Social Security Intake

[carla_2004]

I wanted to post and get this topic going. :)

Last week, I submitted the initial paperwork for my disabled son's eligibility for SSI. Along with the application, I submitted a dozen or so reports or assessments.

Imagine my surprise when one week later I learn they have decided to provide him "presumptive disability payments." I had never heard of this, so I looked it up at http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.21/handbook-2188.html

This makes me wonder if there is value in providing as much documentary evidence as you can when you apply?

For those who have gone through intake, how long was it until you were declared eligible for payments under any of the the SSA disability programs?

Carla

[ICNDonna]

I'm glad your son's application was successful. Many people with IC are turned down two and even three times.

It can be a wearing process.

Donna

[Dixiefireball]

i was truned down two times then i got an lawyer after i hired a lawyer i was on it in about six mths it still took some time but to me it was wroth it to pay him to get everything i needed for my case since my health wouldnt let me do it for my self.
i'm a little worried i have an review coming up in april i'm waiting for the paper work to come in I don't think i will be truned down because my health really isnt no better i still have those mthly uti's and still flare ups i can keep them under cortrol most of the time but there is no job that will hire me while i'm on strong pain killers and also who wants a person to be out of work at least two weeks out of a mth.
I Really want to go back to work i miss it so much and i do believe it helped my nerves alot to be able to get out and be around people. Hopefully one day a cure will come for IC then i will be able to head back to work but until then im sad to sad to stay i will keep dealing with ic doing research and i'm willing to try rx trails if and when my uro has one to offer.
I"m rambleing again aren't i sorry.

[carla_2004]

Dixie, did it go to hearing or was your case settled without the need for expert witnesses testimony, etc,? I can imagine the stress of it all must have impacted your IC. Also, you aren't rambling, I'm glad to hear the attorney got you what you needed at a time when it was hard to advocate for yourself due to pain and other IC symptoms.

How often do they ask for a review? Also, how often do they ask for an accounting of how the payments were spent?

Thank you, Donna, I am relieved that I won't have a struggle with this agency at least. I just finished a 18 month legal battle with another agency advocating on his behalf- which settled the day before the hearing. The stress of that really did a number on my IC symptoms.

Hugs to you both, Carla

[Sesheta]

I've been on Social Security Disability because of IC for 23 months now. Gosh, I can't remember how long it took before I received my first payment. But my application went through with no problems. I don't know why, but maybe because I have a very good paper trail. And I could document all of the treatments I've tried, doctors I've seen, and the problems I had working.

Now on the 25th month (this May), I will receive Medicare Parts A & B, even though I don't need it financially. My husband has good medical insurance for us through his work. I was real surprised. It just showed up in the mail.

Also, minor children are eligible to receive Social Security Disability and Medicare benefits of their own because of a parent's disability. We received checks for my daughter also, based on my claim. But the catch was that I had to apply for them. No one offered the information. I just like to read alot and discovered the information and application process one day. I don't know why they don't tell you, but they don't. So be sure and apply for each minor child living with you when you apply initially. And don't be surprised if you get different answers from different Social Security people.

I think the strength of my application was that I read all the information first. But I was very surprised that it went through without a hitch. I was prepared for appeals and a battle. I have never been contacted to have a review in 23 months.

Good luck. If I can help, please contact me.

Blessings, Sesheta

[Teri]

Dixie~Once you have been approved for SS, it's up the them to PROVE that you are no longer disabled so don't worry Dixie;) I thought that I would have a heart attack when my first review came up but it was a cake walk. Then, while reading the AARP magazine (for people 50 and older) I read that the burden of proof is on them now and not me.

Hope this makes you feel a tad bit better:blink:

[Dixiefireball]

Teri that does make me feel better!!!!
carla i had to go to see a judge it was very simple it was just me the judge my lawyer and the person who does the quoteing. he has me a few question and that was it.
i didn't have anyone to come in to talk for me because my lawyer already had a rehab person to go over my records and agree that i was totally disable.
see its not only ic that effects my life its been my kidneys and my bladder my whole life. i was born with three kidneys had two surgerys on my bladder before i was a year old then when i was nine i had another surgery i had uti all my life and i do honestly believe that the uti is what caused me to have IC.
Rhonda

[tigger2]

When you are applting for SSI, exactually what paperwork is helpfull to bring in? Did your dr. have to write a letter explaning your disease? Also when you apply for yourself, you can apply for your children also under your disability?

[carla_2004]

Rhonda, it is helpful to hear you share your experience, thank you. I'm actually surprised they fought you on eligibility given your substantial history and documentation. Good for you!! I'm glad you prevailed!

Teri, thanks for the tip on burden of proof on reviews. I've filed that nugget away for when I need it.:blink:

Tigger 20- When I've applied for others (my kids), I brought in the standard SSI application, plus every report or assessment that supported theclaim of disability. They also wanted to see actual bottles of prescribed medications, birth certificate, photo id, and documentation related to the disabled individual's assets.

In your application packet, you sign release of information forms that they send to your doctors to fill out.

You can call the 1-800 number and ask the question related to if your children would receive benefits should you become eligible for SSI.

Advocacy Hint: Before I submitted the forms, I copied everything and began my SSI folder file. I keep everything in a 3 ring binder, organized chronologically. I also keep a communication record of every phone call, letter, or face:face meeting. This will be invaluable in case you ever need to appeal an issue.

Hugs, Carla

[Teri]

great tips carla~I wrote down EVERYTHING. I even went and got all of my medical records from all of my dr's and sent them in myself so that SS couldn't say "the dr hasn't sent the paper work yet." I made copies of every single thing that I sent then and had an SS file drawer that at one time was completely organized, now it's a mess and on my list of things to do:eek: yea, right:p

I made it a mission. I was denied after 90 days and then approved just before the next 90 days was up so I didn't need an attorney. I don't think I would have gotten one anyways cuz I was in such a horrible physical shape that it wouldn't have taken a rocket scientist to see that I was unable to work so why give a quarter of that big check to a lawyer........once I got the first check, at 50 years old, I finally bought my own bedroom furniture for the very first time in my life:D What a treat that was to finally own my own furniture ! My husband and I sleep in seperate bedrooms because of his snoring and restless leg symdrome and me getting up a zillion times a night the only way either of us could sleep was if we moved to seperate rooms so that furniture really meant alot to me.

Now we use it to help pay our $1004 a month blue cross payment.....doesn't come close to covering it but it sure does help:blink:

[Dixiefireball]

here is the phone number to ssd ssi 1-800-772-1213 hope this helps some people