6 month wait to apply after leaving job?

[xmsbehavinx]

Should I wait 6 months to apply for SSI once I quit working? I was denied SSI last year (didn't have an attorney). So, after a couple months I decided to attempt working again. I've had 2 more relapses, the 2nd one was very severe and my MRI showed yet another Lesion.
I am only working 3 hours a week, have missed many weeks because of my relapses.

Anyway.. My neuro and family doc feel it is time to apply for disability (they felt that last year also).
So, when I stop working again, do I need to wait 6 months before reapplying? I believe it looks better? Shows that I really can't work.

So annoying. I have 4 children at home that I need to feed and clothe. MS makes me feel like a failure as a Mother..

[thelegendlc]

Don't Wait

I am not aware of any reason to wait after leaving work to apply for disability. I have been on SSDI for over eight years and applied right after I had to quit my job.

[xmsbehavinx]

thank you! I'm just scared to get yet another denial.

I am not aware of any reason to wait after leaving work to apply for disability. I have been on SSDI for over eight years and applied right after I had to quit my job.

[pennstater]

I would go ahead and start the process. I think the 6 months is that you aren't eligible for benefits to be paid until that date. You attempted to work again, and your MS flared up again. Hopefully, they consider this in your favor.

How is your relationship with your neuro? Would he put together a letter saying you returned to work against his best judgement, as a result, your MS activity increased and progressed? That would be in addition to the normal information they provide, indicating his support for current disability determination.

Good luck.

[xmsbehavinx]

my Neuro

I would go ahead and start the process. I think the 6 months is that you aren't eligible for benefits to be paid until that date. You attempted to work again, and your MS flared up again. Hopefully, they consider this in your favor.

How is your relationship with your neuro? Would he put together a letter saying you returned to work against his best judgement, as a result, your MS activity increased and progressed? That would be in addition to the normal information they provide, indicating his support for current disability determination.

Good luck.

I have an amazing Neuro and we have a very close relationship. We know each other on a first name basis, lol. He feels it is time to consider SSI. MS is just so frustrating because of those days when I feel so good! There's that glimmer of hope, ya know? And then bam, the next six days of Hell :P
Thank you

[gwynnf]

Don't wait....I stopped working on 8/31/2012 and applied for disability 9/1/2012. I was very lucky, my SSDI was approved 12/5/2012. I guess I really needed to stop working!

[Mamabug]

Should I wait 6 months to apply for SSI once I quit working? I was denied SSI last year (didn't have an attorney). So, after a couple months I decided to attempt working again. I've had 2 more relapses, the 2nd one was very severe and my MRI showed yet another Lesion.
I am only working 3 hours a week, have missed many weeks because of my relapses.

Anyway.. My neuro and family doc feel it is time to apply for disability (they felt that last year also).
So, when I stop working again, do I need to wait 6 months before reapplying? I believe it looks better? Shows that I really can't work.

So annoying. I have 4 children at home that I need to feed and clothe. MS makes me feel like a failure as a Mother..

I wouldn't wait. If you apply sooner, you can be approved sooner, and you'll have less time with no income. There is a 5 month wait time, after applying, before you can begin to receive benefits.

And, it's OK not to have an attorney. Actually, what you say you've experienced will likely work in your favor. It appeared to do that, with me. I lost 3 jobs during my first 6 years with MS, all due to MS. I'd had relapses once or twice a year, with hospitalizations each time, and had often utilized FMLA because I ran out of sick time.

You have also had multiple relapses, including one severe one. You've had an MRI that showed an additional lesion. You have a doctor that is on your side.

Be diligent in your SSDI app. List all of your symptoms, all of your relapses, all of your related absences, all of the ways it affects your ability to do your job well, etc. Request that your physician write a letter detailing why it is important that you quit working and go on SSDI. Request that your doc use the words "permanently disabled".

If you have additional health care providers (primary care physician, neurologist, mental health specialist, chiropractor, etc) that have knowledge of your MS and how it affects your health and/or your ability to work, request that they do the same. Provide access to all of your medical records, from any health care professional, to SSDI, since you've had MS. Even those prior to diagnosis, if you had symptoms.

I was approved in three months, with no attorney and no denials. And, like gynnf, I suspect that I really did need to stop working. I doubt that either of us was "lucky", as she said, that we were approved quickly. I just believe that we were thorough in our applications, and that our health condition truly did meet the standards needed in order to be approved.

If you are not good with words or with detail, consider enlisting the assistance of a friend or relative who is, to assist you with how you word your application and what information you choose to include.

Best wishes!

[MemphisSlim]

Do not accentuate the positive!

I have an amazing Neuro and we have a very close relationship. We know each other on a first name basis, lol. He feels it is time to consider SSI. MS is just so frustrating because of those days when I feel so good! There's that glimmer of hope, ya know? And then bam, the next six days of Hell :P
Thank you

Your neuro and any other doctors (including therapists) should have a documented summary of every visit. Call and see if you can get them and use them for medical reference. If they have recommended or even discussed SSDI, it should be documented.

Do not mention your good days. I am not saying to be dishonest, but think about it, you are explaining why you cannot work a full or part time job. The six bad days are what matters.

The sooner you apply the better. Good Luck!

Memphis (not really so) Slim