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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Metalblade on February 28, 2004, at 11:11:37
Hi everyone, I applied for my disability about 5 months ago for Bp2 and SP. I'm 25 years old and currently living with my mom (yes I know, sad isn't it). I'm also currently receiving help from social services for medical tests, food and that sort of thing. My question is this; has anyone applying for disability had social security contact social services before they contacted you? Social services called me and told me that they had received a letter from social security saying that I had been approved as being disabled but I haven't received anything in the mail or gotten a phone call from social security. Does this mean that I got my SSDI and it’s just a mater of time before they contact me?
Posted by jodeye on February 28, 2004, at 13:55:05
In reply to Need to talk about SSDI, posted by Metalblade on February 28, 2004, at 11:11:37
Hello Metalblade,
How did you determine the date of disability to use on your SSDI application? Did BP2 and SP symptoms appear on a certain date? Or did you always have them?
I have had difficulty with autism/SP/insomnia all my life. Nine years ago it was just so bad that I could no longer work.
My yearly SSA statement states that if I were to become disabled today, I would not qualify for SSDI because I do not have enough work credits in the past five years.
Do you know if I could use the end of my last job (1995) as my date of disability? Then I would have enough credits.
Also, did you obtain an attorney before submitting your application?
Anything you can say about the application process would be greatly appreciated.
--Jay
Posted by HappyGirl on February 28, 2004, at 15:40:44
In reply to Need to talk about SSDI, posted by Metalblade on February 28, 2004, at 11:11:37
Hi:
In the past, .... at the beginning of my dx'ed Bipolar II(one year after dx'ed Bp), I did apply SSDI on listening to my pdoc.(not current, ... but old pdoc.). In my recollection, I did receive a letter explaining why I was NOT able to get SSDI, that is about four to five years ago. Since then, my condition has been steadily improved to get back to work. Then, I believe that you should receive a 'formal' letter saying you've been approved to receive SSDI check along with the date and so on. Call to the authority to find it out soon.
In regard to live with a Mom, it's very safe for you to stay with a Mom who is able to offer any support/help needed for your condition. You don't need to feel 'embarassment,' nor 'a shame' to live with a Mom under the same roof. Rather, caring for your Bp is most important thing, at least until your condition more stabilized.
H.G.
Posted by Metalblade on February 28, 2004, at 20:20:49
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI » Metalblade, posted by jodeye on February 28, 2004, at 13:55:05
> Hello Metalblade,
>
> How did you determine the date of disability to use on your SSDI application? Did BP2 and SP symptoms appear on a certain date? Or did you always have them?
>
> I have had difficulty with autism/SP/insomnia all my life. Nine years ago it was just so bad that I could no longer work.
>
> My yearly SSA statement states that if I were to become disabled today, I would not qualify for SSDI because I do not have enough work credits in the past five years.
>
> Do you know if I could use the end of my last job (1995) as my date of disability? Then I would have enough credits.
>
> Also, did you obtain an attorney before submitting your application?
>
> Anything you can say about the application process would be greatly appreciated.
>
> --Jay
>Hi Jay, They are taking me back to Oct 1 2001. I just went to the Social security office and applied. They are the ones that said they would back up and pay me too the last time that I applied in 2001. Actual this is really the third time I have applied, the first time was in 98. I tried to get them to let me draw off my dad. The first two times I applied it seems that they didn't take me seriously. They didn't even get my medical records from my doctors but this time they did plus I sent them a bunch of other info as well. I have also got a bulging disc in my back that causes me alot of pain so that might be what is changing their minds. I have had problems with depression and social Phobia from about 11yrs old. I'm not sure if they will take you back to 1995 or not, your best bet would be to ask them at the office. I think you’re only supposed to get an attorney when you have been turned down at least once. I was very surprised when I went back the third time that I had worked enough to get SSDI. They told me if I get approved that I will get $854 a month. I had a really good job the year of 2001. I was working as an electronics tech fixing laser printers and computer monitors. Made like $30,00 that year and that is what they’re basing my SSDI on. That job was the longest I had ever worked in one place worked there a year and 3 months.
Posted by socialdeviantjeff on February 28, 2004, at 21:54:56
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by Metalblade on February 28, 2004, at 20:20:49
I'm just nnow making my first SSDI application. I hate it, hate it, hate it. Anyway, enough ranting.
I haven't been turned down, but I managed to get an advocate. I think the reasons most atty's don't take you until a reject is for one, it's more work and two, thry have a better angle of attack. I do like the agency I'm going thrugh. So far, they have been great.
I also had a good job for about a year in '01 too. Thank God for small favors....
Good luck,
SDJ
Posted by HappyGirl on February 29, 2004, at 0:24:00
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by socialdeviantjeff on February 28, 2004, at 21:54:56
Hi socialdeviantjeff:
The reason why I was NOT approved was because they(psychiatrists working for the State) analyzed my case being 'treatable' by taking appropriate med. combo. At the time I applied SSDI was just two meds. Lithium and Depakote combo. I was on for my condition, Bipolar II with rapid cycler. As a matter of fact, that was quite true, as the current pdoc. changed my old med. combo. and put me on more appropriate med. combo. They(state psychiatrists) are so competent that every detailed informations were carefully studied.
Then, if you want to get it approved, ... you may need to try twice, even three times. In case of NOT-approved, they may offer med. assistance(free medication program run by the State) whether you get it through or not, because this seems to be normal procedure. At least, they do NOT throw things away, ... in view of humanitarian view or compensation for your effort(just my guess).Attorney must be costly, then you need to do some homework FIRST before access attorney. Also, if you could find any mental advocate/support group, there might be some helpful hints in order to succeed in your application form. More detailed writing, better chance. Also, you need to keep in mind that your pdoc. is a primary physician to write a form/letter to the State, thus try to consult with your pdoc. before any paper-work done.
H.G.
Posted by Tom G on February 29, 2004, at 1:21:31
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI/socialdeviantjeff, posted by HappyGirl on February 29, 2004, at 0:24:00
Hey hows it going?
I applied for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) thats what it's called here about two years ago and the ball is just starting to roll. I have filled out pages and pages of BS and seen two state appointed psychologists. They have told me that I have not provided enough information for them to make a decision blah blah blah. They give so much paperwork and take so much time in between decisions in the hope people will just give up and thats its not worth the effort, but hang in there you'll get approved. The first time I got rejected I appealed and then they rejected the appeal. Now I have an lawyer and I am supposed to be meeting with a judge so they can finally get this over with. The lawyer has told me this process of rejection is policy and that I will get approved.Oh P.S. I lost my first real job because of my
symptoms of BP II. I had to move home
with my parents and I'm 28. It sucks
but I have to do it. Don't feel bad
about it.
Posted by Metalblade on February 29, 2004, at 12:05:51
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by Tom G on February 29, 2004, at 1:21:31
I read some information about what SS office looks for to evaluate if you are disabled. They don't really take depression very seriously. They don't consider depression enough to keep you from working unless you have been put in a hospital for suicide attempt. What they look for in there evaluation of you is can you talk to people, if not then they say well maybe this person can do manual labor. But in my case I have a back problem plus social phobia and depression so any way you go I can't work and I think that is what is going to get it for me. The fact that they told social services that I was approved as disabled I think means that I have gotten it and it is only a matter of time before they contact me. One other thing that I think helped me. When I went up to the office to fill out the application with a worker there, I took some medical records with me and had them put it in my fill. You have to give them the info and not wait for them to ask for it.
Posted by jodeye on March 1, 2004, at 0:08:11
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by Metalblade on February 29, 2004, at 12:05:51
Thank you. You have been very helpful.
Posted by Bristol on March 1, 2004, at 0:48:42
In reply to Need to talk about SSDI, posted by Metalblade on February 28, 2004, at 11:11:37
I went on disability a couple of years ago for six months for BP2 - I'm much older than you so please don't be ashamed - be thankful that you have your mom there to take care of you. I had no one and ended up overdosing and almost falling into a coma b/c I couldn't get it together. Having support is so important so feel good about that. As far as Social Security, I'm no help there - I dealt with the insurance companies but ended up getting coverage. I wouldn't assume anything with Social Security and would stay in touch with them constantly to make sure that you have coverage. Hope this helps.
Hi everyone, I applied for my disability about 5 months ago for Bp2 and SP. I'm 25 years old and currently living with my mom (yes I know, sad isn't it). I'm also currently receiving help from social services for medical tests, food and that sort of thing. My question is this; has anyone applying for disability had social security contact social services before they contacted you? Social services called me and told me that they had received a letter from social security saying that I had been approved as being disabled but I haven't received anything in the mail or gotten a phone call from social security. Does this mean that I got my SSDI and it’s just a mater of time before they contact me?
Posted by socialdeviantjeff on March 1, 2004, at 0:50:36
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI/socialdeviantjeff, posted by HappyGirl on February 29, 2004, at 0:24:00
> Hi socialdeviantjeff:
> The reason why I was NOT approved was because they(psychiatrists working for the State) analyzed my case being 'treatable' by taking appropriate med. combo.I'm lucky there, in a sense. My brain seems to reject AD's and stabilizers et al. I've been on abilify for 2 weeks at 5 mg and so far it helps with attention, but nothing else. Plus it keeps me up all night and makes me really irate and jittery. If I took a calming something to counteract it, I become a jittery zombie.
>They(state psychiatrists) are so competent that every detailed informations were carefully studied.
IMHO, these guys are biased, not competent. Just my opinion. Plus I have chronic pain and fatigue that plays a big factor. I'ts not very documented but put me on a treadmill and watch me puke in one minute. 'nuff said. Plus, my gross income for the last two years combined plus this year so far is less tha $14k, including $2500 I won in a casino in '02. In their words, I haven't performed at the SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) level for the last two years.
> Then, if you want to get it approved, ... you may need to try twice, even three times. In case of NOT-approved, they may offer med. assistance(free medication program run by the State) whether you get it through or not, because this seems to be normal procedure. At least, they do NOT throw things away, ... in view of humanitarian view or compensation for your effort(just my guess).
Not in Utah. You have to be so badly off that you're practically certifiably homeless or already on SSI/SSDI/TANF before they will offer Medicaid. The state would rather you die than try to seek help. Cheaper that way I guess.
>
> Attorney must be costly, then you need to do some homework FIRST before access attorney. Also, if you could find any mental advocate/support group, there might be some helpful hints in order to succeed in your application form. More detailed writing, better chance.Absolutely I agree. My Atty will be paid 25% of back benefits, which is customary. As soon as I can, I'm gonna contact advocacy groups to see if they can help.
>Also, you need to keep in mind that your pdoc. is a primary physician to write a form/letter to the State, thus try to consult with your pdoc. before any paper-work done.
Already done. My pdoc resisted the idea 6 months ago but now thinks it would be "reasonable".
Posted by Metalblade on March 1, 2004, at 11:03:20
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by Bristol on March 1, 2004, at 0:48:42
Believe me, I am truly thankful for the help mom has given me. I would be dead or homeless if it wasn't for her. I owe her about $16000 in medical bills and that sort of thing and plain to pay every penny back to her. I feel sorry for people that don't have help getting on their disability. It would be impossible for me to get it with out mom’s help. I would be like the other homeless people with mental problems living on the street that this country seems not to care about.
> I went on disability a couple of years ago for six months for BP2 - I'm much older than you so please don't be ashamed - be thankful that you have your mom there to take care of you. I had no one and ended up overdosing and almost falling into a coma b/c I couldn't get it together. Having support is so important so feel good about that. As far as Social Security, I'm no help there - I dealt with the insurance companies but ended up getting coverage. I wouldn't assume anything with Social Security and would stay in touch with them constantly to make sure that you have coverage. Hope this helps.
>
> Hi everyone, I applied for my disability about 5 months ago for Bp2 and SP. I'm 25 years old and currently living with my mom (yes I know, sad isn't it). I'm also currently receiving help from social services for medical tests, food and that sort of thing. My question is this; has anyone applying for disability had social security contact social services before they contacted you? Social services called me and told me that they had received a letter from social security saying that I had been approved as being disabled but I haven't received anything in the mail or gotten a phone call from social security. Does this mean that I got my SSDI and it’s just a mater of time before they contact me?
>
>
Posted by HappyGirl on March 1, 2004, at 12:34:29
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI/socialdeviantjeff » HappyGirl, posted by socialdeviantjeff on March 1, 2004, at 0:50:36
Hi socialdeviantjeff:
I totally understand what you're saying about SS and its related folks and matters. However, .... believe it or not, .... I've been living with this illness, Bp for the past six or more years. Then, my perspectives on those folks are pretty accustomed, ... in other words, I might have just used to it, ... sadly, this is because of partly deep inside my head/brain, I need to rely on anyone who seems helpful, even some of folks are just pretending.In regard to medications, at the beginning of my switching to the current pdoc., he put me such a VERY expensive meds. that cost me more than $500.00 that was totally NOT acceptable to my income. Having seen me in financial difficulty, he helped me get on 'Free Med. program' through drug companies, one was Eli Lilly and two more. Then, I paid for Lithium only, about $17.00 a month. Therefore, I didn't need to go through those 'hassles' to beg again to the State Med. program.
Also, here is a good web-site to do 'homework' before SSDI, if you prefer to.http://www.disabilityfacts.com/resources/outline.html
Lastly, I heard that Abilify about which you're talking causes 'insomnia' and 'jittery.' In my case, I've been on 'Zyprexa' that made me 'Zombi' for the first few months, but it went away gradually as the time passed by. But, everyone reacts differently on different medications, then in my case, Zyprexa has tremendous effect for both, rapid cycler and rage/dysphoric manic I have, along with slight AD and MS effects. Because of this med. Zyprexa, I've been able to funciton well, not perfect, but in 85% range. Otherwise, I might have been either in the hospital or in the institution, because my Bp II with ultra Rapid Cycler is not milder case, rather serious form.
H.G.
Posted by judy1 on March 3, 2004, at 10:04:47
In reply to Need to talk about SSDI, posted by Metalblade on February 28, 2004, at 11:11:37
i went directly through a social security attorney and was approved in about 3 months (my 1st time applying). He (the attorney) notified me that i was approved the day before social security called and said i was approved. about 1 week later i went in with my birth certificate (up to this time i hadn't set foot in a social security office- the attorney did everything- filled out forms, got med records, etc.) i filled out a form for direct deposit and 1 week? later a large lump sum was put in (one year of benefits) and monthly a check for me (and my child). i had worked for about 10 years as a scientist and get about $2000/mo. btw, this was 5 years ago and i recently went through a review- nothing really, my pdoc filled out the forms and they re- approved. i am dxed with bp1 and panic disorders. hope this helped, and i hope you're able to get better. take care, judy
Posted by Metalblade on March 3, 2004, at 10:38:42
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by judy1 on March 3, 2004, at 10:04:47
Thank you for replying judy. I'm deffenetly going to get an attorney if I get turned down.
> i went directly through a social security attorney and was approved in about 3 months (my 1st time applying). He (the attorney) notified me that i was approved the day before social security called and said i was approved. about 1 week later i went in with my birth certificate (up to this time i hadn't set foot in a social security office- the attorney did everything- filled out forms, got med records, etc.) i filled out a form for direct deposit and 1 week? later a large lump sum was put in (one year of benefits) and monthly a check for me (and my child). i had worked for about 10 years as a scientist and get about $2000/mo. btw, this was 5 years ago and i recently went through a review- nothing really, my pdoc filled out the forms and they re- approved. i am dxed with bp1 and panic disorders. hope this helped, and i hope you're able to get better. take care, judy
Posted by HappyGirl on March 3, 2004, at 11:52:34
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by Metalblade on March 3, 2004, at 10:38:42
Hi Judy:
You have Bp I with Panic Disorder that sounds to me like pretty serious form of Bipolar. Being Bp II with ultra Rapid Cycler, I did NOT get it approved for the reason I could be functionalble with some accomodation, such as a shift-change, from day-shift to evening shift as long as the work done. Then, I convinced myself their point of view.
In my knowledge, Bp I like yours, ... it gets approval even without attorney and on just 'first try,' that I heard/read, for that it might be all depend on State to State. However, mental disorder like Depression and Bp II, I'm a kind skeptical unless more physical/mental problem written by a specialist. Also, for alternative, they would recommend M.I. to other place where appropriate placements are available, ... even they would help you find a company in which your condition is suitable.
H.G.
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 4, 2004, at 10:29:50
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by HappyGirl on March 3, 2004, at 11:52:34
> You have Bp I with Panic Disorder that sounds to me like pretty serious form of Bipolar...
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect this thread to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040219/msgs/320111.html
Thanks,
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
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