Did you lose or almost lose everything before benefits came through?
Do you have any supplemental income besides the basic disability income?
I suffer from fibromyalgia and am disabled but not yet declared as such by the government.
2007-12-31 06:37:57 · 23 answers · asked by Southern Comfort 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ People with Disabilities
It took me less than 90 days to be approved. Are you qualified for SSDI or just SSI? SSDI is an entitlement program for people with enough work credits. Your payment is based on your work history and you can make up to around 900 dollars a month and still receive your full amount.
SSI is a welfare based program for people without enough credits. The max payment is 623 a month for 2007 and any other income you or a spouse may have affects the payment.
Here are a few links for you. The first is the "bluebook", in this manual are all of the conditions that SSA considers automatically qualifying. http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm
You have to meet a listing EXACTLY. If your condition isn't listed, you have to prove how your SYMPTOMS keep you from working and caring for yourself. You may also have to meet with Voc Rehab to see if there is other work you may do.
They can also schedule an exam if they need more medical information. The physical exam will measure how well you are able to ambulate unassisted, range of motion and a few other physical things.
Here is a link to how their decision making process: http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify5.htm
Do you have any swelling of your joints or other symptoms of fibro? Without evidence, it will be tough but has been done. Good luck.
2007-12-31 09:02:49 · answer #1 · answered by trrei 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I fought for 10 years and at one point missed a dead line and lost all benefits for SSDI so I am only allowed to draw SSI.
I lost everything(house,land,personal property...) and became so far debt that my credit is gone for good.
I became totally disabled from nerve damage and the loss of muscle tissue and a congenitive birth defect in my hips and knees.My hips did not form all the way and over the years I wore them completely out and with the nerve damage and tissue loss I am unable to use my legs and arms very well.
I wish you the best of luck!
2007-12-31 11:01:56 · answer #2 · answered by Injun 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I was injured on the job 10 years ago, and I still haven't gotten my SSI. I have been receiving disability retirement from my former employer, though. I too suffer from Fibromyalgia, as well as two work related accidents, Diabetes, a car accident and six dried-out discs in my back. I'm getting a lawyer for the SSI. I found out that Fibromyalgia is a recognized disability with Social Security. I did lose practically everything waiting for my retirement to start.
My credit is still bad, however, 10 years later. Get a Lawyer!
2007-12-31 09:03:14 · answer #3 · answered by trenee10 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I just fell apart. My knee went then my leg. I applied for Supplemental and waited 7 months. When I applied for SSDI they told me I would have to be rejected three times before I was allowed to collect. I said fine, can I have that in writing, they asked why, I said because I wanted to have a paper trail when I showed it to Sen. Dan Lundgren. I was approved it two weeks.
2007-12-31 08:27:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
In 2003 I was declared as "disabled" because of the following conditions : Asperger Syndrome, Clinical Depression, Hydrocephalus, and Spina Bifida. Up to then, I've been able to work without much of a problem. And now it seems as though I could be too much of a liability risk to get gainful employment. What this is is a trap I would love very much to get out of.
2007-12-31 07:46:56 · answer #5 · answered by Mike M. 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I suffer from Fibromyalgia too and cannot work. I have not worked in almost a year. They fired me from Walmart because I missed to many days. I applied for disability at the end of September and was denied last week. I am going to get a lawyer and appeal. I was told by a lawyer that I have to get denied before I could get a lawyer so now I am going to appeal. I hope it happens in less than a year. I know what you are going through. Hang in there.
2007-12-31 07:18:29 · answer #6 · answered by Turtle 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I wish there was good news for your case, but it takes a long time. In most cases a year is minimal. I had a friend got his in just 6 months and mine took a year. I applied for it three times before I got it finally and it wasn't retroactive since I just dropped it instead of appealing like I should have each time. I kept doing part time work, lost everything and was homeless when I finally got it. Mine was a brain tumor and my brain surgeon thought I was just fine so I had to get a psychiatric neurologist Dr. to finally get it.
2007-12-31 07:05:45 · answer #7 · answered by Dianne m 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I Got ssi and it took over a year but I just had a health problem, I had a free lawyer. the other ones will take at least 25% of the money, I was denied in the beginning, then had a hearing like 9 months later and got approved. good luck to you.
2007-12-31 06:48:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
When I got it ut three years ago it took about 8 months. but as soon as you start making money immediately report it to them, otherwise you'll be in debt with the gov, report it, ok be honest with them; believe me they will find out, but it all depends on the case I would say 3mos, every case is different
2007-12-31 06:44:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Southern Comfort, I will pray for you !
2007-12-31 06:42:25 · answer #10 · answered by lonewolf 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋