Re: retiring and disability questions

[Guest guest]

My vicki...my prayers are with you.

Enough is enough. The process getting disability is quite arduous, but you must

do it.

You have physician support and documentation from others.

Go online and apply immediately. Benefits will be retroactive to filing date.

 

has a disability group with help in filing and persuing. Do not return to

work after your last episode. It will negate your claim.....

 

God bless.

Raniolo

From: Vicki <gramvick@...>

Subject: [ ] retiring and disability questions

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009, 2:32 PM

 

I know I do not talk on here often but I have a few questions for those on

social security/disability . I am 48 years old and have been working 60-70 hours

per week as a restaurant Manager for Burger King.

My health due to the RA, Fibro and other factors has slowly been going down hill

and it has gotten progressively harder to work. On Monday of this past week I

passed out and went into the ditch on my way to work. I totally stopped

breathing in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and had to be incubated

{sp} Then I was flown from Iowa to Sioux Falls South Dakota where I was placed

in ICU because I could not breathe on my own. I do know I have one lung full of

pneumonia, which I did have the vaccination this year so should not have gotten.

Doctors and family are saying that due to all of these new issues plus the RA,

Fibro and osteoporosis I need to apply for disability.

My boss has already replaced me so I also do not have a job to go back to. After

7 years of working my --- off for them, 60 plus hours every week and then I get

sick so.......... ......I did talk to her once while in the hospital and she

mentioned maybe I should step down from Manager to a shift manager at another

store for less stress, which I did say might be an option, but I guess she made

that decision for me. I am not sure if I am hurt or angry right now.

Anyway sorry to vent so much, I really just wanted help on knowing what to do to

sign up, Such as what I need and from whom, where I go, how the process or

system works, etc.

Thank You

Vicki

Iowa

[Guest guest]

Hi Vicki,

I'm so very sorry to hear your not doing well. I have thought of you

often, but I know how busy you are.

You can apply at your social security office. I'm pretty sure you can

go online, and fill out the application too. It's kind of a lengthy

wait, but its worth it in the long run.

I applied in 01, it took one year to receieve it. I am very lucky,

there is no way I could hold a job down. I can barely do things around

my house.

You get started on it quickly, and I hope it doesn't take long. You

should be able to get some help through unemployment, can't you?

Please, take care of yourself. I hope you feel better soon, glad your

family is close to help you.

Feel better,

Tawny

>

> I know I do not talk on here often but I have a few questions for

those on social security/disability. I am 48 years old and have been

working 60-70 hours per week as a restaurant Manager for Burger King.

> My health due to the RA, Fibro and other factors has slowly been going

down hill and it has gotten progressively harder to work. On Monday of

this past week I passed out and went into the ditch on my way to work. I

totally stopped breathing in the ambulance on the way to the hospital

and had to be incubated {sp} Then I was flown from Iowa to Sioux Falls

South Dakota where I was placed in ICU because I could not breathe on my

own. I do know I have one lung full of pneumonia, which I did have the

vaccination this year so should not have gotten.

> Doctors and family are saying that due to all of these new issues plus

the RA, Fibro and osteoporosis I need to apply for disability.

> My boss has already replaced me so I also do not have a job to go back

to. After 7 years of working my --- off for them, 60 plus hours every

week and then I get sick so................I did talk to her once while

in the hospital and she mentioned maybe I should step down from Manager

to a shift manager at another store for less stress, which I did say

might be an option, but I guess she made that decision for me. I am not

sure if I am hurt or angry right now.

> Anyway sorry to vent so much, I really just wanted help on knowing

what to do to sign up, Such as what I need and from whom, where I go,

how the process or system works, etc.

> Thank You

> Vicki

> Iowa

>

>

[Guest guest]

Step One: File for unemployment immediately. Get what you can while you have

money in the system.

Step two: See your doctors, tell then you can no longer work full time and

inform them you are going to file for SSI or SSDI.

Step three: Go to socialsecurity.gov look for " disability " and review all the

information. Look for the checklist to  for disability insurance, print it out.

Step four: Get all the information together that is on the checklist before you

apply. Once that is done, it can take a few days. You are ready to apply.

Remember all your doctors have your records on file, you are entitled to a copy

of everything.

Step five: Apply for SSI or SSDI (Social Security will determined which one you

are entitled to based on the length of work, money contributed, and physical

condition and disease. It's not necessary to lie, but don't tell them you go

mountain climbing on weekends either. You can file at your local Social Security

office or on-line. Either way it takes about three hours (you can stop at points

on-line) and you will have to go the the SSAN office to turn in your paperwork.

Step six: At the end of your application you are given an opportunity to make

remarks. 1) Inform them you are depressed because you are no longer physically

able to work (which you probably are). 2) Inform them you may have to file for

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

considering it). 3) Inform them you did not want to file but you Disability

Attorney insisted that you do the initial application. 4) Don't argue with me

just do it.

Step seven: Go to your State's department of Human Resource and apply for

whatever you can get, especially medical insurance, Corba which may you be

entitled to is actually very expensive. Accept whatever they will offer, food

stamps, cash, housing assistance. You are entitled to these services and you've

been paying for them for your. They will inform you what can and cannot be done

while you are on unemployment.

Step eight: wait.

You are a manager, you can do this, it's just a matter of getting the paperwork

organized and together to present to the Social Security Department. You

actually do not need a Disability Attorney unless you have been denied. Most

lawyers don't want your case untill you have been denied at least. However, if

you follow these steps you should not have a problem. I was approved in a little

two months (back pay and all)!

Stan

Seattle, SUN, Sun, sun, +++, ...

Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2009 11:32:02 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific

Subject: [ ] retiring and disability questions

I know I do not talk on here often but I have a few questions for those on

social security/disability. I am 48 years old and have been working 60-70 hours

per week as a restaurant Manager for Burger King.

My health due to the RA, Fibro and other factors has slowly been going down hill

and it has gotten progressively harder to work. On Monday of this past week I

passed out and went into the ditch on my way to work. I totally stopped

breathing in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and had to be incubated

{sp} Then I was flown from Iowa to Sioux Falls South Dakota where I was placed

in ICU because I could not breathe on my own. I do know I have one lung full of

pneumonia, which I did have the vaccination this year so should not have gotten.

Doctors and family are saying that due to all of these new issues plus the RA,

Fibro and osteoporosis I need to apply for disability.

My boss has already replaced me so I also do not have a job to go back to. After

7 years of working my --- off for them, 60 plus hours every week and then I get

sick so................I did talk to her once while in the hospital and she

mentioned maybe I should step down from Manager to a shift manager at another

store for less stress, which I did say might be an option, but I guess she made

that decision for me. I am not sure if I am hurt or angry right now.

Anyway sorry to vent so much, I really just wanted help on knowing what to do to

sign up, Such as what I need and from whom, where I go, how the process or

system works, etc.

Thank You

Vicki

Iowa

[Guest guest]

I just wanted to thank everyone who responded to my post. All of the info was

helpful.

You will see me on here alot more now I am afraid, going from working 60 plus

hours a week to nothing is going to get pretty boring fast. However I cannot

even vacuum a floor without getting out of breath so not sure how I could have

worked anyway, LOL.

At least I have all of you here and my facebook buds for company and support. I

may have a chance to get to know more of you. Glad to see you back as well

Tawny. I missed you.

Hope every one is having a pain free night. Good Night and God Bless

Vicki

Iowa

[Guest guest]

, Stan has given such a great outline below and this question seems to come

up all the time. Can we add it as a FAQ or link on our group page? I'm slowly

becoming my mother and devolving into technical incompetence, so I defer to you

tech savvy types. Kate F

________________________________

From: " stanpfister@... " <stanpfister@...>

Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2009 5:39:14 PM

Subject: Re: [ ] retiring and disability questions

Step One: File for unemployment immediately. Get what you can while you have

money in the system.

Step two: See your doctors, tell then you can no longer work full time and

inform them you are going to file for SSI or SSDI.

Step three: Go to socialsecurity. gov look for " disability " and review all the

information. Look for the checklist to for disability insurance, print it out.

Step four: Get all the information together that is on the checklist before you

apply. Once that is done, it can take a few days. You are ready to apply.

Remember all your doctors have your records on file, you are entitled to a copy

of everything.

Step five: Apply for SSI or SSDI (Social Security will determined which one you

are entitled to based on the length of work, money contributed, and physical

condition and disease. It's not necessary to lie, but don't tell them you go

mountain climbing on weekends either. You can file at your local Social Security

office or on-line. Either way it takes about three hours (you can stop at points

on-line) and you will have to go the the SSAN office to turn in your paperwork.

Step six: At the end of your application you are given an opportunity to make

remarks. 1) Inform them you are depressed because you are no longer physically

able to work (which you probably are). 2) Inform them you may have to file for

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

considering it). 3) Inform them you did not want to file but you Disability

Attorney insisted that you do the initial application. 4) Don't argue with me

just do it.

Step seven: Go to your State's department of Human Resource and apply for

whatever you can get, especially medical insurance, Corba which may you be

entitled to is actually very expensive. Accept whatever they will offer, food

stamps, cash, housing assistance. You are entitled to these services and you've

been paying for them for your. They will inform you what can and cannot be done

while you are on unemployment.

Step eight: wait.

You are a manager, you can do this, it's just a matter of getting the paperwork

organized and together to present to the Social Security Department. You

actually do not need a Disability Attorney unless you have been denied. Most

lawyers don't want your case untill you have been denied at least. However, if

you follow these steps you should not have a problem. I was approved in a little

two months (back pay and all)!

Stan

Seattle, SUN, Sun, sun, +++, ...

Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2009 11:32:02 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific

Subject: [ ] retiring and disability questions

I know I do not talk on here often but I have a few questions for those on

social security/disability . I am 48 years old and have been working 60-70 hours

per week as a restaurant Manager for Burger King.

My health due to the RA, Fibro and other factors has slowly been going down hill

and it has gotten progressively harder to work. On Monday of this past week I

passed out and went into the ditch on my way to work. I totally stopped

breathing in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and had to be incubated

{sp} Then I was flown from Iowa to Sioux Falls South Dakota where I was placed

in ICU because I could not breathe on my own. I do know I have one lung full of

pneumonia, which I did have the vaccination this year so should not have gotten.

Doctors and family are saying that due to all of these new issues plus the RA,

Fibro and osteoporosis I need to apply for disability.

My boss has already replaced me so I also do not have a job to go back to. After

7 years of working my --- off for them, 60 plus hours every week and then I get

sick so.......... ......I did talk to her once while in the hospital and she

mentioned maybe I should step down from Manager to a shift manager at another

store for less stress, which I did say might be an option, but I guess she made

that decision for me. I am not sure if I am hurt or angry right now.

Anyway sorry to vent so much, I really just wanted help on knowing what to do to

sign up, Such as what I need and from whom, where I go, how the process or

system works, etc.

Thank You

Vicki

Iowa

[Guest guest]

VIcki,

It is hard to get use to, but its not your fault. You have to take care

of yourself. With these diseases, we just can't do what we use too.

I'm always here if you need someone to talk to. You take care, and feel

better soon.

Hugs,

Tawny

>

> I just wanted to thank everyone who responded to my post. All of the

info was helpful.

> You will see me on here alot more now I am afraid, going from working

60 plus hours a week to nothing is going to get pretty boring fast.

However I cannot even vacuum a floor without getting out of breath so

not sure how I could have worked anyway, LOL.

>

> At least I have all of you here and my facebook buds for company and

support. I may have a chance to get to know more of you. Glad to see

you back as well Tawny. I missed you.

>

> Hope every one is having a pain free night. Good Night and God Bless

>

> Vicki

> Iowa

>

>

[Guest guest]

Vicki,

First things 1st..take care of yourself. I agree with Stan, file for

unemployment. After a lengthy hospitalization my boss fired me for missing more

then 33% in a month. I know how it feels. This is what I did, I know it depends

on which state you live in and other factors. I applied online, I hand delivered

my medical records to the nearest SS office; then I got a lawyer. I didn't wait

to be denied 1st, I got one right away. He put in a order for a hearing once I

hired him as my attorney. To my suprise, I got approved on the 1st try. My

lawyer canceled the hearing. From the time I filed and when I got my 1st check

was 6 months. Honestly, I think having a lawyer from the beginning helped me.

It's not your fault about what happed. I felt like a complete failure. My

therapist told me that no one dreams about being on SSDI when they are little.

It's something I still have problems with; so don't beat yourself up about

having to file. We are here no matter what you deceide. Take care of yourself.

>

> I know I do not talk on here often but I have a few questions for those on

social security/disability. I am 48 years old and have been working 60-70 hours

per week as a restaurant Manager for Burger King.

> My health due to the RA, Fibro and other factors has slowly been going down

hill and it has gotten progressively harder to work. On Monday of this past week

I passed out and went into the ditch on my way to work. I totally stopped

breathing in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and had to be incubated

{sp} Then I was flown from Iowa to Sioux Falls South Dakota where I was placed

in ICU because I could not breathe on my own. I do know I have one lung full of

pneumonia, which I did have the vaccination this year so should not have gotten.

> Doctors and family are saying that due to all of these new issues plus the RA,

Fibro and osteoporosis I need to apply for disability.

> My boss has already replaced me so I also do not have a job to go back to.

After 7 years of working my --- off for them, 60 plus hours every week and then

I get sick so................I did talk to her once while in the hospital and

she mentioned maybe I should step down from Manager to a shift manager at

another store for less stress, which I did say might be an option, but I guess

she made that decision for me. I am not sure if I am hurt or angry right now.

> Anyway sorry to vent so much, I really just wanted help on knowing what to do

to sign up, Such as what I need and from whom, where I go, how the process or

system works, etc.

> Thank You

> Vicki

> Iowa

>

>

[Guest guest]

Don't make the mistake I made. I " retired " because I could no longer keep the

pace of my job. Then I filed for disability-both with Cigna whom I had paid

disability premiums to for years and to SS. I was denied twice by both. If I had

known, I would have gone onto short term disability first and then proceeded to

long term. I am still quite angry about it all. Cigna insists that I have to

have joint damage that keeps me from functioning in order to qualify for

benefits. For an insurance company, it seems to me that they don't know what

they should. The goal in RA treatment is to keep one from becoming unable to

function. I am still thinking about filing suit but it is a long and expensive

process......

Pat

> >

> > I know I do not talk on here often but I have a few questions for those on

social security/disability. I am 48 years old and have been working 60-70 hours

per week as a restaurant Manager for Burger King.

> > My health due to the RA, Fibro and other factors has slowly been going down

hill and it has gotten progressively harder to work. On Monday of this past week

I passed out and went into the ditch on my way to work. I totally stopped

breathing in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and had to be incubated

{sp} Then I was flown from Iowa to Sioux Falls South Dakota where I was placed

in ICU because I could not breathe on my own. I do know I have one lung full of

pneumonia, which I did have the vaccination this year so should not have gotten.

> > Doctors and family are saying that due to all of these new issues plus the

RA, Fibro and osteoporosis I need to apply for disability.

> > My boss has already replaced me so I also do not have a job to go back to.

After 7 years of working my --- off for them, 60 plus hours every week and then

I get sick so................I did talk to her once while in the hospital and

she mentioned maybe I should step down from Manager to a shift manager at

another store for less stress, which I did say might be an option, but I guess

she made that decision for me. I am not sure if I am hurt or angry right now.

> > Anyway sorry to vent so much, I really just wanted help on knowing what to

do to sign up, Such as what I need and from whom, where I go, how the process or

system works, etc.

> > Thank You

> > Vicki

> > Iowa

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

And remember, under the current stilulus package, the government is paying 65%

of Cobra till the end of this year.

in PA

[ ] retiring and disability questions

I know I do not talk on here often but I have a few questions for those on

social security/disability. I am 48 years old and have been working 60-70 hours

per week as a restaurant Manager for Burger King.

My health due to the RA, Fibro and other factors has slowly been going down

hill and it has gotten progressively harder to work. On Monday of this past week

I passed out and went into the ditch on my way to work. I totally stopped

breathing in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and had to be incubated

{sp} Then I was flown from Iowa to Sioux Falls South Dakota where I was placed

in ICU because I could not breathe on my own. I do know I have one lung full of

pneumonia, which I did have the vaccination this year so should not have gotten.

Doctors and family are saying that due to all of these new issues plus the RA,

Fibro and osteoporosis I need to apply for disability.

My boss has already replaced me so I also do not have a job to go back to.

After 7 years of working my --- off for them, 60 plus hours every week and then

I get sick so................I did talk to her once while in the hospital and

she mentioned maybe I should step down from Manager to a shift manager at

another store for less stress, which I did say might be an option, but I guess

she made that decision for me. I am not sure if I am hurt or angry right now.

Anyway sorry to vent so much, I really just wanted help on knowing what to do

to sign up, Such as what I need and from whom, where I go, how the process or

system works, etc.

Thank You

Vicki

Iowa

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

Kate, I can't allow you to become technically incompetent. Like me, you have to

fight it. You have to get involved, you have to buy a Nintendo. Think of your

future, I figure they way things are going if you're not connected you will be

completely cut off, not even a member of society. Don't my become my mother! I

offered to send her a cell phone. We could talk for free, I could send her

pictures, music, text messages, all you have to do is charge it. " I don't want

it! " she said. All you do if plug it in, " I don't want it! " Don't let this

happen, watch SAW V, play Sims 3, get a Wi Fi and install it yourself (Technical

Assistance: 1-800-dumb ass, it took three hours but I did it!), don't drop out!

Stan

Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2009 7:18:05 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific

Subject: Re: [ ] retiring and disability questions

, Stan has given such a great outline below and this question seems to come

up all the time.  Can we add it as a FAQ or link on our group page?  I'm

slowly becoming my mother and devolving into technical incompetence, so I defer

to you tech savvy types.  Kate F

[Guest guest]

Vicki:

 

Just a thought: your employer should be required under FMLA (Family Medical

Leave Act) to provide you with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave.  During that

time, they cannot fire you and you must be given either your original job

position back or be placed in a similar/same position without losing any

benefits/pay.  It is federal law.

 

in Texas

From: Vicki <gramvick@...>

Subject: [ ] retiring and disability questions

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009, 1:32 PM

 

I know I do not talk on here often but I have a few questions for those on

social security/disability . I am 48 years old and have been working 60-70 hours

per week as a restaurant Manager for Burger King.

My health due to the RA, Fibro and other factors has slowly been going down hill

and it has gotten progressively harder to work. On Monday of this past week I

passed out and went into the ditch on my way to work. I totally stopped

breathing in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and had to be incubated

{sp} Then I was flown from Iowa to Sioux Falls South Dakota where I was placed

in ICU because I could not breathe on my own. I do know I have one lung full of

pneumonia, which I did have the vaccination this year so should not have gotten.

Doctors and family are saying that due to all of these new issues plus the RA,

Fibro and osteoporosis I need to apply for disability.

My boss has already replaced me so I also do not have a job to go back to. After

7 years of working my --- off for them, 60 plus hours every week and then I get

sick so.......... ......I did talk to her once while in the hospital and she

mentioned maybe I should step down from Manager to a shift manager at another

store for less stress, which I did say might be an option, but I guess she made

that decision for me. I am not sure if I am hurt or angry right now.

Anyway sorry to vent so much, I really just wanted help on knowing what to do to

sign up, Such as what I need and from whom, where I go, how the process or

system works, etc.

Thank You

Vicki

Iowa

[Guest guest]

Thanks, I knew that but until I get the papers I need from her for disability

and my last check with my vacation pay added in I don't want to rock the boat. I

realize I have been sick for some time now, but she was forcing me to work 70

plus hours per week and then just jerked the job because I got sick. I just hope

the new manager she has there now can keep up, because I sure couldn't.

Finished the disability claim forms. Gosh no one told me it would take several

hours. And my hands really have the tremors now. For every word I type the

fingers I am not using type 6 or 7. Good thing there is a back space button.

LOL.

Vicki

Iowa

[Guest guest]

Stan,

I took your advice on the papers. Hopefully it goes through the first time

because you are so right. Hell, I changed my phone number and put it unlisted so

they couldn't keep calling. None of us asked

to get sick or to have all of these med bills. Bankruptcy may be our only

option for a lot of these medical bills. I have worked since I was 14 and as has

my husband but we still live paycheck to paycheck.

I did not hire an attorney as my husband and I discussed it, you are about the

twentieth person to say file first, get an attorney later if we need too. Anyway

I wanted to Thank You for the advice. If I get approved right away it will be

because you were so helpful

Thank You

Vicki

Iowa

[Guest guest]

Hi Vicki: I want to wish you good luck filing to get your SSDI. You

have worked a long time, and so deserve to be approved. I know it will

make your life so much easier.

Wishing you good days ahead, as well as being pain free.

Hugs,

Barbara

>

> Stan,

> I took your advice on the papers. Hopefully it goes through the first

time because you are so right. Hell, I changed my phone number and put

it unlisted so they couldn't keep calling. None of us asked

> to get sick or to have all of these med bills. Bankruptcy may be our

only option for a lot of these medical bills. I have worked since I was

14 and as has my husband but we still live paycheck to paycheck.

>

> I did not hire an attorney as my husband and I discussed it, you are

about the twentieth person to say file first, get an attorney later if

we need too. Anyway I wanted to Thank You for the advice. If I get

approved right away it will be because you were so helpful

>

> Thank You

> Vicki

> Iowa

>

>

[Guest guest]

If you do it on-line the give you opportunities to sign out and take breaks over

periods of time and come back to it later. But, you have to do it when you come

to that option or else the information isn't save (at least that's how I did it

when I was also on-line). You can also download the forms, print them out and do

it at your leisure (if there's such an approach to filing). The questions are

relatively straight forward and simple. Like: Who is your doctor, what hospital

have you been to, what medications are you taking. There's a lot of questions

but most of them are basic and simple.

Stan

Sent: Monday, July 20, 2009 1:07:12 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific

Subject: Re: [ ] retiring and disability questions

Thanks, I knew that but until I get the papers I need from her for disability

and my last check with my vacation pay added in I don't want to rock the boat. I

realize I have been sick for some time now, but she was forcing me to work 70

plus hours per week and then just jerked the job because I got sick. I just hope

the new manager she has there now can keep up, because I sure couldn't.

Finished the disability claim forms. Gosh no one told me it would take several

hours. And my hands really have the tremors now. For every word I type the

fingers I am not using type 6 or 7. Good thing there is a back space button.

LOL.

Vicki

Iowa

[Guest guest]

I hope you get approved right away but there are no guarantees, I shared with

you everything I did and know, 90% came from this Group, the support here is

amazing. The other stuff came from disability and bankruptcy lawyers. I did

consult with both before filing. Most bankruptcy attorneys will give you a free

first consultation to explain everything and go over costs and your file. I

think it's well worth it, but it does cost money. If you decide to do that make

a list of everything you owe, and I mean everything, to take in an discuss with

the lawyer. Bankruptcy works different from state to state. Don't feel guilty or

bad about the necessity of choosing this option. The first harsh reality most of

of learn who have RA for more than a month is how little the medical insurance

companies care. They don't give a rat's behind whether you need the medication

or not, if isn't profitable they will fight you tooth and nail. Financial

institutions are no difference. In the last years we've witnessed those great

institutions (which claim they are so noble and trustworthy) rob, steal, fee,

and evaporate billions of dollars from hard working people's retirement funds

who were desperately counting on that money. They could care less as long as

they got there. It's just business. I haven't made that decision yet, but to me

it's just one of many options and I don't think any more about it than

that. Right before I was diagnosed I'd lined up one of the very best jobs of

my career, I was gonna double. income. So I decided to take care of this

horrible pain in my left arm, then right, then wrist. Rheumatoid Arthritis!

Oops! I got the carpet yanked out from under me. It was no one's fault ( 'cept

the wizard). So in other words, do what you gotta do, and do everything you can

that makes you feel better and in good health.

Stan

Seattle, Cloudy and warm.

Sent: Monday, July 20, 2009 1:25:36 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific

Subject: Re: [ ] Re: retiring and disability questions

Stan,

I took your advice on the papers. Hopefully it goes through the first time

because you are so right. Hell, I changed my phone number and put it unlisted so

they couldn't keep calling. None of us asked

 to get sick or to have all of these med bills. Bankruptcy may be our only

option for a lot of these medical bills. I have worked since I was 14 and as has

my husband but we still live paycheck to paycheck.

I did not hire an attorney as my husband and I discussed it, you are about the

twentieth person to say file first, get an attorney later if we need too. Anyway

I wanted to Thank You for the advice. If I get approved right away it will be

because you were so helpful

Thank You

Vicki

Iowa

[Guest guest]

Sorry, Stan. I didn't mean to offend. I didn't mean to imply that you said we

should lie on the application. Thank you for your clarification. I am happy that

you had someone at your SSD office that was kind and caring. I have not been as

fortunate.

The whole process is stressful - to say the least. I would encourage anyone

going through this to tough it out - don't give up - you ARE entitled to this

money that you have paid into. And I hope and pray that anyone going through

this process will have better luck than I have had. Its been well over 3 years

since I filed my initial application and after two denials and a hearing before

an adjudication judge last month, I am still waiting on a decision. It is so

frustrating. I think it has something to do with the State of Florida. It has

been known to be a transient state for as long as I can remember - people are

forever moving in and out.

I don't have the energy for a food fight, Stan, but how about an apology and a

gentle hug?.....Doreen

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!

[Guest guest]

I agree, it is very stressful and frustrating. And, I am sure that living in

Florida as a lot to do with it being that the average age is something like 104.

Since it's the same Social Security Department that handles everything the case

load must be overwhelming. On the other hand, I'm not saying I'm a big fan of

SSAN, but I am sharing my experience. The point is, putting on your happy face

will go a lot farther than putting your hands around some scrawny little man's

neck and shaking him 'till her eyes glass over and look like there ganna pop

while demanding he find your paperwork he just had in his hand five minutes ago,

then...oh...well I guess I shouldn't share all my ideas about SSD.

It's true, if you are going to file you have to prepare for a battle regardless

of how long it takes to get approved.

Stan

Seattle, Sunny and hot, so hot my gold fish asked for a cool drink!

Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 5:02:56 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific

Subject: [ ] Re: retiring and disability questions

Sorry, Stan. I didn't mean to offend. I didn't mean to imply that you said we

should lie on the application. Thank you for your clarification. I am happy that

you had someone at your SSD office that was kind and caring. I have not been as

fortunate.

The whole process is stressful - to say the least. I would encourage anyone

going through this to tough it out - don't give up - you ARE entitled to this

money that you have paid into. And I hope and pray that anyone going through

this process will have better luck than I have had. Its been well over 3 years

since I filed my initial application and after two denials and a hearing before

an adjudication judge last month, I am still waiting on a decision. It is so

frustrating. I think it has something to do with the State of Florida. It has

been known to be a transient state for as long as I can remember - people are

forever moving in and out.

I don't have the energy for a food fight, Stan, but how about an apology and a

gentle hug?.....Doreen

[Guest guest]

Hi, Kate.

I usually have most of our group features turned off because of all of

the damn spammers, but I've just turned access to the " Files " section

on temporarily so that Stan or anyone else can upload a file.

Not an MD

On Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 9:18 PM, Fair<kalfoley@...> wrote:

> , Stan has given such a great outline below and this question seems to

come up all the time.  Can we add it as a FAQ or link on our group page?  I'm

slowly becoming my mother and devolving into technical incompetence, so I defer

to you tech savvy types.  Kate F