Posted by almondjoy on December 30, 2003, at 10:18:39
In reply to Disability? I have questions » fallsfall, posted by Emme on December 29, 2003, at 21:54:40
Hey Emme,
I've been on disability for a few years...you can see if you might qualify at http://www.ssa.gov and you can apply there too. going to the social security office if you have the time to sit around a bit might make the process easier too. you can find out where, how, and what you need to apply.
before you do that, ask your pdoc what they think about you applying (regardless of thier response you can see another doctor for your application or an appointed doc)
unfortunately it takes months to complete your application. i applied in july/august (i think) and got my first check in february of the next year, but i got a back pay check that covered may to feb, and started monthly. (ssa.gov says 90-120 days to apply) the amount you get is based on your bills
once i had everything in, i was approved easily, (i couldn't make it to the doc evaluation appt because i was being admitted to a state hospital) but i've heard its hard in general, and that alot of people who deserve it get denied. you can always get an attorney (many specialize in disability benefits and prolly don't make you pay upfront) to help you appeal if that happens.
the amount i was getting for quite a while was only $99 over the amount of my rent, but now i get enough to pay all my bills and have $200 left (not much, but enough) you can work a little and keep it, just make sure you know the amount you can make up to. if you make over the amount it counts as a trial work period, and once the amount of months is up, you stop getting a check (they send you a letter first)
uh, what else, medicare...i don't know if it's worth it. i forgot to pay, and don't have it anymore, but i think it only pays 50% of mental health, and you have to pay like $60 a month, and atleast last year, get no presciptions paid
the website has tons of info and you can call the 800 number tootake care
d
poster:almondjoy
thread:294449
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031229/msgs/294648.html