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Originally Posted by LIT LOVE
Start by reading the sticky "Don't start your claim unprepared." I also suggest you purchase a book like "Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability" or check out a copy from your local library.
Next, speak with all of your docs to see if they'd be supportive of a SSD claim.
Regarding going to college, were they unable to provide you with the correct accomodations, or were you unable to manage due to pain, etc?
You would likely qualify for a job with special accomodations for the disabled. Many of these include working from home and have flexible hours. How many hours a week could you be functional with sedentary work with accomodations? If it's less than 20, you should be able to qualify for SSD.
You might consider contacting your local Voc Rehab Agency. They'll have you tested and try to determine if you are capable of performing any type of work.
All that being said--you didn't choose what age you were when you became afflicted with your issues. A worker that has been on the job for 20 years is no more entitled to benefits than you are. The severity of disability is the determining factor. SS makes it easier for older workers (50/55) not because they "paid their dues" but because they have less time to adapt to their disability before retirement.
Pain can be a major factor when determining disability. Again severity is key. Side effects of meds are absolutely considered. By the time someone with chronic pain is taking strong opiates, they are often no longer able to work.
The younger you are, the harder it is to qualify, but DON"T let that effect your decision to file! If your disability is severe enough to keep you from working, than you should apply. Do not feel guilt or shame for needing SSI. You do need some financial independence!
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Thanks for the reply!
I was unable to attend classes because I wasn't able to get through the pain. When I went to campus, I was unable to sit or stand for long and couldn't walk up the stairs without being in bad pain. The reason it's not really feasible to go is because no matter what I'm gonna be in that level of pain, even if I am able to move around--just because of how long I have to be up and going without reclining or lying down like I do at home. So the pain is just too much, and even if I could stand it it's distracting as all get out. All you're thinking about is ANYTHING to get rid of the pain, I couldn't take in anything from my classes. So, its mainly that my pain level is too high right now. There is a chance I can maybe find some relief eventually even without surgery...but that is why I'm going to my Neurosurgeon again. I've already had epidurals and tried narcotics to no avail, so we'll see what other options I have.
Also, I am actively involved with what they call here in PA the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. I was getting tuition help from them. I was working with them due to my mental disability, but now that I have this spine injury I don't think that they are finding me particular attractive for funding. As in, right now they feel it is unlikely that I would be able to work and so they have no reason to help fund my school tuition. They have job training and things like that, but I'm not quite sure what all they could offer for me specifically based on what they said on my last visit. Maybe I can be more specific and explain everything to them again.
Also, to the other person who asked how I knew I didn't qualify for actual SSDI--it is because I don't have enough 'credits'. I spoke with SS directly. It's less that I worked only 2 years and more that I only accumulated so many 'credits'. I forget how many I needed, but I was no where close to having enough to qualify. I didn't really expect to be able to, but it was still a let down to know my work didn't amount to much in that aspect. lol!
Thanks everyone! I'll check out all the information here and consult with my doctors. If I have a chance to work and have a career, I'll definitely take it. I wanna feel better...I just haven't been getting good news with that wish, so I guess I just have to be more realistic and work with what I got.