Guest guest Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 I know that this is an old topic. I was wondering if anyone can tell me what the process off filing SSD is like?Thanks Hello, I was just diagnosed with PSC for sure week ago. I also suffer from Celiac Disease and all the autoimmune situations that go with it. I am always run down, rarely feel good for an entire day, and work at at stressful job. I was thinking that I would apply for permanent disability, here in California you can still work really part time. That way no one would be depending on me to run the office or to be the only one there, on days when I am just not ok. Maybe someone has some insite on this, as I don't really know how this PSC will progress, I have already had an infection, and that was horrible, fevers were high and I was throwing up and sick, they said it was a bile duct infection. Basically since there is no cure for PSC and a transplant is a big deal, I want to live my life, happy, healthy and well taken care of, and the best way for me to do this, is to get out of the professional world (paralegal) get on perm disability and work somewhere simple, will little to no stress.....Am I making too big a deal about this? The entire PSC disease really scares me. I would take any advice, any. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! b- Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage. = Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 Getting disability is not difficult for those of us with PSC. Just talk to your medical team and call the Social Security office to get the paper work and follow the directions. You can do most of it over the phone. They usually make an appointment for a phone interview and then process the paperwork. If I recall correctly, you have to be disabled for 6 months, but you can enter the date when you really had to stop working, even if you postponed filing for disability for some months. i.e. if you stopped working in March, put that date down and you have met the requirement. I have heard somewhere that there are certain disabilities that get on a fast track to be determined and PSC is one of them. When I did that, I also qualified for Medicare which paid for my transplant. The advantage of that is that your immunosuppresents are covered by Medicare and you will not have to worry about changes in insurance coverage in the future. Talk to the social worker associated with the transplant team you are seeing, or going to see, and they will help with this process and answer other questions you may have. Take Care MizKit Re: Permanent Disability Get the MapQuest Toolbar. Directions, Traffic, Gas Prices More! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 Getting disability is not difficult for those of us with PSC. Just talk to your medical team and call the Social Security office to get the paper work and follow the directions. You can do most of it over the phone. They usually make an appointment for a phone interview and then process the paperwork. If I recall correctly, you have to be disabled for 6 months, but you can enter the date when you really had to stop working, even if you postponed filing for disability for some months. i.e. if you stopped working in March, put that date down and you have met the requirement. I have heard somewhere that there are certain disabilities that get on a fast track to be determined and PSC is one of them. When I did that, I also qualified for Medicare which paid for my transplant. The advantage of that is that your immunosuppresents are covered by Medicare and you will not have to worry about changes in insurance coverage in the future. Talk to the social worker associated with the transplant team you are seeing, or going to see, and they will help with this process and answer other questions you may have. Take Care MizKit Re: Permanent Disability Get the MapQuest Toolbar. Directions, Traffic, Gas Prices More! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 Hi! I saw someone responded to you already and stated that it was no problem to get SSD. I hope that's the case for you, but I fear, more often than not, it is a struggle to be approved. I've been fighting with SSD for more than a year now, I believe, trying to get them to accept me. I have letters from all of my doctors stating that I definitively have PSC, that I cannot work, that my daily life functions are strongly diminished, etc. I also know quite a few others who have found themselves in this situation. The best advice I can offer you is to keep good records of your doctors' appointments, lab results, etc. and, if possible, try to get in to meet with a SSD agent in person rather than over the phone. Putting together a notebook to keep track of all your papers and images submitted as well as any conversations you've had concerning SSDI with SS staff, etc. can also be helpful. In terms of actually applying, you can do so over the phone or in person. Like I said earlier, I recommend in person just to give your case a " face " and to have someone on your side. You'll get sent a packet of paperwork asking you all kinds of questions about your health and the activities of daily living. Basically, they want to know what you do from the moment you get up in the morning until the moment you go to sleep at night. They'll also want confirmation letters from your doctors that you do, indeed, have what you're claiming to have. It's really a hassle but, hopefully, it'll be worth it in the end since we PSCers definitely need the help and the health insurance SSDI and Medicare provides. I've heard about 90-95% of people are rejected their first and second time applying, so just hang in there if that happens and fight for what you need! I hope this didn't discourage you. If you'd like any specifics about filing or if I can answer any direct questions, just let me know! Best of luck! Sandi in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 Hi! I saw someone responded to you already and stated that it was no problem to get SSD. I hope that's the case for you, but I fear, more often than not, it is a struggle to be approved. I've been fighting with SSD for more than a year now, I believe, trying to get them to accept me. I have letters from all of my doctors stating that I definitively have PSC, that I cannot work, that my daily life functions are strongly diminished, etc. I also know quite a few others who have found themselves in this situation. The best advice I can offer you is to keep good records of your doctors' appointments, lab results, etc. and, if possible, try to get in to meet with a SSD agent in person rather than over the phone. Putting together a notebook to keep track of all your papers and images submitted as well as any conversations you've had concerning SSDI with SS staff, etc. can also be helpful. In terms of actually applying, you can do so over the phone or in person. Like I said earlier, I recommend in person just to give your case a " face " and to have someone on your side. You'll get sent a packet of paperwork asking you all kinds of questions about your health and the activities of daily living. Basically, they want to know what you do from the moment you get up in the morning until the moment you go to sleep at night. They'll also want confirmation letters from your doctors that you do, indeed, have what you're claiming to have. It's really a hassle but, hopefully, it'll be worth it in the end since we PSCers definitely need the help and the health insurance SSDI and Medicare provides. I've heard about 90-95% of people are rejected their first and second time applying, so just hang in there if that happens and fight for what you need! I hope this didn't discourage you. If you'd like any specifics about filing or if I can answer any direct questions, just let me know! Best of luck! Sandi in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 Hi! I saw someone responded to you already and stated that it was no problem to get SSD. I hope that's the case for you, but I fear, more often than not, it is a struggle to be approved. I've been fighting with SSD for more than a year now, I believe, trying to get them to accept me. I have letters from all of my doctors stating that I definitively have PSC, that I cannot work, that my daily life functions are strongly diminished, etc. I also know quite a few others who have found themselves in this situation. The best advice I can offer you is to keep good records of your doctors' appointments, lab results, etc. and, if possible, try to get in to meet with a SSD agent in person rather than over the phone. Putting together a notebook to keep track of all your papers and images submitted as well as any conversations you've had concerning SSDI with SS staff, etc. can also be helpful. In terms of actually applying, you can do so over the phone or in person. Like I said earlier, I recommend in person just to give your case a " face " and to have someone on your side. You'll get sent a packet of paperwork asking you all kinds of questions about your health and the activities of daily living. Basically, they want to know what you do from the moment you get up in the morning until the moment you go to sleep at night. They'll also want confirmation letters from your doctors that you do, indeed, have what you're claiming to have. It's really a hassle but, hopefully, it'll be worth it in the end since we PSCers definitely need the help and the health insurance SSDI and Medicare provides. I've heard about 90-95% of people are rejected their first and second time applying, so just hang in there if that happens and fight for what you need! I hope this didn't discourage you. If you'd like any specifics about filing or if I can answer any direct questions, just let me know! Best of luck! Sandi in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 A attorney friend of mine, told me that if you want approval right away, the easiest thing to do, is to swamp them with paper. He told me to get a copy of every lad test and dignostic test that I have performed and to submit copies of them with the paperwork when I apply. He said that the more information that you can provide showing them the damage and progression, the more likely you are to be approved. He also said that letters from doctors without the actual diagnostic test reports, usually are not enough, because there is nothing to back-up what the doctors have to say. I know that when I help my clients apply for SSDI, that I copy their whole file, instead of just sending in a report. Granted I work with an entirely different population then we are. SO far most of my clients have had favorable results. Hope this helps. > > In terms of actually applying, you can do so over the phone or in person. Like I said earlier, I recommend in person just to give your case a " face " and to have someone on your side. You'll get sent a packet of paperwork asking you all kinds of questions about your health and the activities of daily living. Basically, they want to know what you do from the moment you get up in the morning until the moment you go to sleep at night. They'll also want confirmation letters from your doctors that you do, indeed, have what you're claiming to have. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 Good info. And, my 10 year received approval for SSI which is a very small monthly amount. But, the approval was a snap and we were approved in less then 6 weeks. I wonder, is there anything else children can apply for? My monthly insurance premiums we pay thru my work are close to $600 as I took the beter plan for Tyler's sake but I wonder if there is any thing different out there as we are going broke? Anyone?? At Your Service, Stevie Lynn Gedgaudas-OStos Customer Care Manager Apple Vacations 101 Northwest Point Blvd. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 sgedgaud@... cmp12305@... cmp12305@... Sent by: 08/25/2008 12:17 AM Please respond to To cc Subject Re: Permanent Disability Getting disability is not difficult for those of us with PSC. Just talk to your medical team and call the Social Security office to get the paper work and follow the directions. You can do most of it over the phone. They usually make an appointment for a phone interview and then process the paperwork. If I recall correctly, you have to be disabled for 6 months, but you can enter the date when you really had to stop working, even if you postponed filing for disability for some months. i.e. if you stopped working in March, put that date down and you have met the requirement. I have heard somewhere that there are certain disabilities that get on a fast track to be determined and PSC is one of them. When I did that, I also qualified for Medicare which paid for my transplant. The advantage of that is that your immunosuppresents are covered by Medicare and you will not have to worry about changes in insurance coverage in the future. Talk to the social worker associated with the transplant team you are seeing, or going to see, and they will help with this process and answer other questions you may have. Take Care MizKit Re: Permanent Disability Get the MapQuest Toolbar. Directions, Traffic, Gas Prices More! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 Good info. And, my 10 year received approval for SSI which is a very small monthly amount. But, the approval was a snap and we were approved in less then 6 weeks. I wonder, is there anything else children can apply for? My monthly insurance premiums we pay thru my work are close to $600 as I took the beter plan for Tyler's sake but I wonder if there is any thing different out there as we are going broke? Anyone?? At Your Service, Stevie Lynn Gedgaudas-OStos Customer Care Manager Apple Vacations 101 Northwest Point Blvd. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 sgedgaud@... cmp12305@... cmp12305@... Sent by: 08/25/2008 12:17 AM Please respond to To cc Subject Re: Permanent Disability Getting disability is not difficult for those of us with PSC. Just talk to your medical team and call the Social Security office to get the paper work and follow the directions. You can do most of it over the phone. They usually make an appointment for a phone interview and then process the paperwork. If I recall correctly, you have to be disabled for 6 months, but you can enter the date when you really had to stop working, even if you postponed filing for disability for some months. i.e. if you stopped working in March, put that date down and you have met the requirement. I have heard somewhere that there are certain disabilities that get on a fast track to be determined and PSC is one of them. When I did that, I also qualified for Medicare which paid for my transplant. The advantage of that is that your immunosuppresents are covered by Medicare and you will not have to worry about changes in insurance coverage in the future. Talk to the social worker associated with the transplant team you are seeing, or going to see, and they will help with this process and answer other questions you may have. Take Care MizKit Re: Permanent Disability Get the MapQuest Toolbar. Directions, Traffic, Gas Prices More! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 Good info. And, my 10 year received approval for SSI which is a very small monthly amount. But, the approval was a snap and we were approved in less then 6 weeks. I wonder, is there anything else children can apply for? My monthly insurance premiums we pay thru my work are close to $600 as I took the beter plan for Tyler's sake but I wonder if there is any thing different out there as we are going broke? Anyone?? At Your Service, Stevie Lynn Gedgaudas-OStos Customer Care Manager Apple Vacations 101 Northwest Point Blvd. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 sgedgaud@... cmp12305@... cmp12305@... Sent by: 08/25/2008 12:17 AM Please respond to To cc Subject Re: Permanent Disability Getting disability is not difficult for those of us with PSC. Just talk to your medical team and call the Social Security office to get the paper work and follow the directions. You can do most of it over the phone. They usually make an appointment for a phone interview and then process the paperwork. If I recall correctly, you have to be disabled for 6 months, but you can enter the date when you really had to stop working, even if you postponed filing for disability for some months. i.e. if you stopped working in March, put that date down and you have met the requirement. I have heard somewhere that there are certain disabilities that get on a fast track to be determined and PSC is one of them. When I did that, I also qualified for Medicare which paid for my transplant. The advantage of that is that your immunosuppresents are covered by Medicare and you will not have to worry about changes in insurance coverage in the future. Talk to the social worker associated with the transplant team you are seeing, or going to see, and they will help with this process and answer other questions you may have. Take Care MizKit Re: Permanent Disability Get the MapQuest Toolbar. Directions, Traffic, Gas Prices More! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 -I land and I believe Federally, If you qualify for SSI you als qualify for Medicaid. It's not the greatest, but when my daughter was young and sick, it helped out a lot. It might be helpful to contact your local Department of Social Services or Department of Human Resources. -- In , Stevie Gedgaudas wrote: > > > I wonder, is there anything else children can apply for? My monthly > insurance premiums we pay thru my work are close to $600 as I took the > beter plan for Tyler's sake but I wonder if there is any thing different > out there as we are going broke? Anyone?? > . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 -I land and I believe Federally, If you qualify for SSI you als qualify for Medicaid. It's not the greatest, but when my daughter was young and sick, it helped out a lot. It might be helpful to contact your local Department of Social Services or Department of Human Resources. -- In , Stevie Gedgaudas wrote: > > > I wonder, is there anything else children can apply for? My monthly > insurance premiums we pay thru my work are close to $600 as I took the > beter plan for Tyler's sake but I wonder if there is any thing different > out there as we are going broke? Anyone?? > . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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