Re: SS disability benefits

[Guest guest]

How long ago did you stop working?

It is completely overwhelming. There are charts on the social security chart which show their guidelines on respiratory diseases.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/3.00-Respiratory-Adult.htm#3.02%20Chronic%20pulmonary%20insufficiency

Lots of people do but I don't think I could have done it without the use of a disability attorney who filed my forms. As to the doctor, I've heard plenty of wrong doctor opinions as to one's chances.

How much oxygen are you on now? What do your FEV, FVC, and DLCO look like?

You can try it on your on and then get an attorney to appeal, although I would normally go straight to the attorney. Don't omit any other conditions you have. They will all play a role. And, include all doctors.

They require W-2's or for self employed, income tax returns. The only reason I've known them to request bank account information is to make your benefit by direct deposit if its approved.

>> Since I quit my job because of PF/ILD, its symptoms and the effects of > the medications to fight it, I decided I should probably try to file > for disability benefits. But I have no experience in this area. The > forms that need to be completed are horrendous. I really don't think > all of the information they supposedly need really should be given to > them. I can understand how they need to access medical records, but > checking and savings account numbers? My physician seems to think I > won't qualify because of where I'm at right now. So is it worth it? It > is such an invasion of privacy! If I cancel my appointment, it will be > noted as a denial of benefits. Evidently that wouldn't be good. Any > advice? > > gigi> ILD 3/07>

[Guest guest]

It is a HUGE hassle, and well worth it. Without the SSDI I wouldn't

have the Medicare, and we would be in a world of hurt financially. I

wouldn't be able to afford medical care, my O2, meds.....

Having been self-employed I don't receive a lot of money, but enough

to pay my supplemental and RX insurance. Also being self-employed we

weren't able to afford the insurance premiums for me, and then once I

was established as disabled NO ONE would insure me.

They put me through quite a few hoops, and I just gritted my teeth

and did everything they asked.

I also had a very sympathetic SS doctor. He worked for THEM, and had

huge compassion for ME!

If you need the income and the Medicare when it's available to you I

suggest fighting for this. It could make a big difference in your

health care in the future.

Just my opinion.....and best of luck to you!

Hugs!

Babs in Texas

>

> Since I quit my job because of PF/ILD, its symptoms and the effects

of

> the medications to fight it, I decided I should probably try to

file

> for disability benefits. But I have no experience in this area. The

> forms that need to be completed are horrendous. I really don't

think

> all of the information they supposedly need really should be given

to

> them. I can understand how they need to access medical records, but

> checking and savings account numbers? My physician seems to think I

> won't qualify because of where I'm at right now. So is it worth it?

It

> is such an invasion of privacy! If I cancel my appointment, it will

be

> noted as a denial of benefits. Evidently that wouldn't be good. Any

> advice?

>

> gigi

> ILD 3/07

>

[Guest guest]

Gigi,

Contact Lenley with the Caring Voice Coalition. Link: http://www.caringvoice.org/

Lenley and her husband work with Pf patients to help obtain thier SSDI. is an attorney and donates his time. Good people and a good organization.

Hope this helps.

Hugs, Joyce D. >> Since I quit my job because of PF/ILD, its symptoms and the effects of > the medications to fight it, I decided I should probably try to file > for disability benefits. But I have no experience in this area. The > forms that need to be completed are horrendous. I really don't think > all of the information they supposedly need really should be given to > them. I can understand how they need to access medical records, but > checking and savings account numbers? My physician seems to think I > won't qualify because of where I'm at right now. So is it worth it? It > is such an invasion of privacy! If I cancel my appointment, it will be > noted as a denial of benefits. Evidently that wouldn't be good. Any > advice? > > gigi> ILD 3/07>

[Guest guest]

Gigi

The only person I can speak for is myself. I worked through and submitted the application for SSDI in September of 06. I did mine online. I received a couple more forms in the mail which I had to fill out, did a phone interview and ultimately had to go see one of their doctors ( who didn't even know what my disease was). I was approved in January of 07 and received my first check in February of 07. One huge factor I had in my favor is my doctor was 110% behind me. I was told to be sure of my doctors support before I began the process because if your doctor isn't convinced you're disabled it's very difficult to be approved. Social Security relies alot on what your doctor will tell them.

I'd suggest having a sit down with your physician and make sure he's on board. The only reason they need your bank acc't #'s is for direct deposit information. SSDI is not need or income based it's based on your inability to work. Unless you're also applying for SSI. SSI is income based and you have to prove your indigent to receive it.

I was approved first try and did not need an attorney. If I had been denied I would have made a beeline to the nearest lawyers office who would fight for me.

Good luck!

Beth in NC age 48 Fibrotic NSIP 06/06

SS disability benefits

Since I quit my job because of PF/ILD, its symptoms and the effects of the medications to fight it, I decided I should probably try to file for disability benefits. But I have no experience in this area. The forms that need to be completed are horrendous. I really don't think all of the information they supposedly need really should be given to them. I can understand how they need to access medical records, but checking and savings account numbers? My physician seems to think I won't qualify because of where I'm at right now. So is it worth it? It is such an invasion of privacy! If I cancel my appointment, it will be noted as a denial of benefits. Evidently that wouldn't be good. Any advice? gigiILD 3/07

[Guest guest]

Beth, your story reads almost exactly like mine. And you have it

EXACTLY right in that the Pulmo support is so necessary! My Pulmo

asked me why I had waited so long!!! She was fantastic to work with

and helped me out quite a bit. I also got mine on the first try, no

problem. I saw an SS doctor and they also sent me to the Center for

Disease Control in San to do a stress test and PFT's. Not sure

why the Doc couldn't do it all....?

I would encourage anyone who has had to quit their job because of this

disease to apply. If you don't get it first try, then hire an

attorney. The Medicare is worth it if you don't have private insurance

or a trust fund.....

Best of luck to you Gigi!

Babs in Texas

>

> Gigi

> The only person I can speak for is myself. I worked through and

submitted the application for SSDI in September of 06. I did mine

online. I received a couple more forms in the mail which I had to

fill out, did a phone interview and ultimately had to go see one of

their doctors ( who didn't even know what my disease was). I was

approved in January of 07 and received my first check in February of

07. One huge factor I had in my favor is my doctor was 110% behind

me. I was told to be sure of my doctors support before I began the

process because if your doctor isn't convinced you're disabled it's

very difficult to be approved. Social Security relies alot on what

your doctor will tell them.

> I'd suggest having a sit down with your physician and make sure he's

on board. The only reason they need your bank acc't #'s is for direct

deposit information. SSDI is not need or income based it's based on

your inability to work. Unless you're also applying for SSI. SSI is

income based and you have to prove your indigent to receive it.

>

> I was approved first try and did not need an attorney. If I had been

denied I would have made a beeline to the nearest lawyers office who

would fight for me.

> Good luck!

>

> Beth in NC age 48 Fibrotic NSIP 06/06

>

>

>

>

>

> SS disability benefits

>

> Since I quit my job because of PF/ILD, its symptoms and the effects of

> the medications to fight it, I decided I should probably try to file

> for disability benefits. But I have no experience in this area. The

> forms that need to be completed are horrendous. I really don't think

> all of the information they supposedly need really should be given to

> them. I can understand how they need to access medical records, but

> checking and savings account numbers? My physician seems to think I

> won't qualify because of where I'm at right now. So is it worth it? It

> is such an invasion of privacy! If I cancel my appointment, it will be

> noted as a denial of benefits. Evidently that wouldn't be good. Any

> advice?

>

> gigi

> ILD 3/07

>