Question (important to me)

[Toomutch]

Is anyone here on medical dissability or know of anyone who is?

[jazpoppy]

Dear Toomuch;

My bf is on SSDI (Social Security Disablility Insurance) and so is my mother. My bf has severe sleep apnea, he has a special breathing machine he uses at night, but he is very depressed and still has too much insomnia to enable to function at work during the day (he was a councelor). He got on SSDI by applying at his local Social Security office (each County or even each town in certain States have these offices). It took about 6 months for him to be approved which is actually VERY fast, considering that it took my mother 2 years. It depends on whether or not you get denied the first time (my bf knew somebody who worked for the SSDI office and he didn't get denied). Almost EVERYONE gets denied the first time, even if they are missing 2 legs and its very obvious they can't work. That is called "Gate-Keeping" to try to discourage even the most disabled people from appealing the denied decision. Its NOT FAIR, but most people that deserve SSDI get it after the appeal, but they MUST hire a Lawyer, who usually won't charge if you get denied again, they will take a percentage of your "back pay" to pay their fees. Back pay is the "retroactive from the date you FIRST applied, not the date you appealed" so you can get a significant amount of money if you win the appeals process. It took my mother 2 years, so she got around 10,000 dollars after her claim was approved the second time around.

So, Toomuch, if you are disabled, cannot work, you need to apply to SSDI at your local Social Security office ASAP, AND also apply for Welfare (you can get Welfare money while you wait to be approved, and you will continue to get Welfare money until you get APPROVED, so even if you are denied the first time, you appeal the decision, get a lawyer and continue to get Welfare during this time).

I really hope I helped answer some of your questions. I myself, am starting the SSDI process now, I have just applied, and I am applying for Welfare next week. I wish you the best of luck! Don't get discouraged, its worth it to go through the WHOLE process and keep fighting! Don't let Uncle Sam deny you money you already PAID into the government by working for however many years you worked before you became disabled, or even if you didn't work, you still are entitled and deserving of SSDI to help you live and pay your bill!!!

Love Jaz

PS - Please don't forget FOOD STAMPS!!! You can apply for Welfare and Food Stamps at the SAME office, its called the Office of State Assistance (or State Welfare Office). Its usually located in one town in each county of your State. Food stamps and welfare will help you live while you wait for SSDI, and you can KEEP the Food Stamps while you are on SSDI (depending on how much SSDI money you make, most people qualify for both SSDI and food stamps without trouble). Good Luck!!! I'm praying for you!

[Sugah]

I did, but I chose to return to work in a different field. I was approved in what I'm learning is record time (3 months) based upon my RSD diagnosis.

Peace & Love,
Sugah