Update on how to apply for SS disability

[Bruce]

This topic seems to be showing lately, so I will just give an overview and give the web site,

You should apply as soon as possible when you become disabled and can no longer work.

Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the necessary forms or they say you can give them all of the info. over the phone.

You and your doctor should provide a full medical history that includes what is wrong with you? When did your condition begin? How does your condition limit your activities?The more documentation and detailed medical history you can provide, the better your chances are to qualify for the benefit. An example is any tests you have had that would help prove you are disabled.

It takes 60-90 days from the date the forms are received, before you can expect a decision.

You will automatically become elgible for medicare after receiving disability benefits for two years.

If you are turned down, don't give up. You then have the right to appeal their decision.

The how to website is: ssa.gov/pubs/10029.html#partone

[dbiker2]

Good idea Bruce, there are alot of questions on this subject. I might just emphasize the importance of being very detailed in the answers. I feel that point helped my application.

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Darrell

[junglecurry]

I agree with Bruce that you should apply as soon as you can after not being able to work.
I waited about four years because I was intimidated by the horror stories of people being refused and having to get lawyers and continue fighting the system.
I had a good mentor / teacher, with the result that when I filed, I was accepted first time.
My first check was a whopper since they paid me for 16 months (12 mo. before I applied and 4 mo. to be approved.) You can be approved in less than 4 months. I just sat on the paperwork longer than I should have.
Good luck to all who apply. You deserve it.

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[Carole]

Bruce-
What a great post! A lot of questions must arise daily about this topic. I wish I'd known an iota of what I do now when I applied and was accepted 5 years ago!

I read an article published by the APDA that also recommended to list other physical complications (related to PD or not.)

It seemed that my carpel tunnel was the deciding factor in my case. (and it was 6 months to the day for me! - I was 42) Also list if you have GERD, have broken bones because of falls, or any other problem(s) you may have consulted a doctor for that may be with you for life. The more problems, the better off you are http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif. (in the eyes of SS) Make your conditions sound as dire as possible or they won't take you seriously! You have to be able to list other doctors, the tests, hospitalizations, etc.

I had to fill out all these papers a second time after my DBS surgery for continuing SSDI. I was just a little peeved about having to do this again but was happy to oblige, plus add all the extras I'd not put on the first time. I was NOT so intimidated this time as the first time. Also, I was prepared to have, at my nurses advice, my stimulators turned off, sit in a wheelchair and be wheeled down to the SSDI office (in the same hospital as the Movement Disorders Clinic!) if I had to submit to a second doctor's opinion, like I did the first time. She told me they did that with a DBS patient and he had no problem "demonstrating" his PD. I also included in my second report that PD was degenerative and progressive, and that DBS surgery was not a cure but a last resort for a quality-life. Needless to say, I was approved again, but may have to go through this process again and again. It's the law.

Just my two-cents - I'm not from Missouri, but believe in "Give 'em hell, Harry".

CC

[Pelicangirl]

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[This message has been edited by Pelicangirl (edited 01-14-2001).]