Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Purrs

1. 

   Hi Family...I've been sporadic on the puter to say the least. Trying to get back into motion but,several things going on at once (as usual). I'm now having to keep guarded watch on my outdoor feral,Squeekers (she's almost 18 yrs.old). Her health has gradually declined the last few months & I doubt she'll make it past this winter. I can only hope her man,Buddy & her go together since they're inseperatable.

   Anyways...I have an appt. w/the Social Security Admin. Office tomorrow afternoon. I'm planning on filing for disability because of a couple health issues I've had for yrs. & not been able to get them looked at (I know you understand about being uninsured & all).

   I've never gone this route. I'm scared to death I'm going to blow it & say the wrong things. I've heard horror stories from others that they ask trick questions. I clearly have some health issues but, am scared they may refuse me if I say the wrong thing.

   Do any of you have any tips for me that may help with the interview & filing. ANY tips I'd be grateful for. Miss You Guys! {{{HUGS}}}

   Posted 2 years ago by feral #

2. 

   All I have to offer is don't say more than they ask you for. Sometimes I know I go on and on and maybe say too much. Other than that, knock em dead, we will all be there with you! (((FERAL)))

   Posted 2 years ago by mollycat71 #

3. 

   Feral, I can't help a whole lot, but the one thing I've learned from people with hydrocephalus who have gone through the application process is that the SSA almost automatically denies claims the first time around. So don't be discouraged if that happens, and do file an appeal.

   Posted 2 years ago by Kilroy #

4. 

   I've heard the same thing...it's normal for them to reject all first time claims and you should prepare yourself to file an appeal. Remember...the rejection doesn't mean that you aren't qualified it just means the gov. would love for you to go away and not come back. Don't let them do that to you. XOXOXO

   Posted 2 years ago by Karenopa #

5. 

   MC...you made me chuckle there...I do know what you mean.

   OMG...not sounding promising in any way. It took me forever to get this far & I have heard they deny everyone the first time. If I have to 'appeal' (& I have no idea what that means or requires), I'm so afraid I'll chicken out & not bother. I put alot of money into Social Security over the numerous yrs. I did work. I deserve something from that.
   I'll try not to talk to much or get too discouraged. And I'll let you all know how it goes. arrrgggg!

   Posted 2 years ago by feral #

6. 

   Best of Luck Susie! I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Remember simple answers...no specific details unless they ask specifically. Start with yes or no and let them proceed to the next inquiry. =)

   Posted 2 years ago by Karenopa #

7. 

   I've heard the same as Karen has! Don't be surprised or think you've been defeated if denied the first time around. I've also heard that this is a process that most people have to appeal at least once if not more. But if you have paid into it and need it, keep pushing till they approve it!

   Posted 2 years ago by 2bpurring #

8. 

   They also take years for you to finally get any money--I've heard about 3 on the average.

   Posted 2 years ago by Sheba's Mom in Raleigh, NC #

9. 

   oh my....If it takes that many yrs.....I'll be dead before I recieve anything. I put a good 25 yrs. into the system working (probably more than that). How discouraging. If it weren't too late...I'd call & cancel now. I feel before I start,I'm not going to get anywhere. Bummer!

   Posted 2 years ago by feral #

10. 

    DO NOT give up! I would think each office is operated differently. They can count on people chickening out and that is what they want. STAY STRONG and know you have paid in and you deserve it! If they kjnock you down once, go back. if they knock you down twice, go back. Do not let them discourage you! They are wanting you to not come back (well, not YOU personally but you know what I mean!).

    Posted 2 years ago by mollycat71 #

11. 

    I know your right MC...I've just had a helluva time these days staying positive. Whatever punches the office starts w/me, I'm sure Mr.Useless will knock me out of the ring when I get back home.
    I'm not sure what I'm more afraid...the interview or the sickly coughing,sneezing,runny-nosed people sitting in the room as well. Why people don't stay home when they're that sick is beyond me. Since I can't take the flu shots...going anywhere in public these days is like walking into the barrel of a loaded gun.

    Posted 2 years ago by feral #

12. 

    Susie, if you give up now, just go ahead and let them keep the monies you deserve and have paid into the system, sure do it rather than work on getting ahead even a little bit. Sounds harsh doesn't it! Not meaning too, but yes they do deny the majority of the claims the first time, why wouldn't they....most people will just walk away and never file an appeal or appeals, guess who gets those monies then....yep the state of Calif and you know they 'need' it ~ NOT!!! You worked many hard long years for it, go to your appointment, answer the questions asked and only those questions, if they deny it, fine file an appeal right away....or you might be amazed that they approve it (my hope for you Susie).

    Posted 2 years ago by AZDEBRA 5/27 & crew #

13. 

    Susie---the 'Watchdog' columnist from our paper just wrote an article about this. I'll look it up because I think that some organization was listed that helps people while they're waiting for their benefits. I'm not sure if it was local, or not, but I'll look it up for you.

    Darn it!!! I couldn't find the one I was thinking of, but maybe this article will help you if you're turned down and would like to find an organization that will help you deal w/them:

    http://www.star-telegram.com/consumer_news/story/1839633.html

    Posted 2 years ago by FondaHonda #

14. 

    Hi Susie. I know I'm in a different country, but I can't imagine the benfits culture's that much different...my Mum applied for DLA (disabilit living allowance) and only got it on the 3rd go - but they awarded it for life and backdated it three years! I think sometimes they just to to weed out the "chancers" by figuring they're the ones who won't bother to appeal if they're turned down...so go kick some serious butt tomorrow and know we're all riding shotgun!

    {{{hugs}}}

    Posted 2 years ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #

15. 

    Susie... not sure if this info will help, but maybe.
    http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/
    I was recently at the SS office to apply for retirement bennies.(I'm collecting early)!! They were very professional and not at all condescending, which is what I was expecting. Good for you for having an appt. Those that did not have appts,when I went, were waiting for hours!!!! One thing I did do was stuff a bunch of disenfectant wipes in a baggie, and put in my purse. Anything I touched was wiped down, or I wiped my hands afterwards. I am a cootie freak in public places!!!! Hopefully you have all the required documents for the process..... they should have told you what is needed, at the time when you made the appt. Good luck....... and if you have to re-apply several times, so be it. Be persistent!!!! :)

    Posted 2 years ago by 12PAWZinFL #

16. 

    http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/how-do-you-qualify-medically-for-disability.html

    Something you may find useful

    Posted 2 years ago by ailuromaniac #

17. 

    Hey Sus.. Great minds? Maybe?

    Posted 2 years ago by ailuromaniac #

18. 

    Just looking out for our Susie!!!!! :)

    Posted 2 years ago by 12PAWZinFL #

19. 

    Yes, Susie--as many said--they will almost surely turn you down the first time--but in your denial letter, will be the process you must take to appeal--and DO appeal--as you said--you have paid into SocSec all your working life, so this is due you. And there are also lawyer's who specialize in SS claims--don't quite know how they work, but I believe it's a contingency basis--when you get your first awarded amount, then they collect a fee. So, Go for it! And good luck.

    Posted 2 years ago by morrissmom #

20. 

    Thanks you guys...for the laughs & the links.

    Ailur...I probably shouldn't have read the link. The last work actually filed here in this county was 20 yrs. ago. The work I was doing then was a packer for a moving company & was to be only a stepping stone. Well..off & on since then,I've done only housecleaning,house sitting,or animal sitting. I never had any problems over the yrs. I've now in the last 2 yrs. become so arthritic & allergic on the 2 most importantly needed parts of the body...my hands.
    In other words...I have next to no wok history in this county. All my working was in another county.

    They did give me a packet showing everything I need to bring to the appt. I have no insurance,so have not gone to any doctor about my health issues. So...the only thing I can take w/me to the appt. is basically my original birth certificate (it's the one w/my itsy-bitsy feets on it) & my car registration). I was told they would let me know which doctors I would have to go to for official clarification of my disabilities.

    Now...I'm beyond afraid to go. What if they ask me what the hell I've been doing all these yrs. I've been working but, not making enuf. I never thought I'd be having to start over. (thanks to mr. useless)

    Posted 2 years ago by feral #

21. 

    But SS is FEDERAL, no? And it shouldn't matter how long it's been...you've paid into the system Feral! Be strong...if you've put up with Useless all these years, you can deal with SS! Believe in yourself and the rightness of it and don't let them beat you down!

    Posted 2 years ago by linda #

22. 

    lol...Thanks Linda! Never looked at it that way.

    {{{HUGS}}} for you guys!

    Posted 2 years ago by feral #

23. 

    Not an expert on this, but I have gone through this with 4 different people. Never once have they been accepted the first time. The one and only person, don't know them hubby does, he got a lawyer first, and the law office filed the claim; they got it first try. If you are denied they have to explain why--you can go from there to know what you have to next time.

    Posted 2 years ago by SoxsMom #

24. 

    Susie, if they ask you what you've been doing all these years, you tell them, you say, I've been supporting myself, I haven't been making much but while I could work, that's exactly what I did because I wasn't going to ask for any favours from anyone. Be proud that you took care of yourself all this time, despite it not being easy. That's why you're entitled to help now! If you've paid your taxes, you should get the help you need!

    Posted 2 years ago by jcat #

25. 

    Providing invalid care for common law souse...er...spouse.

    Posted 2 years ago by ailuromaniac #

26. 

    That is the best response, Ailuromaniac and it is the truth. You could even bring in some records of his cancer to document your most recent caregiving.

    Posted 2 years ago by KYKAT 12 23 #

27. 

    Well I applied for disability-got it on the first try and it only took 4 months-got money backdated to a year, which is when I quit working. The secret? Used a lawyer from the first application. I was lucky because my lawyer also had polio and really knew the ins and outs of what to say. Most lawyers who deal with disability don't ask for fees up front. They take their cut when your case is won. Find a good disability attorney and use his or her expertise from the start. It makes all the difference.

    Posted 2 years ago by rainingwolf #

28. 

    Well...I wasn't as stressed at the interview as I thought I'd be. I only got really nervous 1 time. The gal kept wanting me to be more specific as to how I felt what kind of relationship I had w/Mr.Useless. Out of my mouth before I could stop myself I said...he doesn't care if I live or die. She then said she had to make a small change in the application & went back to do it. Don't know what she changed (probably had something to do w/verify life insurance on his part).
    When asked for birth records...like the others in the past, she smiled when I pulled out my actual birth certificate from the hospital (the 1 w/my little feetsies on it). So I have to send for a copy from 'Vital Records' in Michigan for that.

    RW...your lucky to have already had a lawyer. I'm so broke & inemployed right now that gathering all the info & tips from my TDK Family here is all I can do to help educate myself on the whole process of this. I now see what you all meant by "Don't get Discouraged". :)
    Thank You so much for your help in this new journey I'm having to take. I'd be so lost w/out your support. {{{HUGS}}}

    Posted 2 years ago by feral #

29. 

    Susie, remember that you need NO MONEY to get a disability lawyer. They will take your case and you only pay them if you win the case and then they take their cut out of the lump sum money you win. I got $10,000 and the attorney took $4000 after I won. It's painless.

    Posted 2 years ago by rainingwolf #

30. 

    Oh Susie...it sounds like Ginger has some good advice and experience here. A disability lawyer would sure take out alot of the wonder and guesswork. Just a thought. Good luck sis! =)

    Posted 2 years ago by Karenopa #

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