Congratulations to you. It is all a bit confusing isn't it? I am a nurse who is currently on temporary disability and have been out of work since July due to MG. I was diagnosed via a tensilon test and am seronegative. I mainly have difficulty with my vision, neck, and speaking at this time. I am on mestinon which has helped with generalized weakness, but as you all know every day is different and you don't know what tomorrow will bring.
Does anyone know if you can collect a pension while on temporary disability? I think I am going to have to retire. I am 60 years old and not eligible for SS yet.
I also have an autoimmune disease called primary biliary cirrhosis and recurrent uveitis that has left me with a shower of floaters in one eye further affecting my vision.
Again, I am happy to hear of your positive SS outcome.

I add my congratulations with your approval for SSI Disability. After reading several experiences people have had on this site, it can be a frustrating experience.

Luckily I received approval the first time I applied. I used a lawyer so don't know if that had anything to do with it but I do have two autoimmune diseases and my neurologist was very responsive to the governments request. I received the same approval with a 5 to 7 year review which I believe means the government considers you to be permanently disabled.

Also I understand (which may be incorrect) that the amount you receive for disability will be the amount you will be getting from now on, much like when you retire early (at 62) that amount is the established amount you will receive. Everyone should receive a yearly statement from the Social Security administration which shows what your individual record of income and the SSI payment is for your working history. On that statement, it also shows the amount you will receive for disability.

Also another thing I have discovered, after you have been on disability for 2 years, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare if you don't have group insurance coverage (which I don't - I have an individual insurance policy). At 56 years old I don't really want to be on the imperial government's insurance but I don't have much choice.

Just wanted to give you my experience. Good luck.

Southern Bell

I am 64 and drawing Social Security Disability and yes you continue to draw the same amount even when you turn 62 and it doesn't change. I never had a review.

thankyou for the responses.

WHAT GREAT NEWS!

I;m going to go back with a lawyer and FIGHT for my rights! We were told that my hubby "made too much" to get SSDI, but that is a joke - because we spend so much on meds and dr. visits!

Your great news has me HOPEFULagain!

Love,
erin

sorry erin, my ss di is not based on what I earn. I have worked 40 years and have enough credits in the system.

If you google Social Security Disability you will find a site that explains alot about SSDI. SSDI is Social Security Disability Insurance and it only looks at your contribution history. There are guidelines about your work history which qualify you for approval. It also says (and I've heard this alot lately) that at least 60% of first time applications are denied simply because the funds are not there to cover everyone and it also says that 80% of those who reapply are rejected. It recommends that you use a knowledgeable lawyer to help you.

SSI is Supplemental Security Income which does include your total family income in order to qualify.

The site that I found is socialsecurity-disability.org.

Good luck to all who are going through this battle. Not only are we fighting these illnesses but also the government. I feel very fortunate to have been approved the first time I tried. I just hope nothing changes in the coming years with the problems that our government is experiencing. We have got to get serious about the country's financial situation.

Southern Bell

the advocates are pretty smart cookies. They know if youre going to get approved or not.(at least they make you feel they do)
My advocate showed me sheets with statistics, based on my age, health, condition, told me theres a 68% chance I will be approved after my first hearing.
They have it down to a science. I still had to fill out all the paperwork, but for me, it was simple. No reason to lie, just put down the answers and walk into court and rehash the same questions and answers.

I just feel bad for some of the people that were there that day that looked llike they were in pain and sounded as if they really needed to settle or loose their homes or their apts.(they talk out loud to their lawyers, they want you to hear)

Congratulations on your approval Allen!!!!!
I've had MG for 17 years and worked for 10 years after diagnosis. It became too much and I filed in 2006. It took me three years to get my approval but I was approved in about 15 minutes during my hearing. I'm up for review next year I believe.

I'm only 45 and am interested in enrolling in some online Christian Ministry courses. Not for a career or anything but for personal reasons and also just to occupy my mind. I want to contact someone at SS to inquire about this but I'm not sure if they will read more into it and discontinue my benefits. No way I can work again at this time or possibly ever. One course at a time isn't much and I can do it when I am able to. Just very confused right now

I dont know any statistics, but I believe the closer one is to retirement age and the proven illness(having mg is not like diagnosing how much pain one is in after hurting his back at work), is something that dictates the decision for ssi benefits.