Re: How had is it to get SSI when you have RA

[Guest guest]

IF you apply for social security disability you should get a lawyer. He will present all your medical records. Every state and every individual is different. I applied for ssdi only after being on emergency aid and welfare benefits. I went through social security office and was denied. I was very lucky to get a patient advocate who is also a disability lawyer. She did not charge me anything, but I had to pay back my emergency aid which was atleast half of my retroactive award. I didnt apply for aid right away because my RA wasnt diagnosed until the following year. Your award is based on your work credits and retroactive from the month you first became ill and unable to work. It took two years to get my award. The most important thing to remember is that because of RA if you cant work and your life is severely affected, its the daily tasks you can and cant perform that matter most. I am reviewed by social security periodically. Yours, Deborah