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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by BRC on June 3, 2004, at 21:09:49
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.
Posted by Caper on June 3, 2004, at 21:42:42
In reply to Anyone receive Disability Benefits B/C Dep Anxiet, posted by BRC on June 3, 2004, at 21:09:49
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.
Posted by xjs7 on June 3, 2004, at 22:21:41
In reply to Re: Anyone receive Disability Benefits B/C Dep Anxiet » BRC, posted by Caper on June 3, 2004, at 21:42:42
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.
>
>
Posted by poppi on June 4, 2004, at 1:45:58
In reply to Re: Anyone receive Disability Benefits B/C Dep Anxiet » Caper, posted by xjs7 on June 3, 2004, at 22:21:41
Sounds to me like folks wanting something for nothing. Whine on!!
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.
> >
> >
Posted by Caper on June 4, 2004, at 2:23:47
In reply to Re: Anyone receive Disability Benefits B/C Dep Anxiet, posted by poppi on June 4, 2004, at 1:45:58
> Sounds to me like folks wanting something for nothing. Whine on!!
Okay Poppi, I'm going to try my best to be civil here, even though you are definitely not! Your post was offensive and pointless, could not have helped anyone except for giving you an opportunity to vent your own rage over whatever you're dealing with.First: to even be eligible, you have to have worked enough years and paid into the social security system during those years. That's money taken out of my paychecks while I was a single mother struggling through college and law school- it is not "something for nothing".
Second: they make the rules, the criteria, and if one applies and is approved there is no slacking involved- it's a program our _entire government_ endorses to give people a way to get back on their feet. You feel your opinion outweighs the entire United States government?
Maybe if you'd been depressed since age 7, been raped and assaulted, found the love of your life then gotten pregnant with twins who were stillborn you'd be a bit less judgemental. Holding your dead babies in your arms and having to be sedated to have them pried away from you...imagine that and then tell me I'm whining.
Anyway, I'll be reevaluated in a year but long before that I will have my law degree and be a productive member of society (as I was during years of HELL before as well). Wonder where your poisonous attitude will land _you_?
What I was doing was trying to explain the process. They make the rules, we can only apply (or have someone do it for us- in my case I thought I was only answering questions about medicaid- see above post) and await a decision.
Your post really was out of line. Hostile and completely without benefit to anyone. Punch a pillow or something next time for heaven's sake. We don't need your venom here. I may have lots of problems but at least I'm not nasty and judgmental to others for no reason except to make myself feel superior- which is what you appear to have done.
Good luck with that anger/nastiness/cynicism problem. It's hurting you more than anyone, I'm sure.
Caper
Posted by Caper on June 4, 2004, at 2:35:44
In reply to Re: Anyone receive Disability Benefits B/C Dep Anxiet, posted by poppi on June 4, 2004, at 1:45:58
I briefly scanned the above posts to see if you are always this rude/judgmental and the one that I found seemed to indicate you are. You called someone's post "bullshit".
Why are you here if you aren't truly looking to obtain or give help?
I just don't understand posting if you're not truly looking for help or to help others or to obtain information. I'm truly confused by why someone would come to forum like this and deliberatly try to make people feel bad. You must be very unhappy to find pleasure in treating strangers so rudely.
Caper
Posted by crazychickuk on June 4, 2004, at 4:09:58
In reply to Anyone receive Disability Benefits B/C Dep Anxiet, posted by BRC on June 3, 2004, at 21:09:49
Hi brc.
i am in the uk and am currently on disability benefits, i have been for over a year due to anxiety and depression, i actually get the full wack, I dont know what it would be like in the usa, but your aunty has every right to apply, it would also help her if she were hospilized or has a physciatrist to help her fill out the forms?
Good luck
Posted by BRC on June 4, 2004, at 9:04:29
In reply to Re: Anyone receive Disability Benefits B/C Dep Anxiet » BRC, posted by Caper on June 3, 2004, at 21:42:42
Hi, I want to thank you very much for all the time and effort you took in response to my post. I am so sorry to hear about your situation and wish you the best of luck in the future. I also hope your brother is doing well. I will pass on the information to my aunt. Good luck in law school and again thanks for the information.
BRC
Posted by BRC on June 4, 2004, at 9:07:49
In reply to Re: Anyone receive Disability Benefits B/C Dep Anxiet, posted by crazychickuk on June 4, 2004, at 4:09:58
Hi, crazychickuk it is BRC again. I just wanted to thank you again for answering another of my post. I will tell my aunt about the info. you gave me. I wish you all the best of luch in the UK. Take Care.
BRC
Posted by BRC on June 4, 2004, at 9:10:51
In reply to Re: Anyone receive Disability Benefits B/C Dep Anxiet, posted by BRC on June 4, 2004, at 9:07:49
I forgot to chang the subject line on the above post. Hope you get the thank you message I sent.
BRC
Posted by Dinah on June 4, 2004, at 9:20:22
In reply to Re: Anyone receive Disability Benefits B/C Dep Anxiet, posted by poppi on June 4, 2004, at 1:45:58
> Sounds to me like folks wanting something for nothing. Whine on!!
Dinah here, acting as deputy for Dr. Bob.
Since the idea is to be supportive here, please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down.
If you have any questions about the civility guidelines, they are listed at:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Thanks,
Dinah
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by Dinah on June 4, 2004, at 9:24:25
In reply to incredibly rude, judgemental and pointless post » poppi, posted by Caper on June 4, 2004, at 2:23:47
> Your post was offensive and pointless, could not have helped anyone except for giving you an opportunity to vent your own rage over whatever you're dealing with.
>
> Good luck with that anger/nastiness/cynicism problem.Dinah here, acting as deputy for Dr. Bob.
Even if your feelings have been hurt, please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down.
The civility guidelines contain many examples of ways to react when you feel angry or hurt about a post.
Http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Thanks,
Dinah
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by Caper on June 4, 2004, at 11:03:14
In reply to Re: Please Be Civil » Caper, posted by Dinah on June 4, 2004, at 9:24:25
Hi Dinah,
Thanks for the post to Poppi regarding her rudeness, but I thought I _was_ civil. I really didn't intend to put her down in my replies- I just think anyone so judgmental probably does have some anger issues and should be reminded that the purpose of the forum is to HELP one another.
It wasn't that my feelings were hurt, it was wondering what kind of effect Poppi's post might have on others who are on disability. Plus the fact that I go by the rule that if your post won't help or seek help- then don't post. I do not apologize for anything I said to Poppi, as I think I am right, but I'll try to tone down my indignation in the future if it's breaking the rules. I just want to help and be helped, not be put down.
Thanks again for your help and I'll try to be less...um....outspoken?
Regards,
Caper
Your message regarding mine to Poppi was:> > Your post was offensive and pointless, could not have helped anyone except for giving you an opportunity to vent your own rage over whatever you're dealing with.
> >
> > Good luck with that anger/nastiness/cynicism problem.
>
> Dinah here, acting as deputy for Dr. Bob.
>
> Even if your feelings have been hurt, please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down.
>
> The civility guidelines contain many examples of ways to react when you feel angry or hurt about a post.
>
> Http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dinah
>
> PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
>
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 6, 2004, at 10:08:09
In reply to Re: Please Be Civil » poppi, posted by Dinah on June 4, 2004, at 9:20:22
> > Sounds to me like folks wanting something for nothing. Whine on!!
>
> Since the idea is to be supportive here, please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down.The last time you were blocked, it was for 1 week, so this time, it's for 3.
If you have any questions or comments about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
or email me, or redirect a follow-up to Psycho-Babble Administration after your block is over.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 6, 2004, at 10:17:38
In reply to I thought I was being civil » Dinah, posted by Caper on June 4, 2004, at 11:03:14
> her rudeness
> I just think anyone so judgmental probably does have some anger issuesPlease don't jump to conclusions about others or post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down. Dinah just asked you to be civil, so I'm sorry, but now I'm going to block you from posting for a week.
If you have any questions or comments about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
or email me, or redirect a follow-up to Psycho-Babble Administration after your block is over.
Thanks,
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
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