Working With Disabilities

Posted on: Tue, Jan 29 2008 1:55 AM

Posted by: StoogegirlSilva Posts: 32

I've tried job after job and just can't find something that I can do where people are willing to accomodate me. I do want to go back to college, but I do have bills to pay now.

Anyway, my point is, what helped you guys get accepted for social security? I'm applying for my dad's benefits, as he died a few years back and I was a "child" when I was first disabled. I hear about people getting rejected so many times while applying, and I wanted to make sure I filled out the application correctly. Should I emphasize some aspects over others? How should I describe what I have?

I have depression, chronic pain, limited mobility, and my brain is addled from constant meds, in case you were wondering. I really need this money; I owe my condo association thousands of dollars in back association fees, and if I don't get money soon, I'm going to lose my home.

Posted on: Wed, Jan 30 2008 7:17 AM

Posted by: hinge404 Posts: 233

Since you are no longer a child, I do not think you are allowed to qualify on your father's record.  The good news is that your own SSDI benefits (based on your own record) are higher than your retirement benefits.  (You can get an estimate by requesting a statement from SSA.) 

If you have a legitimate claim and are supported by your physician, you should qualify for disability.  I think the key is how your doctor fills out the paperwork. 

As to when you became disabled, The SSA  will make that determination consistent with their definition of disability.  Although I do not know your work history, your claim might not be retroactive to when you think you were disabled.  (So, do not count on a massive lump sum.)

You might be tempted to hire a lawyer on a contingency basis.  My understanding is that they would be entitled to a fairly large portion of all your future benefits.  So, I would recommend against hiring an attorney. 

Posted on: Wed, Jan 30 2008 8:05 AM

Posted by: Wheelin Rev Posts: 839

That was a good response from hinge404, above! And the lawyers take? I think it is like 33%. That almost seems like a "crime" since it is YOU that needs the money; all of it!

As for success rates, I was very, very thorough in my application and laid out everything for review. My wife spent an entire week filling out the online application and left out NOTHING. Look over the app and see if there are any questions or holes. If there are, you just got rejected. I was approved on the first submission. It was an open and shut case, with respect to the doctors that I had seen, the reports I had and the disclosure of everything; there was nothing else to ask. I was still required to see the government's doctors and have them arrive at the same conclusion which was fine with me. If you qualify for disability, there is no reason you should be denied. Now, some folks might want to hire a lawyer up front to let them fill out the paperwork but I sort of wonder just how much "leg work" the lawyers will actually do for you. If you still have to compile all of the documentation yourself, you might as well get the extra 33% and fill out the paperwork too. That is a heavy fee to pay in most disability situations.

But again, take your time and be very, very thorough with every response! Nothing is guaranteed but if your submission is bullet-proof, you might find yourself with an extra 33% in your pocket!

Dave

Posted on: Wed, Jan 30 2008 11:26 PM

Posted by: StoogegirlSilva Posts: 32

Thanks for replying guys.

I am eligible for my dad's social security because I am under 22, and I am considered a "child" until then. I actually got hurt when I was 11, and I haven't held a job for more than a month my whole life.

I didn't realize lawyers take *that* much. I tried to be as thorough as possible in my application, though it seems unfair that it has to be so hard. 

Posted on: Thu, Jan 31 2008 8:46 AM

Posted by: Wheelin Rev Posts: 839

StoogegirlSilva:

I am eligible for my dad's social security because I am under 22, and I am considered a "child" until then.

Do you meet all of the criteria? At that age, is there a requirement to be a full-time student, living at home and whatever other criteria they might have? I'm not positive but just "throwing this out" for thought and discussion. My best to you. Dave

Posted on: Thu, Jan 31 2008 12:00 PM

Posted by: hinge404 Posts: 233

I was just looking at the SSA webpage for adults disabled before age 22(http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dacpage.shtml).  I did not realize that there are special rules in this particular case that allow qualification without the requirements you mention.  After thinking about it, it makes sense.  The one requirement that does not make sense to me is the one that puts a ceiling on your salary (substantial earnings).   What's up with that?  --hinge

Posted on: Thu, Jan 31 2008 1:09 PM

Posted by: StoogegirlSilva Posts: 32

The cynic in me wants to say that they want us to stay poor. Of course, that's mostly fearmongering, so I'd say it's more to make sure that you're not able to work and that you don't have other means of supporting yourself. Of course, I think that, as long as you don't work much, if you're going for SSDI it shouldn't matter what your "other earnings" are since it is from something that was paid into already. Eh, maybe if we had looked into privitization a bit more, this wouldn't have happened, I don't know.

Here's a question, though. If I'm able to find a part time job that pays under $850 a month while my application is being processed, would that disqualify me? I ask because I'm still going to job interviews in hopes of finding something I can do (because I won't be a housewife, dammit) and I don't want my efforts to keep me from getting more. 

Posted on: Thu, Jan 31 2008 2:22 PM

Posted by: hinge404 Posts: 233

Chuckle, chuckle...it sounds like you are a fellow cynic!

I do not want to misguide you on this subject since I am not well versed in this particular area.  I think the limit in 2008 is $940/month that you can earn while you are getting benefits (and this would have to be reported to SSA; although I am not sure, I do not think your benefits would be reduced because of this.  But I am sure it is probably not as simple as I make it sound). 

As far as working while your application is being processed, I do not know the rules.  But since benefits would not start until your sixth month of disability (according to when they say you were disabled), there must be some provision in their rules that would allow some kind of work.  Maybe you can find this info on their website, or else you can call them and ask.  (While fishing around their website, I found a toll free phone number that you can call and get your questions answered confidentially.  If you can't find it, I would be happy to help.)

Sorry I cannot be a help--hinge