I am 32 years old. I never in a million years thought that I would ever apply for disability. I thought disability was for… well, I don’t know who I thought it was for. I’d never really thought about it at all to be honest.
It was a huge blow to my ego last year when I had to admit that I was not capable of having any sort of job. I had been struggling through graphic design school for a year. I loved my classes but I would go home and sleep for three hours every afternoon. In April 2009 I had to quit my part time job and drop out of school. It was too much. My cognitive function was shot!
In June I applied for disability. In September I got the notification that my claim had be denied. While getting my appeal together, I learned that besides Federal Disability (SSI) there was also State Disability.
I had no idea. Like I said, I’m 32 and had never given disability a thought. It’s not like there is some nice, friendly person there to help you and answer all your questions when it comes to this. I guess you could hire a lawyer, but I didn’t know where to find one and I didn’t have any money to pay for one either.
So I appealed the Federal claim denial, and I filled out the forms for State Disability. I have heard that State Disability is much easier to get.
Well, the paperwork for State Disability certainly was a whole lot easier! Of course, I had missed the deadline by like four months. So, they denied me too. They sent a second denial notification. Then they sent a check? Followed by another denial. Yes, I am confused too.
As for the Federal claim, they sent me the same questioner that I filled out back in June. It asks all about my day to day function and what I do with myself. Do I remember to shower and eat?
I’ll fill it out again, send it in and hope for a miracle.
It seems so unfair that we have to fight so hard to prove that we are sick. I’m not sure what it is they need to hear to believe we are unable to work. In June all of my doctors from the previous year were required to send in my records to SSI. That was one Naturopath, one Psychotherapist, two Medical Doctors and one Chiropractor. They all stated that I was currently unable to work due to my illness.
If you are also going through this process, you are probably as sick of the game as I am. I’ve been told to expect to be denied two and more likely three times before getting approved. Honestly, I will be healthy enough to work by then!
If you are just starting the disability nightmare, I mean process, don’t be discouraged by what I’m saying here. Yes, I am frustrated, but I was told from the beginning to expect it to be like this. I accept it for what it is and I just keep filling our the paperwork.
My tips-
- Apply for state and federal disability.
- Find out about disability lawyers if you can.
- Keep reapplying, the claim is retroactive.
- When you go to the state Doctors, drop the I can manage act, show them what you are really going through.
- AND for federal claims make sure your doctor states that you will be unable to work for at least 12 months. This is a requirement for federal disability.
I was concerned about my doctor using Lyme as a diagnosis for my disability claim. He told me, in his experience, using Lyme for disability claims is OK, it is insurance claims that can be a problem. I’m curious if others have found this to be the case.
If you have been through this process and you have some tips or information for the rest of us, please share by leaving a comment. (If your response includes a link it will not appear until it has been approved)
