Posted by Caper on June 4, 2004, at 1:55:58
In reply to Re: Anyone receive Disability Benefits B/C Dep Anxiet » Caper, posted by xjs7 on June 3, 2004, at 22:21:41
Hi,
Sure I'll be glad to explain, at least, explain how I _think_ Social Security operated.
Most important I think is the fact that I've been under the care of a psychiatrist and therapist constantly since 1999, plus I have a documented history of other psych care since 1995, including my first (of many) hospitalizations in 1996.
They were going to make me have an appointment with an independent psychologist but I guess once they saw my 4 or 5 inch thick psych history, they decided no need to bother. Either that or they looked at what I stuggled to do while I was depressed (honors degree from university while raising child on my own, followed by law school at top ten school, followed by medical leave when I was only 2 exams and one paper away from finishing law degree) and maybe they thought, "yes, she's definitely got problems!"
I don't really know.
My advice is document everything you can, and even talk to doctors who've treated you before to let them know they'll be receiving inquiries (I didn't do this, but am encouraging my brother too). That way they might be able to attach a letter explaining how _they_ feel your disability interferes with your ability to work.
Also, keep in touch with your local Social Security office regarding the status of your case. Keep yourself on their minds and you will become one of the first things on their "to do" list. I'm a firm believer in the use of "polite assertiveness". Even though here again I must admit, I didn't do a single thing to help my SSI applications....some guy took info from me in the hospital to see if I could get medicaid. At least, I thought it was only medicaid but it was also disability. Through a haze of detox librium I answered his _many_ questions and signed where he said to sign and then ignored all future Soc. Sec. correspondence (thinking, I don't deserve it, I'll never get it anyway, I was tricked). Imagine my surprise when I was approved!
So that's my story in a nutshell.
Anymore questions, just ask. Gotta go right now as it's very late and my eyes are glazing over!
Best to you.
Caper
P.S. I'm fairly certain that if my alcoholism had come first, I'd have been turned down. But the depression was well documented and the alcohol thing only started about 17 months ago.
P.P.S. Be patient, government organizations work slowly in all cases. When I said I was approved "rapidly" that meant a late January application and a mid-April approval, followed by checks for "back pay" which is determined by the date they determine you became disabled. Okay, really going now....soooooo sleepy. Take care!
> Hi Caper,
>
> Could you explain what you mean by "blatant psycho"? What are your symptoms and how did they interfere with you working? Have you been hospitalized? I am in the process of applying myself. (Of course, if you don't want to reveal this over the Internet, that is okay too.)
>
> It's great that you are expected to improve. It sounds like you have a lot to look forward to!
>
> xjs7
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > Your question is not nosy at all, you can ask anything here- if people don't like the question they can choose not to respond. So ask away!
> >
> > I'm a third year law student (on medical leave) and my brother (diabetic and unhealty) is currently applying for SSI and SSDI benefits and I have already received them recently. My diagnoses are Bipolar Depression, PTSD and alcohol dependence. So- yes, mental problems definitely qualify sometimes. For me, they wrote that I am expected to improve (and I WILL!) and that there would be a review of my conditions in a year, by which time I should have my degree and not need it anymore(I hope!!!).
> >
> > What I've learned so far, for what it's worth:
> >
> > 1. It's more likely your aunt will be approved if she has a documented history (through medical records) going back about a year.
> >
> > 2. Make sure she gives as much information as possible- document every doctor/psychiatrist visit and be very specific about what keeps her from being able to do a "significant amount of work".
> >
> > 3. I've heard and seen that a lot of times people are initially turned down for Social Security Disabilty, but if that happens _get a lawyer_!!! There are tons of them who will give a free initial consultation and then take the case on contingency: If your aunt is ultimately turned down, the lawyers get nothing. If she is approved, they will usually take something like 25% of whatever "back benefits" she is owed. But, 75% of something is better than 100% of nothing right? There are tons of lawyers who specialize in this sort of thing. Just check the yellow pages if she is turned down initially.
> >
> > Regarding medical care, Medicaid is pretty much assured if you are approved for Social Security Disabilty, but your aunt can also apply for it separately. As for me, I got my SSI approval and then three days later got my medicaid card. So it's $1 for doctor visits and prescriptions.
> >
> > Be persistent if you have to be- I got lucky (was such a blatant psycho that I was approved rapidly) but my brother is going to have to go the lawyer route- even though his is a physical illness. But I've been told time and again that "they" (Social Security) turn almost everyone down the first time, but with appeals processes and attorneys, your chances of success greatly improve.
> >
> >
> > Hope this helps. Best of luck to you both.
> >
> > Caper
> >
> >
> > > I don't mean to ask this question to be nosey or in anyone's business, but my aunt has been plagued with severe depression and anxiety for the past couple of years. Her husband is no longer in the picture and she can barely afford to pay rent and utilities and with no insurance there is no way now she can afford her doctor visits and medication. She is trying to apply for Social Security Benefits for depression and anxiety. My family is trying to help out as much as possible. But can you get Social Security Disability Benefits for depression and Anxiety. Because if she did she would qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare and her doctor visits and medication would be taken care of. And this would help her tremendously. Anyone's info. or input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
> >
> >
poster:Caper
thread:353544
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040602/msgs/353626.html