying to go back to

college too. But Wayne (AS age 10) does need social skills ect. and our

insurance covers only 10 - 20 visits per year. Plus the BEST people for AS

will NOT take our plan so SS was suggested.

>

> Any thoughts?

> Ria in NJ

>

April 4, 2003

,

I went and applied for my son and got it the first try based on his

aspergers dx. Bring any paperwork that you have with the dx on it . You will

need to know how many miles are on your cars, year, make, model, and if you

still owe on them how much is the pay off. Birth certificate, ss card. Child

support paperwork, copies of your wage stubs. it has been worth the time to

apply for us. gets 550.00 a month, and medicaid, which is what I wanted.

I no longer pay for any meds. His meds alone were costing us over 200.00

amonth, and that was just our copay. Good Luck. If you have any other

questions please feel free to ask. Barbara