Social Security Disability

[Bellinghamster]

I work for the Social Security Administration in the United States and just want to remind folks that you can apply for disability if your Parkinson's is preventing you from working at all and that not working will last for 12 months or longer -- and trust me, that won't change! It is easy to apply and if you have any questions about the process please do not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to help you in any way I can. And you don't have to be of retirement age to file for disability either. The sooner you file a claim the quicker your benefits can start -- and the good news is that you can file on line. Go to www.ssa.gov and you will find all kinds of information about retirement and disability.

Good luck! Many people don't know about the disability part of Social Security and I don't want anyone to miss out on a benefit that they are entitled to apply for.

Bellinghamster :D

[Gail]

Thanks for the information. I will need to retire soon and have put off checking into it because I have heard nightmares about how hard it is to get the Social Security Disability.

[Bellinghamster]

Gail,

I have processed many claims for people with Parkinson's and the disability process can be a nightmare, but keep in mind that not all people who apply for disability are actually "disabled" by definition. In order to qualify for Social Security disability one must be unable to do ANY type of employment, not just what they used to do, and the disability needs to last for 12 months or longer from date of application. Let's face it, PD is not like a cold -- it will be around for the rest of your life. Before you apply make sure your doctor(s) know because Social Security will request medical information from them. Many doctors know the exact terminology we are looking for -- trust me! If you paid into the Social Security trust fund through employment tax and find you are no longer able to work then I encourage anyone to apply for disability benefits. You earned them!!

[pogo1960]

Hi,

I have been unable to work since last October due to pd and chronic headaches.
I applied for my disability thru social security in December. My doctor is very supporitive of me not being able to work at this time.
I am now waiting for a decision to be made from Social Security. How long does it take?

Cathy

[Bellinghamster]

It normally takes about 4-5 months -- unfortunately but that is the reality. It takes time to gather the medical evidence and as you have probably heard there has been a hiring freeze for the past 3 years. We are hiring people now but it takes time to get them up to speed. Don't give up!! Call your local office a couple times a week and ask for an update. Ask for the telephone number of the DDS that is handling your case and the case workers name and number. Let them know you are involved and will be checking on the status!! If you have any problems let me know and I will try to intervene where and when I can -- okay???

Brigitte

[pogo1960]

Thanks for the info and your offer to help, I may need it!!!

Pogo1960

[lhurtado]

hi,
IAM NOW RECECIEVING MY SOCIAL SECURITY BENIFITS BUT I HAD TO FIGHT (APPPEAL) B/C I WAS 1ST DENIED. MY DRS. TRIED TO HELP ME & FILLED OUT WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO. THERE ANSWER TO ME SSECURITY ACKNOWLEDGE I HAS PD BUT WAIT UNTIL THE PD PROGRESSED. MIND YOU I WAS AN INSTRUCTION AID/SPECIAL ED FOR 11 YRS. THEY WERE SLOW LEARNERS OR LEARNED DIFFERENTLY & SOME WERE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED OR EMOTIONALY. I REENFORCED MY GROUP W/INSTRUCTION OF THE TEACHER. I COULD NOT WRITE ON CHALK BOARD, TREMORED, WORK VERY SLOW & FELL EASILY & YET DENIED! SO TO APPEAL MY OWN MONEY , I GOT AN ATT. WHO SPECIALIZED W/SOCIAL SEC. OF COURSE I THEN WON THE APPEAL. I DID NOT WANT TO GO TO THE HASSEL, STRESS. IT TOOK ABOUT 9 MONTHS BUT IT RECTO BACK TO THE 1ST DAY I APPLIED TO THE DAY I WAS ELIGABLE THE ATT. FEES WERE NOT MUCH.AS THEY CAN ONLY TAKE A CERTAIN % BUT IT WAS WORTH IT! ESPECIALLY MEDICARE.
LINDA:

[Bellinghamster]

It is unfortunate that many cases for disability are denied and the individual has to appeal. However, if you were still working at the time you filed then under SSA regulations you would not have been deemed "disabled" -- disabled under SSA guideline means you cannot do ANY kind of work, not just what you are trained in or currently doing. Many people don't understand that factor when applying for benefits. They feel the need to keep working in order to feed the family, etc. and I agree with those feelings, but SSA is what it is. It won't change until all of us let our legislatures know what we go through for benefits -- Congress makes the laws for SSA -- write to your Congress person anytime you have a problem with SSA or any governmental agency. I agree that the system is not user friendly, but keep in mind that the employees of the agency are on your side!! Many of us do care and will do whatever it takes to make it happen.

[pogo1960]

It normally takes about 4-5 months -- unfortunately but that is the reality. It takes time to gather the medical evidence and as you have probably heard there has been a hiring freeze for the past 3 years. We are hiring people now but it takes time to get them up to speed. Don't give up!! Call your local office a couple times a week and ask for an update. Ask for the telephone number of the DDS that is handling your case and the case workers name and number. Let them know you are involved and will be checking on the status!! If you have any problems let me know and I will try to intervene where and when I can -- okay???

Brigitte

Brigitte I wanted to let you know my claim was approved!
It took about 5 months. I did not have to go thru an appeal.
I did have an attorney.

Have a good day!!!!!!!

Cathy

[norma g martinez]

Hi
Thanks For Any On Ssdi I Have Applied And Was Denied
Trhey Said I Could Work At Least 5hrs Aday So Were
Appealing It Know Were Waiting For An Answer , If
They Deny Me Do I Need A Lawyer. I Can No Longer
Work I Can Not Walk My Leg Freezes And Im So Stuck
I Cant Move My Legs Are So Painful And My Dr Says I
Am Unable To Work, The First Time It Took About 6mos
Know It Has Been 3mos Already What Do You Think
My Possibilies Are Is There Hope.

[pogo1960]

I would advise you to get a lawyer. I hired one from the start and was approved the first time. I am very slow moving and my left hand has a bad tremor.
Don't give up keep trying!!!!!!
Cathy

[Bellinghamster]

Norma,

Are you appealing or did you ask for reconsideration? Usually a reconsideration is first then the appeal. As you know if you get an attorney the maximum they can expect for payment is $5300 or 25% of your past due benefits, whichever is less. I can't advise you about getting an attorney but I can tell you that many people who are in the appeal stage usually get an attorney who is well versed in Social Security rules and regulations. Make sure you continue to see your doctor regularly and let he/she know that you have applied for SSA disability. That way they will be aware that SSA is going to be contacting them about your medical issues. Don't give up!! Appeals can take 2-3 years (we are hoping to shorten that time with the recent hire of more judges), but on average it is taking that long. Not the most ideal situation but it is a complicated issue. Lots of people filing and lots of medical records that have to be requested. Call your local SSA office at least once a month for an update. Let me know how it goes and I will try to assist in any way I can.

Brigitte

[Bellinghamster]

Brigitte I wanted to let you know my claim was approved!
It took about 5 months. I did not have to go thru an appeal.
I did have an attorney.

Have a good day!!!!!!!

Cathy


I am so glad to hear that you got approved -- and on the first application. It does happen -- and apparently your doctor's had the proper information and provided the decision maker's with what they required -- that doesn't always happen!! It is rare that someone gets an attorney on the initial application -- due to the attorney fee that will come out of your past due benefits, if any. Again, I am so glad to hear that SSA did the right thing -- and on the first try. There is hope!!!

Take care of yourself and keep in touch!

Brigitte

[pogo1960]

Thanks Brigitte!! I was actually shocked that it went thru the first time.
I have a question for you. I became disabled October 24, 2007. I filed the claim in December 2007.
I was just awarded on May 20th. How much if any "back pay"
will I receive? If I do not receive any back pay can the Attorney still collect his 25% of my monthly benefit?
I am confused about this.
Thanks,
Cathy

[Bellinghamster]

Thanks Brigitte!! I was actually shocked that it went thru the first time.
I have a question for you. I became disabled October 24, 2007. I filed the claim in December 2007.
I was just awarded on May 20th. How much if any "back pay"
will I receive? If I do not receive any back pay can the Attorney still collect his 25% of my monthly benefit?
I am confused about this.
Thanks,
Cathy

Cathy,

Tell me when SSA found you disabled -- your onset date. I will be able to figure any back pay due to you by that. If there is no past due benefits the attorney cannot collect -- it is written that way in the agreement. By the way, the attorney cannot collect 25% of your monthly check. The attorney can only collect 25% from the past due benefit amount. Your monthly check is yours! The only deduction that might come out would be for Medicare Part B -- but you have to be on Social Security disability for 24 consecutive months before you become eligible for any Medicare. Let me know what your onset date of disability is and I'll get back to you!

Brigitte

[pogo1960]

Hi Brigette,

I believe SSA is saying 10/24/07 is the date I became disabled. I am waiting for the "award" letter to arrive.
Thanks for your input.

Cathy

[newnonnie]

I worked as an RN but the increasing sleep disorder and tremor made it impossible to work reliably. When I saw this coming I tried out making and selling greeting cards and then slid into antiquing to try another less stressful career while my Neurologist tried to find something that wouldn't just gork me out. I have sleep disturbances almost constantly.My attempts at being self-sufficient have fai le d. don't ever make a profit.
Should I quit tr ying/ or keep o n to stay active and will it interfere with social security? Ihave never been out of the red and I cn't put much time into the biz because I'm too tired nd disorgnzed

[ltd-addition]

Blesss you
RN = registered Nurse ?

[newnonnie]

Yes, Registered Nurse

[ltd-addition]

Snap both Heather and I are registered Nurses, although I do have 2 professions I kept my nursing up till recently.

Apply for your social security then do bank nursing once you've got it as long as it doesn't affect your income.

You won't always feel this tired I promise

Good luck and keep safe

[newnonnie]

I am waiting for ins approval for a visit with a Neuropsychologist to document any memory problems and functional difficulties I may have as far as working is concerned.
My Neurologist does not want me to do nursing because of the attached stress. When I even think about recertifying for CPR or PALS or Lactation Specialist I want to RUN! Or to take exams to stay current in assessment and meds. I can only do one thing at a time right now. I don't multitask anymore because I just don't keep the thought in my head of what else I was trying to do. Some days are better than others. She has upped my Clonipen to try to get some real sleep but now I have a headache all day. When I was on Miripex I struggled with overwhelming urge to sleep when in the patient's room and talking. I had to make my eyes stay open because they kept closing. Driving home was a nightmare. But I was working with mothers breastfeeding babies and I couldn't SHAKE THE BABY, so was trying to find a med to work. Either it seems meds make me sleepy or hyper a lert,
as does symmetril if I take it late in the day. It seems if I'm alert and awake I can't turn my brain off, and if I'm asleep I'm talking and thrashing i n the bed keeping my husbnd up.
So I've moved to the couch until we can get something going with sleep. Was on Neupro before they took it off the market and have been on Azelect from the get go. Does it get better after you get the meds figured out? Right now I need frequent rest stops thru the day and can;t focus well.

[ltd-addition]

I know different drugs affects different people what about trying Stalevo ?

It is making me human again.

Im 46yrs old now with a 7 yr old son

50yr old husband

I love life and am taking my employer to a Employment tribunral because they want me to retire.
I was 38 yrs old upon diagnosis
I'm too good and not ready to go

I don't make decisions whilst emotional or unwell

I'm now better and brighter than I've ever been

Im trying to say that once you get a drug that suits you
Life does get better !

Hang in there honey

Im here in the UK looking out for you

keep safe

[Mary]

Hi Ltd Edition
Good you are back in full flow and still got everything crossed for you being the winner in your battle.
How long have you been on Stalevo ? Were you ever on Pramipexole- varying strengths+ Sinemet Plus + Azilect and if so which does Stalevo replace? and what benefits did/do you find from it?
Sorry it is question time
Mary

[Mary]

Hi Newnonnie
Welcome hope you find all the answers you are looking for on the Forum
Mary:)

[Patsy]

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu214/shortcut/0shawcmbdf.gif to the forum.
As ltd addition said why not try Stalevo, I have been on it 7 yrs. and it has given me back my life. I have PD for almost 11 yrs diagnosed, symptoms started 4 yrs before diagnoses.
I do not sleep very well, I think it is part of having PD or the side effects of some medication.
Never give up, think positive.
Patsy :):)

[newnonnie]

Thanks for all the encouragement! I'll ask my neurologist about the Stalevo--not sure it is in USA. :)

[Gail]

Thanks for all the encouragement! I'll ask my neurologist about the Stalevo--not sure it is in USA. :)

Hi Newnonnie, I am from California and have been on stalevo for about a year. I still don't sleep much, except of course when I shouldn't. I take the stalevo with requip and still find myself dozing off when I shouldn't but am able to function much better. I stopped working last March and just applied for my social security disability. The decision to stop working was a very difficult one to make, but removing that stress made such a difference in my life. Hopefully getting approved for social security will not be the nightmare everyone has said it is.

Good Luck
Gail

[ltd-addition]

Oops I missed this thread and am replying rather late to it.

Hi Mary sorry but I'm a bit slow answering you but if it helps here goes.
I am on pramipexole 7mg tablet which I take one tablet at 8am 4pm & midnight every day
I also take
Pramipexole 0.18mg tablet which I take one tablet at the same time as the 7mg

I started stalevo in March 2007 which I take one tablet at the same time as the above. The stalevo contains 50mg levodopa 12.5mg carbidopa 200mg entacapone .

However I have found that I was freezing so within the past 2 month I have increased the stalevo to include an extra 2 tablets taking the total of 5 a day . I take one tablet at 12 midday and the second extra one at 7pm

I also take selegiline 5mg which is 2 tablets in the morning but I'm starting to split them up by taking one in the morning and one in the afternoon to see if it assists with my increased stalevo.

I'm feeling good and still feel like a spring Gazelle but I find I am still having pain in my lower back when I'm due the extra stalevo so I'm going to ask if the dosage strength can be increased come my appointment in June.

I hope this helps you and others on this forum Mary

[Mary]

Thanks Ltd Edition

I am on Pramipexole 0.7 x 1 tablet Pramipexole 0.18 x 2 tablets Sinemet Plus 1 and half tablets all taken 3 times daily I think I am on maximum dosage on some of the tablets but finding shaking is increasing.I am seeing Neurologist today will ask his opinion on increase/change of meds so thanks for information
Mary