thinking of applying

[Missie]

Ok I read that IC was passed as a disease for disability. This gives me the strength to apply. Knowing that it has been approved as a ruling.... shows me that IC is FINALLY being acknowledged!
I'm scared though. I am only 20. Is age a factor? I have been diagnosed with IC for 2 years this month. My doctors office said that you must be disabled for 6 months prior to being approved. And that anything over 6 months should be qualified for back pay. I am totally at a loss as to what to do...Is it a long process?
Srry to drag on and on.

[Melanie R]

You don't have to apologize for writing a long post [img]smile.gif[/img] Social Security can be a long or not so long process. If you get all of the documentation stating specifically what you have and what you have gone through over the past couple of years, that will speed up the process. SS will need your medical records and any proof that you have this disease. They should know all of the meds you're on as well and if you've had any psychological suffering due to IC. If you take depression or anxiety meds or see a therapist...documentation from your therapist or psychiatrist is very, very helpful!!! Every state is different, but I've know people who have gotten Social Security after only 4-5 months....you just need to be efficient and make sure that SS sees a lot of documentation. (how many times you go to the bathroom in one day...how much pain you are in .....things that you are not able to do because you are in pain or have to go to the bathroom a lot, etc). I hope this is helpful!! and yes it is true that Social Security will give you retroactive pay from the time that you apply, but I am not sure about whether they will reimburse you from the date that you became disabled. Well, I hope this is somewhat helpful!!!!!Good luck [img]smile.gif[/img] <img src="graemlins/kissing.gif" border="0" alt="[kissing]" /> <img src="graemlins/grouphug.gif" border="0" alt="[grouphug]" />

[Missie]

You would not believe what a jerk the man I spoke to about Social security was. He told me that I had to be disabled for a year and that he seriously doubted that a 20 year old could be that disabled with IC. I could not believe someone would actually say that to me. All I said was, "Hi, My name is Missie and I am 20. I have IC and had a few questions about recieving disability benefits, until I get my body under control." He just sat there. Then I said "What are the qualifications and is there an age limit?" He sat there for a moment and said "its based on your disability. what is it u say you have again?" I said "Interstitial Cystitis, I was diagnosed Nov.2000. I tried going to college but because of the frequency and because I was having accidents on myself, i couldnt continue." He sat there again. so I then asked him what was the process and did i seem eligible. Thats when he said that about my age. His voice sounded full of disbelief like I was some lazy kid who didnt want to work. I didnt know what to say so I said "thank you" and hung up. &lt;sigh&gt;
Being this young and being sick, I get alot of disbelief. Oh well.
Thanks Melanie for your reply! It was very helpful..more helpful that I got for the 1800 number. [img]mad.gif[/img] [img]mad.gif[/img] [img]mad.gif[/img]

[Missie]

Ok I called back. This time I told the lady that I had called before and was treated very rude. She said that IC has been approved and that all representitives should give this disease the same respect that others recieve. She said that for me to gather my medical records, my marriage certificate (i havent changed my name to my marriage name yet) and that I am to come to the office on next Tuesday at 1:30. She said for me to make a "documentation" on my struggle for the past 2 years. But because I hadnt filed before she said I wouldnt get back pay...but she put down I have been disabled since October 15. She said it normally takes 3-5 months to hear back from them on a decision.
Good luck to all!

[Christine36]

Hello Missie,

Sorry to hear this guy was such a jerk to you. Not everyone a Social Security is like that. Don't let his attitude stop you from going after what you need to take care of yourself.

I was wondering, did you speak to this insensitive [email protected]#$%#d at your local SS office or on the telephone.

When I applied for SSD I call the 800 number and talked to a woman who took my information over the telephone. She was a lovely, non-judgemental woman, who did her job and then wished me luck when our conversation was over.

You have every legal right to apply for SSD with out being judged or questioned, regardless of your age or illness. And you also have every right to either complain about his comments at your local office or to someone at the 800 number. Actually, you have every right to tell this gentleman,(If you want to call him that) to mind his own business and just give you the information that you asked for. And that is putting it nicely, I could think of a few other things that I can not say on this board, that should have been said to this guy.

This mans behavior really has me P#*@!D OFF.Since when were the information intake employee's at Social Security Medical Doctors.If people would just shut up and do there job,there would be a lot less anger in this world. Good Luck. I will say a prayer, that you will contact a more helpful employee.



<img src="graemlins/grouphug.gif" border="0" alt="[grouphug]" /> <img src="graemlins/grouphug.gif" border="0" alt="[grouphug]" />

[Christine36]

I see you spoke to a real human, before I got to post my reply. At least I got some of my pent up anger out.
I am really happy for you. Again Good luck.

[Missie]

Hi Christine!
The first man I spoke to was at the 1800 number. The second time I called I spoke to a very nice lady at my local office. She was very insightful.
Thanks for your concern. I wish you the best. Have you been approved?

[Christine36]

Not yet, but I am collecting from my private long term disabilty carrier from my job, which pays alot better than SSD ever will. <img src="graemlins/grouphug.gif" border="0" alt="[grouphug]" />

[Melanie R]

Missy, I hope things go well with your application process. You deserve to get the help you need!!!! Your age should never matter....I mean people have terminal diseases at all ages, so why can't a young person have a disease that causes chronic pain and inconvenience. People can be such busy bodies sometimes....but, be persistent because if you get the assistance you need now, you can go on and do great things with your future!!!!! I would strongly suggest trying Elmiron with Atarax. I am starting that and there seem to be so many success stories with this combination! It does take atleast 6 months to work, but I think it is worth it. That is just my opinion....You will find something that works for you!!!!!!!! Best wishes [img]smile.gif[/img] <img src="graemlins/kissing.gif" border="0" alt="[kissing]" /> <img src="graemlins/grouphug.gif" border="0" alt="[grouphug]" />

[Susan2]

I was just wondering. Has anyone been sucessful in collecting S.S.D. from your husbands work record?? I don't know if I am asking this question the right way or not. The latter part of my working I did not pay into S.S.I. So they say on my work record alone, I don't have enough work hours, whatever that is suppose to mean. Could someone please help me? Thanks!!
Susan

[Sparky2]

Hi Susan:

I THINK this is how it works:

1.) You cannot apply for SSDI (regular disability)if you haven't worked enough quarters (check again to see if you qualify, though, just to make sure)

2.) You can apply for SSI (supplement security income) if you and your husband meet their income guidelines...warning: their income ceiling is awfully low as this is a program for very low income individuals

3.) If your husband dies, you are entitled to widow's benefits based upon his work record. Depending upon your age, you would get a percentage of his social security check. Now, if
you file for "widow's benefits with disability,"
you would get the full amt regardless of your age because you're disabled ...which would also entitle you to MEDICARE. So, you would not only have his social security income, but you would also have health insurance.

Hope this helps!
Lynne

[Missie]

Thanks everyone!
Yes, I was told my husbands income would have to be in the low income level. I am not usre what exactly that money rage would be.
I went straight from high school to stay at home gf (we werent married but lived together) and then to stay at home mother. I havent really ever had a job but I do have a year of college which I hope to complete someday. The lady also told me that since I was young and havent been married for that long, they might have to use my parents work back ground...whatever that means.
Good luck to you! Hopefully we will all get the respect, the disability and the help we all need.

[Alyson]

I was kind of wondering the same thing: I haven't worked in nearly five years(been a stay at home mom), so would I be able to apply now?
Thanks and good luck to you all!
Alyson

[Susan2]

Hi Sparky,
Thanks!!!! You were very helpful, but I think #2
will keep me from getting it. My husband retired from General Motors with over 33 years of work.
He has a good retirement, but.... the dr's bills every month and medicine is outrageous as you well know (don't we all!!!!!)?
I think I am gonna try, doesn't cost to do that . They can say yes or no, don't you think?
Thanks again
Susan