Re: Re: retiring and disability questions

[Guest guest]

I absolutely disagree with your disagreement, especially on step six. I didn't

say to lie about anything, if you are unable to work and have RA you are

depressed, been there done that. If you are a working person like I was for 25

years in a print shop (and not independently wealthy) believe me, bankruptcy is

an option who must consider, initially consultation with an attorney is free. I

didn't say you're going to file, I said inform them you are considering it. It

is an option we must consider to do things properly if you cannot cover you

expenses. Who wants all those harassing phone calls when you really had no

choice about your situation. No one needs more stress with RA. You absolutely DO

NOT need a disability attorney to file your initial claim, they only are going

to inform you of all the information on the Social Security web site and you

will have to give them a portion of your back back if if you accept them as your

attorney. If and when you are denied, then get the attorney immediately, the

point being is that you have informed your social security worker on the case

that your intention is to do so.

CORBA payments are cash out of pocket, if you can get medical coverage cheaper

do it. Find out what your options are before you make the decision. And finally

you say they really don't care, but then they are people just like you and me.

Which is it? The answer is that they are people just like you and me, and they

do care. Be polite and courteous and ask them how their day is going, it's

amazing how far a little common courtesy goes. My case worker, which was

randomly assigned knew all about Rheumatoid Arthritis and how devastating it is.

He was absolutely invaluable and helpful. Unfortunately they are buried in

fraudulent claims and in this economy for a lot of people who do not want to

work (I have a couple in my family). So the reality is they have to work through

all of that erroneous information just to get to us. I am sure it is a

frustrating task at times. And I am slightly offended you seem to imply that I

suggest it's necessary to lie. I didn't say that at all and you know me better

than that. No one is suggesting to lie to anyone whether under oath or not. I

said to " inform " them of the options we are all forced to consider making the

decision to file a disability claim. Even that, in itself is was major decision

for me. I might be feeling a " food fight " comin' on here! :-)

Stan

Seattle, Sun sun sun!

Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2009 7:18:23 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific

Subject: [ ] Re: retiring and disability questions

Good info, Stan. A few points I might correct, please. The website for Social

Security is http://ssa.gov/ . Click on the " Applying for Disablity Benefits "

button right in the middle of the page. Follow the directions from there. Unless

things have changed, you will be given the option of either filing

electronically or taking the printed out pages directly to your local SS office.

I filed mine electronically - no sense in having to sit for a ridiculously long

time if you don't have to. They will give you a confirmation number that you can

use to call SSD and check on the status of your case.

I had to sign a bunch of papers for SSD that would allow them to contact all of

the doctors I listed so they could gather reports. I agree with Stan that if you

can supply them with as much info as possible - especially where you have

doctors saying you should apply for disability - it will keep them from not

having everything when they review your case. I have a binder at home with tabs

for various sections (doctor notes, bloodwork, MRI, xrays, etc.) and it has been

an enormous help to me and my SSD attorney. I get copies every time I have a

procedure done and every time I'm at the doctors. I'm still waiting on a

determination from the adjudication hearing, but its good to have ALL of that at

your fingertips. Doctor's offices have a horrible reputation for either not

answering the requests in a timely manner or not sending everything that was

requested.

I would recommend applying for both SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSD

(Social Security Disability). Let them tell you what you don't qualify for. You

could also check online for your local Human Services info - they should be able

to tell you the income guidelines for your household size to see if you can

qualify for any public assistance. If you had health insurance through your job,

check to see what the COBRA payments would be - they HAVE to offer that to you

(if you had insurance) and the new administration (Obama) has made it so COBRA

payments are greatly reduced and for longer than the 18 month limit of prior

administrations. I wish I had that option back when I had to quit work

pre-Obama.

Stan's step six: Tell the truth - the whole truth. Please don't tell them you

" did not want to file but you Disability Attorney insisted that you do the

initial application " . Don't give them the opportunity to say - " OK, she really

didn't want to do this - DENIED " . Don't tell them " you may have to file for

bankruptcy due to this situation (which may or may not be true but you are

considering it) " - they really don't care and if it gets to an adjudication

hearing status, you will have to tell a judge (under oath) how you are making

ends meet.

I agree that you can do this. Don't let it intimidate you just because its the

government. You've paid into this system just for cases like this - or your

retirement. You are entitled to it. And they (SSD) are just people like you and

I. Treat them as such and stick to the facts and you'll do just fine.

Best of luck to you, Vicki. You've been through hell and back. Now its time to

take care of YOU. Keep us posted. You know we care.

Doreen

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