Signing up for disability. - Fibromyalgia Message Board

kattnap1 · 11-09-2003, 06:31 PM

Is anyone receiving disability payments?

My condition is getting continually worse, but I am not going to give up my job until I can't put one foot in front of the other, but if the time comes and I do have to quit working, does anyone know a good place to get information on filing a disability claim?

It would have to be the last possible option for me, but unfortunately, it could happen someday. I am walking proof that fibro is a progressive disease as mine has gotten worse over the years, and who know what it will progress to in the future. It seems that every winter it gets harder for me to function. When the temperatures drop so does my will to get out of bed and try to make it to work.

It also seems like in the winter my "Fibro Fog" gets worse. That must be what they mean by having a brain freeze.

Soleil11 · 11-10-2003, 11:06 AM

If you go back through the pages of posts, can't remember where, but someone on here has info that may help you if you decide you need it. You could go by subject posted to get to that info.

rita52 · 11-11-2003, 05:26 AM

[QUOTE=Soleil11]If you go back through the pages of posts, can't remember where, but someone on here has info that may help you if you call your local social security office to sign up for disability but its not easy to get. Fibro is a recognized illness with them now but not always disabling. I have been fighting for disability since 1999 finally got a closed period of back pay for 1 and a half years then stopped it so now im back trying to get it started again,by the way I had a disability lawyer, ive had 2 strokes was in a wheelchair, had fibro, dystonia,seizure disorder,memory loss, migraines,neuropathy but after that year and a half they thought i had improved somewhat that i could handle some type of part time work so i was turned down after that. Didnt want to depress you but didnt want you to think the check would be directly in the mail either. lol.. here, its an automatic 120 days before they tell you anything the first time you file.. Good luck Hope you feel better soon Rita

la_brat · 11-11-2003, 10:40 AM

We have two daughters receiving benefits. Both were unable to work at all. One is still trying to finish high school. The other just barely made it. The older has allergies, migraines, and asthma along with FMS. The younger has FMS. Both were turned down the first time. At the appeal stage the older got her benefits. A judge ruled for the younger (You go through the first two stages on your own. Then, you can find a lawyer that will represent you for nothing up front and will take what the court assigns of your settlement as payment). It takes a lot of record keeping on your part. You need records of how you feel in detail, how often, how long, and how it makes it so you cannot work or participate in normal activities. You need a doctor that believes what you say and willing to fill out the paperwork for disability. You need your work record reflecting the problem. Family and/or friend statements are also helpful. If you say you have had FMS since 1980, what can you point to that confirms this for you? If you say you are getting worse, what documentation can you provide? You need your personal logs, presciption and therapy history of what and what the results were. It is up to you to have the information to prove the extent of your disability.

Wittesea · 11-13-2003, 01:09 PM

I am on disability, though not for fibro.

I can tell you that the process that you go through to apply is an endless supply of paperwork, and that it is VERY hard to prove that you are disabled.

My suggestions to you are to make sure that you have LOTS of documentation from doctors but also from your current employer. If you are already taking a high ammount of sick time now, make sure that it is documented in your human resources file at work.

Also, it doesn't hurt to get some psych help for the emotional side of having to deal with fibro. If you can absolutely prove 100% that you have mental problems (depression, anxiety etc..) in addition to your physical ones, it will help you.

The simple truth is that anyone who is physically ill enough to have to stop working is going to have some depression (unless if their physical illness is not too severe, and they just don't want to work anymore).

That's not my opinion, but it is certainly how the people who review and decide your SS case will look at it.

The other simple fact is that it can take YEARS to go through the application process. The majority of cases are denied on the original application, and then you have to go through appeal and then hearings... it can take a very long time... so be prepared for having 0 income during the whole process.

There are LOTS of people who have illnesses that are considered to be much more disabling than fibromyalgia who have to fight for years to get their benefits... I am not trying to scare you away from applying, but you need to know what to expect.

Good Luck
~Wittesea