Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 13, 2004, at 22:33:36
In reply to Re: I just hired an advocate for SSDI *rant* » socialdeviantjeff, posted by Phil on February 13, 2004, at 22:05:08
Hi Jeff,
I understand what you're going through. For me, when my p-doc told me that I should apply for SSDI, it was a really tough day. I had been laid off of my previous job almost a year before, and that meant that for a while at least, I had no income whatsoever.
My kids are taken care of, and I can at least keep myself under a roof, and can afford food. On the other hand, I was just told that I can't keep my car. I haven't been able to drive for just about a year anyway, and my oldest daughter will be driving soon so I'm giving it to her.
As far as getting SSDI, it wasn't really that difficult. I called, got an appointment, filled out the forms (state and federal), and was approved.
It seems that approval depends a great deal on your diagnosis and on what the doctors say you are capable of. In my state, most of the forms seem geared toward someone with physical deficits. I answered the questions though with how my illness affects my ability to do the so-called physical things. So, when the question asks if I am able to shop for groceries, I said yes, but that often, I won't return from the store with the items I had intended on purchasing. Their forms aren't geared to my condition, but I want them to have the information.
Good luck on your journey. It's a difficult one, and it really can hurt your pride, but you'll make it.
Dee.
poster:deirdrehbrt
thread:313034
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040209/msgs/313053.html