Will it be a nighmare? - Disabilities Message Board

MomwithMS · 06-03-2004, 11:37 PM

Hi. I'm 29 years old and have MS. I've had MS for 8 years now.

After battling a very difficult five months (of working maybe 15 to 25 hours a week), I finally lost the battle to continue working and left my job as a social worker. My last day of work was April 9th of this year.

My doctor is in full support of me. He has signed all the paperwork for my short term disability policy. . saying I am completely disabled and unable to do any type of work.

I can draw the short term disability for 2 years. At the encouragement of my dr, I have applied for social security disability. My interview is tomorrow at 2:15, and I am quite nervous. I have pretty much heard that everyone is denied the first time.

Because my high stress job contributed to my current condition, I was told I could file for workers comp too. That atty (who I meet with on Monday) said that she can handle my worker's comp and the disability case.

I had heard that contact my US legislator for assistance. I did so, and he is making a "congressional inquiry" on my application.

I'd like to talk to others who have been through this. What can I expect? How long will the process take? Anybody have a crystal ball and can tell me if I will eventually be approved? LOL

Also, we recently learned my daughter is "likely" autistic with sensory integration disorder. We have been told to apply for SSI for her. . what is the difference?

Thanks for any info.

Purplebill · 06-08-2004, 02:48 AM

Unfortunately, no one here has a crystal ball in good working order. First, you must apply, otherwise it is a 100% denial rate. If have a straightforward case, you may be in the 40% who are approved initially. If you are among those 90% denied at reconsideration, then you will need to file a Request for Hearing. Qut of the people who request a hearing around 2/3 win their cases at hearing. So your best shot at winning will be at the initial application or at Hearing.

The time frame differs from state to state and even OHA to different OHA in your state. The big bottleneck is the number of applicants who are dealing with less employees at SSA to do the job. The really sad thing is that many of the now disabled were voting for direct tax cuts that have decimated Public Service Programs. And nobody seems to care except the newly disabled; and they have neither the energy or political weight to alter the current situation.

There are no easy answers, but until we start treating our fellow man (and women and children) as human beings with certain inalienable rights, which are not only life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but include such concepts as basic food, shelter and medical care, then the rich will continue to become richer on the backs of the poor, working and nonworking.

As I indicated earlier, it is truly a sad state of affairs. And the only way to make any real difference is to bring about a complete paradigm shift. I just don't see that happening anytime soon. I think I missed my antidepressant...............

MomwithMS · 06-08-2004, 06:23 PM

I agree totally! and DARN that crystal ball for not being in working order! LOL

Kissa · 06-09-2004, 07:36 PM

SSD is Social Security Disability and is for those over the age of 18 who have a work history and proper credits. Your amount of disability is based on your earnings during your credit years.
SSI is for people under the age of 18 OR low income individuals who do not have enough work credits. Their amount is a flat starting amount (not sure of the number but you can check SS site).

Some folks may disagree, but, I think that having a good and very qualified SS lawyer can make a huge difference in the amount of time it takes to get an approval. A good lawyer will know what SS is looking for and will make sure that information is available to you.

Check with your STD plan, oftentimes, if you apply for SS and win the amount you get from SS will reduce the amount you recieve from STD. For example, lets say hypothetically you earn 1000 a month on your Short term disability, and now you are earning 800 a month on SSD. STD will reduce your 1000 payment down to 200, the difference of what you got from SS. Be sure to double check it! I got nailed on it and ended up paying back an 11 month "overpayment" because they didn't tell me they'd do this.
Furthermore, check workmans comp and make sure they don't have any special rules regarding SSD. Truthfully, I think getting WC is alot harder that SS.

Good luck to you