I was diagnosed as Bipolar/PTSD 2 years ago. I have gone thru 5 jobs in a year and a half. I applied for SS and was denied. I got a lawyer and appealed that decision. I have a hearing in 2 weeks. They say that a vocational expert will testify. Is she for me, or against me? Also, if I am approved, will my 13 yr old receive benefits? I am really nervous about all of this. I am afraid of going in front of the judge, and I am afraid that I will be denied. It has taken a very long time to get the hearing. I hae no insurance or medicaid so I have not been going to therapy. I see a doctor at the Christian Clinic and he prescribes my meds, but the only therapy they offer is two 15 min sessions a month. I dont even think that is enough tohelp anything. I am really confused right now and need some advice!! Thanks!!
2006-12-03 17:22:19 · 8 answers · asked by andieangel2003 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Getting SSI/SSD is hard for mental disorders. But know this, if you get denied this time, keep reapplying! Keep going to see your doc even if its not the ideal situation. Get as many docs and friends and family on your side and writing on your behalf. Go talk to an SSI/SSD lawyer. Many work pro bono. But keep trying! If you get denied this first time, but later get awarded disability.the payments are RETROACTIVE from your FIRST application (meaning now). For the sake of argument, you apply now and have to reapply for the next ten years but are finally accepted, your first payment will have 10 yrs retro pay attached. Your child will receive a monthly payment of half of what you would earn. But get a lawyer to help you work this out if you haven't already! You would also receive medicaid if approved. You need to find out as soon as you can the doctors in your area who will accept medicaid patients. It can be very hard sometimes to get the treatment you need. Or at least in a timely manner. Medicaid is known for being VERY slow on paying the docs, so they don't like to accept it.
2006-12-03 17:37:48 · answer #1 · answered by nunciata22 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel ya!! Sometimes it does take a lot of time to be considered "disabled". Getting an attorney was the best thing you could do if you are going to have a chance of winning your case. If you have to appear before the judge, what will happen is, he will hear your case (mental health records ect. vocational, education). They may have a Doctor not associated with your case to review it. Each person will submit evidence in your behalf. Your education level is important(the more education the more difficult it is to get SSI), Mental health records, physical health..several people will sit together with your attorney and you while the judge hears your case. They may ask you questions also. No your child cannot receive these benefits but can be put on the Welfare system due to your income (if you are on SSI). If your attorney took your case then there is a better chance of you getting your disability. you will receive back pay from the date you filed (no more than 2 years). Good Luck to you!!
2006-12-04 04:16:52 · answer #2 · answered by tamara.knsley@sbcglobal.net 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After reading the answers that you have gotten, It tickles me that you can get such conflicting results. I was denied the first time, too. I let the appeal time run out, before deciding to try again, so when I did get my SS disability my back pay went back only to the second time I applied.
I, too, had no insurance, so went to a Behavioral Health care facility, that was based on income, and since I had none, I received care free. It was one of the best things I ever did, as far as helping out for getting my SS, and SSI. I also was given a "targeted Case Manager". Her job was to see to it that I knew of all programs that were available to me. She was the one who convinced me to re-apply for SS and SSI and Medicaid. She actually filled out the paperwork for me, of course I had to give her the answers. I got it that time, without a lawyer. So, the moral to the story is check out all programs who's job it is to help you.
A friend of mine had a vocational expert to testify at her hearing, and she had never even met the guy. But he was someone who her lawyer called in. He testified in her behalf, and a certain amount of her money went to pay him.
Now, about your 13 year old. I don't know what your situation is, but if you have custody, someone should be paying child support. SS will not pay. If it is you who pays child support, then yes, that will be taken over by SS.
Have you applied for Medicaid. Sounds like you should, and you should qualify, if your resources are not too much. That is something else that you will have to learn about.
There are a lot of rules and regulations, but be sure of one thing, the only person who can answer your questions for a certainty is your attorney. That is what you are paying him for, so don't be afraid to ask him anything you need to know.
2006-12-05 01:43:23 · answer #3 · answered by charlies mom 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm actually a little behind you in the process. I am filling out my forms for denial and trying to find legal help.
Unless you or your lawyer requested the vocational expert, the "expert" is most likely against you.
I'm not sure how it works for your 13yo child. I believe they will receive some healthcare, etc., but you will have to double check that.
I hope your hearing goes well. If it does not, you might try something like E-bay as a source of income. If you just can't get out of bed for a couple days each week, you don't get fired! I think they even have some ways to get benefits if you meet certain criteria.
God bless you and your family.
2006-12-04 01:37:43 · answer #4 · answered by Serving Jesus 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The vocational expert is there to decide if you are capable of holding a job, too what percentage you can work in a day & week etc. or if able to work at all. Yes your child will recieve benefits until the age of 18.
2006-12-04 01:31:27 · answer #5 · answered by flowerchild 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry that you are going through this at this time. Bipolar is a very difficult condition to have. With therapy and medication I am sure that you can have a happy and productive life. Many people who have Bipolar and PTSD have done so and have jobs with numerous amounts of responsibility. An examply is a former Senator from Missouri Thomas Eagleton.
2006-12-04 01:28:40 · answer #6 · answered by nurse curtis 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the expert is there to give their judgement on whether or not you are capable of being in the work environment and if you are truly disabled. you dont actually speak to the judge, your lawyer and the experts do all that. at the end of your hearing the judge will give his decision. and to get ssd you have to have so many hours of work experience, if you get ssd your child will also get a check. if you only get ssi your child also has to be disabled to recieve benefits.
2006-12-04 02:32:00 · answer #7 · answered by mrsmohio 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This might be helpful
http://sensitive-psychoworld.blogspot.com/
2006-12-04 10:31:43 · answer #8 · answered by LIz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋