Quote:
Originally Posted by mbrook
I live in CA and had a TBI in Dec. I have PCS and PTSD. I worked for a non-profit that didnt pay into unemployment and disobility so I cant get any and they let me go after I couldnt return to work for the second month. I had to go get food stamps and files for general assistance. GA listed me as disabled and now I have to file for SSI. I have no idea what I am doing and the more I read the more freaked out I get. I am beyond broke and need $$ for my meds and gas to get to my Dr but I dont know what I should be filing for SSI or SSD. And I cant wait month or years I will be homeless and without meds next months. This is so confussing.
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Sorry to tell you but you will be waiting months for a decision, and hopefully you won't be waiting years, but it can happen.
You may have to change doctors to one of the local clinics that are available to GA recipients and get your meds from there. You also need to do whatever you can to find cheap shelter. Do you have any family or friends that would rent you a room for an extended period?
But you do need to get started on the SSI application as soon as possible because the waiting time won't start until you begin. Be thorough in the completion. You need to explain how your PTSD and TBI (which I had to look up) affect your ability to concentrate on a job. (I couldn't find PCS so using acronyms may not be the best way to start). If you haven't been evaluated by a psychiatrist or psychologist, it is likely that SSA will request it to see exactly where you are in functioning.
If it is too overwhelming, perhaps your GA office has an advocate who can help you complete the paperwork. You can also hire an attorney (who gets paid if you do), but they often do their best work at the hearing which would be way down the road. You want your initial application to be as thorough as possible. The Social Security staff can help you complete the forms, but they are neither on your side nor against you and don't know your life better than you do.
Whatever you decide, putting it off will only make it harder for you because if you do have to wait months or years, you haven't even started. Make this a priority and if you can't, find someone willing to help you.
Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday. Go to socialsecurity.gov today and start your online disability report.