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    Applying for Disability

    Hello,
    I have to apply for disability and wanted to try it on my own before I get a lawyer but wanted to know what I need to apply? do I need only my doctors notes or what? Please help me if you can I would really appreciate it.

    Thank you
    Lisa

    #2
    Hi Lisa - I applied on my own, but what I did first was to call the NMSS as I had heard about a Disability Guidebook they have and distribute for free. Here is a link about this http://www.nationalmssociety.org/gov...ity/index.aspx

    This booklet was a life saver for me. Although I was intimidated by the volume of information that was required to apply, the booklet was very thorough in outlining exactly what I needed for applying. I was approved, btw.

    Even though you eventually decide to have a lawyer back you up as many people do, having the booklet helps guide you through what is required ahead of time. I called my local chapter of the NMSS to request the booklet.

    Good luck to you
    1st sx '89 Dx '99 w/RRMS - SP since 2010
    Administrator Message Boards/Moderator

    Comment


      #3
      Disability

      Thank you got answering me I will have to get the book. How long did it take you to get approved? Also did you eventually get a lawyer or you were able to do it alone?

      Comment


        #4
        I was approved within 3 months? of applying. Hard to remember as it's been over 4 yrs now. I did it alone but had a non-attorney advocate who was well versed in how the process worked. Many people here will urge you to get a lawyer. This is just my story and I was fortunate to get approved on the first try. Nevertheless, the booklet really helped me.
        1st sx '89 Dx '99 w/RRMS - SP since 2010
        Administrator Message Boards/Moderator

        Comment


          #5
          Social Security Disability

          Hello Lisa,

          I went at it alone and was denied thirty days or so later. No booklet. After reapplying (alone again), it took four months before approval was granted. So it can be done without a lawyer.

          As Seasha recommends, get the booklet and call the the Social Security Disability office in your area and/or an advocate to help you to understand the process and hard questions.

          Good luck,
          Scope
          Dx PPMS in 2010
          "Worry about nothing and pray about everything." Yolanda Adams

          Comment


            #6
            Disability interveiw

            Hello now can you help me on how the interview process goes? is it over the phone in an actual meeting?

            Comment


              #7
              I applied on my own. I answered every question ... truthfully. I also included copies of all dr reports/visits all the way back to my initial diagnose (1989). So, any and all info you have you should include. I think the straw that broke the camels back was my psych testing (can't think of the technical term).

              I was approved the first time I applied - like Sea said it took about 3-4 months.

              I never had any other "interviews" other than with the psych which was face to face testing. That took 3-4 hours and it was exhausting!
              Karen

              Comment


                #8
                My interview process was in person at the SS office. I turned in copies of all my paperwork then and was asked lots of questions. Again, at this meeting, I had a advocate who knew me well to help me. I needed this help as I tend to get overwhelmed and confused when someone asks me lots of questions.

                I know of others who have phone interviews, but a face to face worked better for me.

                And like KarenKay, I had previously gone for a neuro psych evaluation which took about 4-5 exhausting hours. I took all copies of this exam with me when I went to the SS office.

                I hope you have called and asked for the booklet - it lays it all out! Good luck
                1st sx '89 Dx '99 w/RRMS - SP since 2010
                Administrator Message Boards/Moderator

                Comment


                  #9
                  I have a question for those who have been approved without an attorney. Are you over the age of 50?

                  From what I've been told by attorneys is that ppl over 50 can get approved without an attorney why people under 50 will get denied.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    I was approved when I was over 50, but from my understanding this doesn't necessarily give one a free pass. So much depends on if the requirements are fully met. Here is an article from Disability Secrets http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/res...nder-age-50.ht

                    As noted, it is easier to get approved at age 50 and older, whereas under 50 may be more difficult, but not impossible!

                    Hope this article helps you!
                    1st sx '89 Dx '99 w/RRMS - SP since 2010
                    Administrator Message Boards/Moderator

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Originally posted by Jola View Post
                      I have a question for those who have been approved without an attorney. Are you over the age of 50?

                      From what I've been told by attorneys is that ppl over 50 can get approved without an attorney why people under 50 will get denied.
                      I was 51 when I was approved. But like Sea said, it depends on your disability ... not your age.
                      Karen

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Originally posted by lisa2201 View Post
                        Hello,
                        I have to apply for disability and wanted to try it on my own before I get a lawyer but wanted to know what I need to apply? do I need only my doctors notes or what? Please help me if you can I would really appreciate it.

                        Thank you
                        Lisa
                        Lisa: here is my experience...
                        My background:
                        Dx'd at age 51, disabled at 57; applied at 59 after exhausting unemployment benefits.
                        Solid work record; worked since I was 16; professional/executive type jobs since my mid 20's.

                        I applied and answered all questions truthfully.
                        Did not use the NMSS guidebook nor a lawyer.
                        Asked for a copy of my entire medical file (1-2 inches thick) from my neurologist and sent it to the SSA office with a cover letter immediately after applying (USPS via registered/return receipt).
                        ...and then I waited...
                        About 90 days later (unknown to me) they sent a follow-up questionaire to my neuro which she promptly returned and I was approved shortly (within 2 days of receipt of her report) thereafter.
                        It took the SSA 1 week to send my approval letter to me.
                        Entire process took 109 calendar days.
                        Funds (backpay) arrived within 2 weeks of approval.
                        Monthly SSDI started the following month.
                        No interview, no psyche exam, no interaction whatsoever with the SSA office nor the state (CA) eligibility people.

                        My read on the experience was that my neuro (an MS specialist; age 64) knew exactly what to say to the SSA.

                        Good luck to you.

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Thank you, everyone, for your posts! Yes, the SSDI Guidebook by the National MS Society is definitely helpful. It is very nice that they put that together. I would recommend that you read it.

                          As phxjss mentions, promptly submitting your medical records certainly helps and having your doctor write a supportive letter addressing the issues that SSA cares about can go a long way to getting your claim approved.

                          A neuropsychological exam can also demonstrate the cognitive deficits that MS can cause.

                          Rich
                          Attorney Richard Feingold concentrates his law practice in helping disabled individuals obtain the monthly Social Security disability benefits and health insurance that they need to survive. Although based in Chicago, Illinois, Rich helps disability claimants nationwide. He has been answering posts in this forum since June 11, 2003. Twitter handle: @RichFeingold.

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Originally posted by Seasha View Post
                            Hi Lisa - I applied on my own, but what I did first was to call the NMSS as I had heard about a Disability Guidebook they have and distribute for free. Here is a link about this http://www.nationalmssociety.org/gov...ity/index.aspx

                            This booklet was a life saver for me. Although I was intimidated by the volume of information that was required to apply, the booklet was very thorough in outlining exactly what I needed for applying. I was approved, btw.

                            Even though you eventually decide to have a lawyer back you up as many people do, having the booklet helps guide you through what is required ahead of time. I called my local chapter of the NMSS to request the booklet.

                            Good luck to you
                            Thank you for that link. There is actually a second link on the right of the page where you can download an electronic copy of it.

                            Comment


                              #15
                              You are welcome, football-mom.

                              Rich
                              Attorney Richard Feingold concentrates his law practice in helping disabled individuals obtain the monthly Social Security disability benefits and health insurance that they need to survive. Although based in Chicago, Illinois, Rich helps disability claimants nationwide. He has been answering posts in this forum since June 11, 2003. Twitter handle: @RichFeingold.

                              Comment

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