Those with SSDI please help??
 

I have already posted my whole story in another thread but have a question in regards to what SSDI considers " other type of work"?
I have read alot of people denial letters that state we feel you are capable for " other work".
I worked the last 8 years in the insurance field, writing homeowners / auto , workers comp , policies etc.
This required sitting at a desk, filing, walking to greet customers... basic office work.
So, my question, my Dr sent over paperwork to SSDI stating that I could NOT sit or Stand for any longer then 2 hours at a time with out my legs swelling or causing extreme pain.
What other " job" could I perform if they deny me?
At my IME psych exam the Dr said that I am lacking on my immediate memory, with no recall! That is was below average!
Still waiting on my decision !!

My diagnosis is , PN , I had stage 2b cervial cancer. I also suffer from anxiety and depression.

While I don't know for sure what type of "other work" SSDI is referring to (since they never seem to indicate), I do know of people who are disabled and do things like editing books for publishing companies. It is done mostly around your schedule (there are deadlines but you can work for one hour at a time or six) and can usually be done from home so you can sit in a recliner or lay in bed if needed. I don't personally know the requirements for a job like that (if any degree or special training is required), but that is what a lot of people I know have done.

I don't think we can speculate about or justify a decision in your case that has not been made.

Many people who have medical problems are capable of doing other work than they did before. The list is almost endless. A former longshoreman could become an elevator operator. A former surgeon could work as a receptionist.

Probably shouldn't anticipate the worst case scenerio.

Janke is right anticipating isnt going to help. when you get the decision you take the next step. there is nothing you can do till then, unless you have additional medical information from a recent test, or visit that you havent forwarded to them yet.

I had a client who was sent to a Salvation Army to just stand around and do a little inventory. I don't know about everywhere but in Florida they send you to a job, he only had to work 3 hrs 3 times a week.

It will depend on your age. If you are age 50+ you will have a better chance of getting a fully favorable decision.


Good luck!

The long and winding road
 

Well, I'm 60 and my doc suggests that I have a good chance since I've suffered major depression for well over a year. Yet I'm afraid of applying, afraid of the stigma, and all the hoops you run through. I have been interviewing for jobs all year; will they says I was well enough?

From who? It's nobody's business that you are applying or are on SSDI.
If anyone ask what you do for a living especially at your age, just tell them you are "retired." ;)

Please don't be afraid of applying, or ashamed. If people need help, they deserve help. Would you be ashamed if you were injured in military service, or saving someone from a burning building (okay, extreme example!).

The act of applying fro jobs doesn't necessarily count against you...it shows that you are trying to make the best of your situation but ultimately it can't be counted against you. Now, if you start working full time and make over $1000 a month, this would count against you.

Mz Migraine's suggestion of telling people that you are retired is a great one :)

The process can be a little overwhelming, but for so many people it's life-changing. If you do decide to apply, ask as many questions as you feel you need to to understand the situations. Ask the forum. It may not be as difficult as you think, and you have nothing to lose by applying.

I agreee, I think applying would be a good decision. The sooner the better...I wated for a few years before I decided that applying would be the best decisin for me.
Good luck to you qand keep us posted! This is an awesome sight for support through your whole process!!!!!!!

See your senetor and letter of restrictions from your doc.
 

Go to a senetor take your papers in to them you will get it. My husband did in 3 months time after 4 turn downs and a year and half later. Also see your doctor make sure they write down all restrictions in a letter and make sure they spacifically say that you can not work at all. It will help. Good Luck.

Maybe everyone should bypass the Social Security office and just go to an elected official...

An elected official can assist in moving a case along when it has gotten stuck. The original poster in this case has not had a decision yet and was speculating about what might happen in the future. I doubt the senator has a better crystal ball than any of us.

An elected official cannot and SHOULD not be able to make a decision that any of his/her constituents should be paid government assistance. What criteria would this senator apply? Should they approve anyone who walks in the door? Should they approve only people who voted for them or said they voted for them? Getting SSA benefits is not a perk that an elected official can provide to people in his district.

Anyway, SSA is a federal program. Makes more sense to talk to a federal representative like one of your two Senators or your Congressman.

You're correct Janke. I had contacted my congressman on behalf of my wife who is very ill in order to speed up the SSDI process if possible. What I was told is they can do what's called a "Congressional Inquiry" What this is- is your congressperson and or staff will inquire on the status of an ongoing SS disability case of a constituent. This can red flag the case if it is hung up somewhere in never never land but it is not supposed to move the case in front of others unless it was hung up for no good reason. It can help to move the case if stalled. This is my understanding.

Fortunately, my SSDI application went through the first time. I do feel a stigma associated with being on it because my condition is mental and not visible to outsiders. If I had a physical disability that was obvious to others, I don't think I would feel this way. I am thankful for the SSDI coverage, just stating my feelings. Good luck to those of you that are still in the application process or the appeal process.