Applying for Disability - Tips Needed

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I hope I am putting this post under the correct topic, please let me know if I made a mistake.

I have submitted two long-term disability claims on MetLife policies from my employer. I would like to chat with anyone who has gone through the process (Please feel free to e-mail me privately or on the forum). I need any tips or words of wisdom from those of you who have filed a disability claim.

I am thankful to have the coverage, but it is shocking to have to be applying for it. The process of long forms, doctor visits for completion of forms, and gathering medical information is taxing while being sick and sitting being torture. Just summarizing all of the doctor visits and medical procedures is quite a disappointing flash back experience.

Also, I am also applying for Social Security Disability at a federal government office. This is a process, which can take 6-24 months, so if anyone is considering applying it is best to do so ASAP.

Thank you,
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[Julie Smith]

I was diagnosed in Feb. and have been told I should apply for SSDisability. I have the forms and know I should complete but I guess I keep hoping I'll wake up and be fine! Well, anyway, I've tried returning to work several times without sucess. Sitting is torture, frequent bathroom and moderate to severe pain daily. Best position is lying down. So, I guess I'll complete, even though a pain and get process started. I spoke to an attorney and am thinking of letting him handle for me. I am having a difficult enought time as it is.

Anyone's history with SSDis. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much. banghead banghead toilet

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Julie,

I am new to the disability application process as you can see from my above post. I have called and spoken with several government agency and even a case worker. I have been sick for several years, but not totally disababled until this past May. The government employees have told me I should have applied for benefits years ago because the process takes so long.

Also, not everyone who applies for disability gets a lawyer. The ICN sells a book on the subject and also a disability packet. I have found it to be very helpful.

Best Wishes,
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[pmooring]

disability

Hello, This is my first ever reply on this site, I have been on here for about 6 months, and recieved so much helpful information. I was diadnosed with IC in Aug. 06. I have had problems really all of my life, 45 years old. I had reinplanted ureters at age 4, so i was a chronic case of kidney and bladder infections. I have had in all 23 hernia repairs and have alot of wire mesh in my tummy. Total hysterectomy in 86, and 2 c-sections, 81 and 83.
I have fortunately worked until Aug. 06 and life as I knew it exists no longer. I went on sick leave at my job, and was told by my uro that i probably wasn't going to go back. I was just approved for my disabilty through my insurance after a 3w month wait. I applied for SS disability in Sept. 06 and have had 2 denials. It is currently with an attorney waiting for my appeal with a judge. They are telling me it could be 18-24 months for that determination. i have found that I have had to do most of the faxing medical records and phone calls. I just want to say thank you all so much for the love and caring that is shared through all of the ic users. I am a great believer in prayer and miracles, and I know that I couldn't go on with this from day to day without my Lord and Savior and A wonderful husband.:

[Bessie]

I am sorry you have been through all of that. I am amazed that you worked through it all.

I would like to say to this board and know that you have lots of people here that care.

I also share your love for the Lord and I know he is the greatest physician and healer.

I will say a few prayers that you will get your disablity situation worked out

[tabasco32]

i am appling for food stamps. I don't care. my mom can't afford to buy special food for me all the time. I eat mostly organic. I don't work due to my chronic diseasisis. I live with my mom and her husband but he barely works. she is just a nurse practitioner. so if i get food stamps i will buy my moms food at the regular grocery store with stamps and she can buy mime. instead of buying hers and mine. I think that the government should help us sick people more that the ones just being lazy and healthy and just not wanting to work. I don't think that is right at all.

[pmooring]

Hope it works for you

I really wish you luck with your food stamps. I agree that the government should help with sick people alot more than they do. Diet foods are very expensive.
Trust in the Lord,,,,,

[NewtoIC2012]

get ahold of your state reps. I live in IL I have spoke with Dale Righters office for help with a medical card as I have NO insurance and otherwise do not qualify for medicade and to Tim Johnsons office for social security. They are going to red flag each put their name on them and push them through as quickly as possible. I hope this helps you.

[landor]

Amen Tabasco... I get tired of working and paying taxes so the losers can benefit. Now that I am in a situation where I need help, the government laughs at me. My husband makes just over the poverty limit so we cant get food stamps. I have talked to attorneys about getring SSI disability and they said the government will laugh at me again. They wont even take my case since they dont think I am a candidate for SSI.
Funny that my pain is so severe that I cant function at all anymore. Maybe I need to get some other less debilitating diseases so I can get on SSI.

[Tectonic]

get ahold of your state reps. I live in IL I have spoke with Dale Righters office for help with a medical card as I have NO insurance and otherwise do not qualify for medicade and to Tim Johnsons office for social security. They are going to red flag each put their name on them and push them through as quickly as possible. I hope this helps you.

I also live in Illinois and am concerned about what I can do if/when I lose my job & insurance or I can no longer work. Please tell me how you went about this and if it bore any fruit for you.

[NewtoIC2012]

I am still trying and waiting. I just got ahold of my new state rep. Monday, as the other retired, and sent me a letter to get a hold of the guy taking over and ask them to put a congressional flag on my file and I was told that the message would be passed to the right person. You need to find out what district you live in and get ahold of your state rep. for your district. If you have kids still living in the house you can probably get a medical card and if you have a catholic Charities get ahold of them they help with medicines if you qualify. Most hospitals have a hardship program. 80% of my bills are covered which helps quite a bit I just have to have my $25 copay each time I go in to see specialist and $15 for my primary. Just have to redo every year. Sometimes township helps with these things and Salvation Army helps some too, I don't know if different areas do more then others, Ours is $100 worth of medicines every 6 months. I'm having surgery in Feb. finally. They are doing a hysterectomy, putting in a mesh bridge to try and help with my severe incontinence and the Dr. talked about in the future a possible interstim to help with the severe overactive bladder. My daughter and her family have moved in with us to help us financially and to help me keep up with the house, Right now we're living on my husbands unemployment and having a very hard time. I have been told by two lawyers that the only way I qualify for SSI is to divorce my husband because I haven't worked enough and don't have enough points and that when my husband does work which is seasonal he makes to much money, so I'm not sure what the congressional flag thing does to help but I hope its enough. I just keeping praying and having Faith in the Lord. I know in his time not in ours and I know he will not let me down. Just not sure what his plans are. I just hope mine are in line with his.