Posted by Phil on December 29, 2012, at 13:36:44
In reply to Disability, posted by brynb on December 29, 2012, at 10:59:00
***I was approved for SSDI several months back. I had been laid off from a job 1.5 years before that. I used a high profile law firm and we filed from my first day of unemployment.
When approved I received $17,000 in back pay and the lawyer got $5600. There's a set fee that they can take(6000?)and they don't get paid unless you win. One of the legal secretaries flat out told me that they will embellish to win. lol I would deal with a firm that specializes in disability but again, you might save 6 grand and get approved on your own. Just know that the second time is harder(you must get a lawyer on the second try). If both fail you go before a judge and his ruling could take 6 months.
I used a lawyer because they can up your chances of approval first time out but I've know many people that won without an attorney.
And, even though I truly plan on devoting this time off to attending to my mental well-being, perhaps I can take a low-pressure, off the books part-time gig to fill-up any idle time.***On disability you can still earn $800 or so a month but I haven't looked into it for myself. But yes, low stress is #1. Under the table $$$ is a good option.
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> Some additional questions: do the disability laws vary from state to state? Do I need a lawyer to begin this process (and to better my chances at getting approved)? Where do I start?***To start, if you decide to file on your own, go to ssdi website and start typing. You will probably want to collect records etc first.
***I know that some facets of the program differ by state but I really didn't pay too much attention to other states. I have a friend on SSI and SSDI in Cali and things are different on SSI for sure.
***Start with reading on the SS website and forums. It's mind boggling at first especially when you have a disability.
Again, a lawyer can help but what really helps is: Did you always keep doctors appointments? Will your doc and therapists records back up what you are filing for? These two are very important.Think of every little single way that your disease has affected you. Write it all down.
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> PS: I'm not sure if this matters, but I was never hospitalized for depression. But between 2007-2010, I was admitted to the psych ER twice, did 7 inpatient medical detoxes (for substance abuse) and had 2 impatient rehab stays. These inpatient programs admitted me as a "Dual Diagnosis," so I was treated for mental illness and substance abuse. Clearly, I wasn't holding down any steady work over the past six years.Try to get all of those records because it matters a lot!. Remember this: WWPMD? What would Perry Mason do? HA!
Just be thorough. Ask your docs what they think. You or the law firm will have to procure those records. In my case, I said stress about 100 times because it was true. I didn't lie and that's not recommended of course.
When you decide you are ready to return to full time work I have no idea what the procedure is. Either way, an employer is going to want to know what you've been doing the last three years.
Can't think of anything else right now. Just google SSDI and away you go.
I'm scatterbrained today. Sorry to be random.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Good luck, brynbOne must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.
Friedrich Nietzsche
poster:Phil
thread:1034126
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20121217/msgs/1034136.html