Well my disability claim was denied

[mvd]

For my SSDI claim, they said I did not provide enough evidence that I was legally disabled before age 22.

For my SSI claim, they focused on my hearing and said while my condition is severe, it is not severe enough to prevent some work.

I disagree strongly on both points. I want to appeal. Should I get a disability attorney right away? Can they be low cost or free? I am supposed to appeal within 60 days.

Very disappointing but not surprising. I know many people have to apply many times before it being granted.

[Karadeniz]

1. I'm so sorry. I hope you get some replies as to an attorney. When my husband got leukemia and

Became disabled, his cancer doctor's office was the major communicator with the disability people. If one has become disabled, one probably doesn't have the energy or brain power to tackle this issue alone. We were super lucky to have had support. Everyone needs an advocate to get through this process.

[mvd]

2. Thank you

Yes it will take strength but I feel I can win if I keep this up. I could get more medical testing about my autism because apparently they didn’t see enough. That would qualify me as being disabled before age 22.

[XanaDUer2]

42. My lawyer's been a blessing nt

[Corgigal]

3. Yes,

get an attorney. They will take a fee out of your back pay. Find someone who’s been doing it for awhile.

[mvd]

4. Thanks

From looking it up, it thankfully appears they won’t demand upfront payment

[Corgigal]

24. Maybe I shouldnt post this, but

make sure you get someone who’s been doing it for a long time. It’s was my attorney secretary who got the judge to sign off. Because the judge knew what type of clients our attorney took on.
Good luck, be picky..and take the time to meet each other. Hopefully, you will never have to appear in court. Probably won’t even need to worry about it.

[blueinredohio]

6. Yes, my sister had to hire a lawyer to get hers.

He took 30% of her back pay settlement but she said it was well worth it.

[rsdsharp]

5. They will routinely deny the initial application. My mother was

paralyzed from the waist down. Nope, not disabled.

[mvd]

10. So sorry. That shows how callous they are

My ear doctor said my results were like being legally deaf, but no, not severe enough for them.

[rsdsharp]

16. She got it the second time, so no worries.

[SheltieLover]

7. Most people have to appeal.

Get an attorney who specializes in this!

I believe they work on a contingency, taking a % of your back pay.

[mvd]

11. Will do!

Thanks, SheltieLover.

[SheltieLover]

12. Yw!

I was helping a young resident of red shithole TN to apply & was told most must appeal 6 or 7 timed before approved.

Stick with it!

[TexasBushwhacker]

13. Yes, the amount they can take is regulated by law

30% of your back pay. If there's no back pay, you don't owe them a dime.

[SheltieLover]

17. And they won't usualluy take a case they don't think they can win.

Ask atty what their win % is.

[mvd]

33. For the hearing I have good evidence that maybe..

would be looked at differently with new people. For the autism, I haven’t taken a test but have had doctors say I have it. But not all autistic people get tested. Guess I might have to be.

[demtenjeep]

66. not trying to be personal-but what does your austism limit you from doing

and what can you do?


I have taught hundreds of kids with Autism and each case is different so if you told us what adaptations you had to do to work with your Autism maybe we can get more of an idea re-jobs

[demtenjeep]

81. ?

Last edited Wed Sep 7, 2022, 08:17 PM - Edit history (1)

did you go to school?

Did you have an IEP?


What adaptations were made in your classroom?


Were you in an AA/MA room?

[Grasswire2]

8. When my daughter's claim was denied many years ago, we went to our U.S. Senator.

All it took was a letter to him.

And then it was approved.

Note, though, he's a Dem.

[mvd]

9. I have one Dem Senator - will be 2 when Fetterman is elected

So that route could be tried. Thanks

[multigraincracker]

14. I have found it best to

get the best attorney you can afford. In my case it saved me way more than what I spent on a great attorney.

[irisblue]

15. Lawyer up

[SheltieLover]

18. Get all your paperwork organized

Walk attorney through it chronologically.

KEEP ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS!

If you can, make a copy of everything before meeting with attorney.

Hand her or him their copy to look at while you go through it page by page.

😉

[2naSalit]

19. IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST DENIAL...

Immediately request a medical review and release all medical documents to the reviewers. It has to be different people looking at it than the ones who denied you. If it's not the first denial, get a navigator or an attorney, they don't get paid until you win and they'll take a portion of your initial payment.

[mvd]

20. Yep, first denial

The full medical records were not released and they all should be when I appeal. Thanks all - I knew DUers would know what to do.

[2naSalit]

21. I had an advocate...

Who guided me through the process, including the interviews. So once you send that off, do it right away, it will take no less than six months. If they deny you after that, you should get an attorney. Attorneys don't want to deal with a case until it's ready.

[JuJuChen]

22. I'm sorry for that and I hope you get redemption sir

[RobinA]

23. Get A Lawyer

as soon as possible. In the meantime, start the appeal process and follow each instruction to.the.letter. That way you won't blow any appeal dates before the lawyer is on board.

And let me just add, the guy who gets SSI quickly and on the first try is NOT a guy you want to be!

[UTUSN]

25. Appeal

[womanofthehills]

26. Never stop appealing even if a judge rejects you - because if you finally win you will get

Back money. I read that it’s getting harder to get because of so many people with long Covid applying.


Covid long-haulers face grueling fights for disability benefits
Patients and doctors say safety net is unprepared for novel claims stemming from the pandemic

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/03/08/long-covid-disability-benefits/

[XanaDUer2]

28. I was wondering about long-covid cases nt

[mvd]

29. I'm pretty depressed about this even though I knew..

probability of denial was high. I spent almost a year on this claim. My hearing is almost non existent without hearing aids. Even people here can probably tell I am different and that is because of my autism.

I am reduced to the idea of allowing my friend to rent my garage. Very hard times. I want to put the GoFundMe up but not if it causes more drama and stress for me.

[ForgedCrank]

30. You know,

you can make about 15 bucks an hour at pretty much any fast food joint and they very commonly hire people with disabilities. Hearing loss shouldn't be a roadblock at all.

[mvd]

31. It IS

Try saying “what” to virtually everything. There is a reason it is listed.

[ForgedCrank]

32. Huh?

Why would I say what? I don't understand.

[mvd]

34. Trying as hard as I can to find solutions to our problems

I want to bring that GoFundMe back but I am afraid there will just be more trouble.

[ForgedCrank]

36. How many

jobs have you applied for so far?
There are plenty of places who will work with you.
I work with some blind folks and assist them with things like shopping, etc, and 2 of them work part time jobs. They aren't making 100K a year, but they are doing pretty decent and getting along.
Have you given it a try? Many of these places are very accommodating.

[Treefrog]

37. I'm going to guess a job isn't what this poster is looking

for...just a hunch.

[ForgedCrank]

38. Success can only

be achieved after a person moves away from finding all the excuses as to why they can't do something and then begins listing out all the potential ways that they can. Of course this also requires actually doing those things.
I enjoy helping people turn that corner whenever I can.

[Treefrog]

39. And I applaud that.

I just think this person isn't interested in running out of excuses.

[moonscape]

72. This. Without disrespect and appreciation

for what disability means in one’s life. I don’t have the secret formula for how one gets a surge of motivation and determination. It’s some sort of magic and I’m so grateful it happened to me.

I was on forearm crutches for a few years due to cancer, tumor breaking my fibula, nerve damage from plates and bolts to repair. Arthritis, spine issues and fibro conspired to defeat me but only temporarily. Spring 2021 I could not walk 2 blocks due to pain and fatigue. Something clicked and I said enough! I’ll be in a wheelchair if I don’t take action.

Today at almost 72, on chemo, I can hike 12 miles with elevation and hike 3 days/wk. Working on my goal to hike back up on Mt LeConte in the Smokies which I did with my family when I was 5 yo. It has been a remarkable journey (spinal epidurals, tons of physical therapy, and more) showing me what we, and our bodies, can be capable of. That said, I lucked out. The time and opportunity have to be right, motivation has a mind of its own, and we have to want it badly enough. I’m not critical of those who feel emotionally defeated because I’ve been in that place. That is its own disability and I get it.

[XanaDUer2]

87. Disability has upended my life

Glad you got a surge of power!

[demtenjeep]

64. no

you don't

[demtenjeep]

82. GO GET A JOB

like the rest of us




I poop 25 times a day but I still work



You can do SOMETHING

[mvd]

83. ???

I am not having this thread devolve into petty arguments. Unbelievable. I will make my own choices.

[demtenjeep]

85. no one is making petty arguments

we are not going to let you USE people anymore

[demtenjeep]

91. your own choices do NOT include

begging more money from us

[Thtwudbeme]

95. I think you are underestimating some of the angst your last thread caused

There are DUers on here that have far less than you that are struggling. Many of us- myself included- are working horrible jobs because we are close to retirement and can't afford to move around professionally any longer.

In the past 10 months, you wracked up over 10 grand with Gofundmes on DU; when the math was done, people were upset. These are folks worried their cars are going to break down, prices at the grocery store etc. Yet you make statements about "I just don't want to use a food pantry."

It's not a good look, mvd--- it's not helping garner sympathy.

[kairos12]

35. Almost everyone gets denied the first time.

If you are able, get an attorney experience in disability law.

Best to you.

[mvd]

40. Thanks!

Already have some names..

[mvd]

41. Really in my worst situation yet

Except for the hope with appealing, I don’t know what to do right now.

[XanaDUer2]

43. Do you have hearing aids?

Does your city/ county have training/ job placement for the disabled? Some places get tax breaks for hiring disabled people. Going every month on Go Fund Me is unsustainable.

Renting out rooms may be viable, if you have them.

[mvd]

44. I do have hearing aids

I wouldn’t hear much of anything without them. But they aren’t supposed to count for disability.

The only way I would bring the GoFundMe up is an emergency (which it is) and after I have tried everything (still making sure of that.)

I hope my friend rents out the garage. It is a nice sized garage.

[XanaDUer2]

45. I know it's a shock to the system to go from a comfortable

Middle-class lifestyle, but thats over now. If you only have 2 bedrooms, rent the other out, too.

I'm lucky I've never lived a middle-class lifestyle, even when working.

They're going to say you can work with accommodation and aids. Whatever they can. I'm into year 2 with this.

[mvd]

46. We still need to make things more livable to rent out

Can’t afford that much either. :/

They didn’t mention hearing aids in the denial. They said my hearing loss isn’t severe enough, which isn’t true IMO. My hearing aids are old and starting to malfunction.

It is a big shock. Hopefully people still care because our situation is very hard. I am very scared.

[ForgedCrank]

47. It's not simply

a matter of if people care or not. DU members has proven over the past year through your many gofundme promotions that they care about others, but you are asking a lot of people, and some of those have very little to give, so it's time to be frank and address it rather than ignore the posts asking you about it.
I think you are at that point now where you are going to have to address the elephant in the room if you are going to ask DU'ers for more free money. I don't speak for anyone but myself, but I don't believe this is an unpopular thought that I have going on here.

Why is it that you can't get at least a part time job to help your situation? Better yet, what are the reasons you CAN go get a job? There are plenty out there and willing employers.
I've seen people with pretty serious disabilities working for their money. You appear to have acceptable communication skills, you can navigate the doctor, the disability interviews, etc, and you can communicate pretty well with your posts. You can hear well enough to speak on the phone, communicate with the Uber drivers etc, so what is the obstacle for you and how can you work on that?

You're going to have to get brutally honest with yourself and act accordingly at this point. Every day that you put it off makes your situation more serious, and more difficult to correct, and charity from gofundme drives is not going to fix it. Neither is waiting years for a disability claim to finally be approved, if ever.
Talk to us about this, we are here to help, not just to be critical just for the fun of it, because this isn't fun at all. I'm trying to help you, but you have to be willing first, and you have to be able to make changes that you are obviously very resistant to making. Want is no longer an option for you, you have to for the sake of yourself AND your mother.

[mvd]

48. Friend might have use for garage storage when he moves out..

of his former fiancé’s place on October 1. But no interest now. I need to do something now.

[XanaDUer2]

49. What'll happen if you no longer get GFM money?

Have you considered that? This is why you need a more-reliable stream of money.

[mvd]

51. That's why I haven't brought the GFM back yet

I keep trying for a way out of this without it. I know I will need a plan anyway.

[XanaDUer2]

52. Per suggestions

On your other threads, are you getting free or low-cost rides and other help? Did you meet with a social worker? Food pantries? I think others would be more generous if they see some proactive movement on your part.

[mvd]

53. Looking for rides

But haven’t seen any for Medicare yet. Still looking. Thinking about food pantries but want to avoid if possible. Social worker is in our plans, too.

[XanaDUer2]

54. The DAY OF my 1st SSDI turndown, I was on the phone

To my disability lawyer, and faxed them the letter. I didn't have future plans to do so. You have hard choices to make: meet with an attorney and see what the path forward would be for your case. If they accept you, you can make some game plans vis a vis that direction.

Or, since you're in dire straights, consider a job. Your county seems resource rich, unlike the purple-to-red state I'm in. But you need to be unable to work for ssdi. Not sure if a PT job is viable once you get it. Those questions are for attorneys.

You need to hook up with an advocate/social worker to see, if you must get a job, they can even place you so you don't have the hard work of job-searching. Why is a social worker still a plan?

A plan for today, I hope.

[mvd]

55. I've contacted a social worker in Collegeville

Had to deal with mom in hospital 3 times and she does like a psychiatrist but paying her may be an issue. The social worker is supposed to come next week. I understand jobs but want to get through this month’s emergency. I have never worked and that is for a reason. But keeping everything as options - have to.

[XanaDUer2]

56. Also find out what you'll get on SSDI monthly

So you have some idea how to budget if you get it.

There should be a back payment.

[mvd]

57. Will do

I appreciate your suggestions. They have already helped and if I wasn’t in this emergency I think I would be on a better path already.

[XanaDUer2]

67. Whats happening this month?

Why does whatever is happening monthly keep happening? As someone mentioned, it's time to take a hard look at expenses and re-tool. If you need food, don't be too proud and avoid pantries? Isn't that better than running up this "Instacart" thing you talk about?

Try to find how to cut back. I mean, it appears to be paramount that you bring superfluous expenses down. When you're in a hole, stop digging yourself deeper. I've never Ubered, but it doesn't sound cheap.

Do you understand what some of us are talking about? The money is just not there.

[mvd]

68. It goes so quickly

I wish it was so easy. I have been finding some ways to cut back. I need to get out of this overdraft cycle. I am in such a hole right now though that I need some help right away.

Just so frustrating to be basically poverty level.

I was always good at not judging others but after going through this I know exactly how people feel.

[XanaDUer2]

70. Can your lawyer offer any advice?

Anything? I agree the overdrafts are killing you financially.

[mvd]

78. Yes, he probably has a recommended disability lawyer

And he can help us go bankrupt if needed. He is still holding off the mortgage company but that won’t be forever.

[demtenjeep]

65. Thinking about food pantries but want to avoid if possible.

but you have no problem asking strangers for money?


why avoid food pantries? If I needed food, there would not be hesitation

[mvd]

69. If the friend wants to help, why not?

I know I would help without hesitation if I had the money. Food pantries are a great service. But trying not to make them my first choice.

[XanaDUer2]

71. I would train myself

To getting in the habit of using food pantries. Many are organized and look like utilitarian grocery stores. What if your friend can't keep helping? At least you have a back-up plan for food.

If rides are an issue, contact a place of worship and see if they have parishioners who can drive you. Lots of retired people willing to help. Did you explore a meals-on-wheels service yet? Then your mother is getting one nutritious meal a day delivered, so no need to Uber.

As for paying a psychiatrist, your mother must have Medicare. Mine accepts Medicare assignment. She may have to switch to one who accepts Medicare, but then we get into the concept of needs vs wants. I think you and your mother are in the needs category at this point

[mvd]

73. St Vincent de Paul gave rides before

They are a hope. The resources were great but I think the charities may be my best chance.

Right now we have NO money so that is the problem with the psychiatrist. Should hopefully be better soon.

Something needs done immediately but rest assured we are on the right track. We’re getting the house back for sale and applied for a waiting list.

[mvd]

77. And if I bring back the GoFundMe, I will feel better about it this time

I wish I didn’t have to do it but I do have a list of things I have done. Again I do not care about what others do but I completely understand trying to make things better.

[Thtwudbeme]

74. I think people have been trying to gently tell you that you are out

of choices. I realize it sucks, but we are all one illness or accident away from using food pantries.

You needed to be signing up for every service you can get: food pantries, rides, seeing if you can get a job through social services-

You should have been doing this for the past month.

[mvd]

75. And I have been

Other things happen so just not all at once. I do still have choices. Just need to make the right ones.

[Thtwudbeme]

76. I am sorry- I don't think you are going to get too many more donations on DU.

I really don't, mvd. I am sorry- but- upthread you stated that you do not want to use a food pantry.

If I have been reading your threads and gofundme's correctly- your water and power will be shut off soon. That was not worth an uber trip to the grocery store.

You also wrote that "you wonder if people still care." If DUers didn't care, they would not have offered you all the suggestions they have. Sometimes "caring" means "no more money."

You are very young (compared to me)- I had a tough row to hoe in my forties too. You CAN do this. Getting a job will be hard, but you can do it.

[XanaDUer2]

79. But when will you?

You'll need more money next month. Of course DUers "care" you've gotten 10k here!

[BlackSkimmer]

80. Great question.

These threads are getting to be kind of predictable, ya know?

[demtenjeep]

88. if I am remembering right-it is the 7th

I seem to remember the 7th is the day the other thread started

[BlackSkimmer]

93. Hey, good catch!

Hmm.

[demtenjeep]

94. he will go scurry off

and bump this thread between 6-7 tomorrow AM

[Emile]

50. Everyone I know who tried to get SS Disability had

lost their first claim. Many didn't get it until the third attempt. You definitely need a lawyer to help you to have any chance St all.

[Kaleva]

58. Mine was approved on the 1st time 3 months after I applied

The letter I got said I had qualified for SSDI 2 years before I applied but law only allowed back pay benefits up to 12 months of submitting my claim.

Having an extensive, well documented medical history going back years most likely was the key in my favor.

[XanaDUer2]

59. How long did it take to get on Medicare?

My understanding is 2 yrs, which is ridiculous.

How did you handle having health insurance?

Tia

[Kaleva]

60. I couldn't work much in the years prior to being on SSDI so I qualified for VA care

I was a vet and my low income qualified me for the VA.

[XanaDUer2]

61. Thank you

I worry about lapsing on my insurance once I win my ssdi

[Kaleva]

62. If your sole income is SSDI, you might qualify for Medicaid

at least until Medicare kicks in.

[XanaDUer2]

63. I'll explore that

Thank you

[mvd]

86. Worth it

I like the way the thread looks now more because I don’t have time for the same arguments. At least you and others here care.

[demtenjeep]

89. it is disingenuous to imply that people don't care because we question you

your cavalier attitude about if people want to give you money why turn it down is horrid.


we asked you about what your autism keeps you from doing?

we were trying to help you think of jobs.


what we WILL NOT do is let you grift another dime here because NOTHING has changed

[XanaDUer2]

90. The quickest way to get a money stream

Outside of another GFM, is a job. Of course, consult an SSDI lawyer, but waiting for disability money is like waiting for Godot.

Of course, a GFM is the quickest, easiest, passive way to wrack money up.

[demtenjeep]

92. but that isn't gonna happen this time

10 grand is enough

[BlackSkimmer]

96. Funny, ain't it?

[Thtwudbeme]

97. Sad. I see a lot of GFMs that make me feel crappy- the worst are for

funerals.

It's the new "private welfare," and GFM is getting rich off it.

[BlackSkimmer]

98. Wow.

Well spotted.

The internet is a grift bonanza.

[Thtwudbeme]

99. It really is- we don't know who is behind the GFM's we donate to

Last edited Thu Sep 8, 2022, 04:31 AM - Edit history (1)

Many times, especially here on DU, they tug on our heartstrings. I think Dems feel like they SHOULD be giving, and so they do.

I mean- we don't know mvd personally- I can make up stories in my mind (and I won't indulge them here)- but what he is writing COULD be and might be true.

Then again, he has shared his full name with us, and some of his background....so I know his father was a well educated man that worked for the government...and I wonder why there is no pension? Why would a man of that intelligence buy a home that he knew his wife and disabled son would not be able to afford after his years long battle with cancer? Why didn't he leave an insurance policy? IF as mvd claims, why didn't his parents have him declared disabled two decades ago? mvd is obviously educated, obviously was upper middle class and clearly writes well. He would have done very well in jobs such as copywriting, content creation, or technical writing.

I will never know the answers to any of these questions. However, I DO know that it appears that he is addicted to the easy peasy money of GFM, and people usually don't attempt to stop their addictions until they are at rock bottom.

It's a rabbit hole of thought and a commentary on who we are as a country, and who we are as an online country.

[XanaDUer2]

100. It's a mystery

And it's always best to live within your means, just in case everything goes South.

[Thtwudbeme]

101. Yep. We are two years away from being able to live, eat and pay for insurance

until SS kicks in.

And I am terrified that something is going to screw that up. One car accident, one bad medical diagnosis. We need to make it for 24 months.

I'll NEVER pretend in the US that I am somehow "better" than others just because we are able to live on one salary right now.

[XanaDUer2]

102. I'm the same way

I had a Pap smear, and it was fine, thank God, but all I could think of was, oh bad diagnosis...whole world can come apart...car was acting up...fear of a big bill...as you know, we don't earn a lot. I don't live in a nice home. Never had a new car. No fancy vacations for us. I cannot imagine spending money on expensive things like Uber... I'd be in a food pantry if I had no food, we're not proud. Mind bending.

I considered myself upper working class

[Thtwudbeme]

103. Yep. I would be at a food pantry so fast, it would make your head swim

I hate to sound like a prepper, but I constantly have a "contingency plan" at this point. Life is the US is uncertain and scary- the only way to "beat the system" is to have several million in the bank.

We sure won't be on "Easy Street" in two years, but we WILL be able to make it til SS kicks in. I keep my short term and long term disability payments up- they come right out of my paycheck. My car is 15 next year- and I have every intention of driving it to the ground.

[mvd]

104. Thanks, all

Mom contacted her lawyer for names and they gave her one. Her lawyer can’t do it as it is not in his areas of practice.

Still waiting until the very last minute to ask for more GoFundMe help. I do want to get out of this myself.

[XanaDUer2]

105. Cannot do what?

A disability case?

[mvd]

106. Right, disability isn't one of his areas of practice

He does foreclosure/debt defense and bankruptcy.