Posted by BarbaraCat on March 21, 2002, at 0:38:23
In reply to Re: Trying a med change, posted by Kar on March 20, 2002, at 23:39:48
Hi Gang,
I'm in the approval process right now for Social Security. My major condition I'm applying for is fibromyalgia, but the fact that I've got 'severe depression' definitely helps and will probably be the main focus of my disability. I'm fully expecting to have to appeal at least twice and from what I've heard, this is one of the very few times that hiring a lawyer is a good thing. Getting one that's savvy on the process saves alot of frustration. They usually get 25-30% of the accrued benefit amount.From the time of applying to the time that you're finally approved it's usually 1 year. Applicants usually are as long as the medical condition is supported by your med records and doctors' reports saying that you can't do 'significant work'. That doesn't mean vegetable, it means you're honestly not able to sustain very much. During the waiting time the monthly benefit amount is accruing and even with the lawyer's 30% fee you can end up with a sizable chunk of money. You can even earn money while on social security and once in the system, it's fairly flexible about going back to work for a 'trial' and then going back on SSI, off and back on, etc.
If you think working is really not possible at this time in your life, then I encourage you to look at this option. Call up your local Social Security office and get the ball rolling. It's a pain in the butt filling out all the forms, but could be a real relief in the long run. - Barbara
poster:BarbaraCat
thread:98599
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020318/msgs/99154.html