How to "meet" the criteria??
 

I applied for social security last year in August, when I had a mental breakdown. Of course, I have been denied and now have an attorney and am at the court appeals level.

I read the criteria for my mental and physical problems. I can see that I am eligible under the listed guidelines on the SSA site. But, of course, they turn me down.

I have fibromyalgia since 2003, osteoarthritis, thyroid disorder, ongoing high white blood count for 6+ years, female cancer, PTSD, severe anxiety, social phobias, have been repeatedly sexually assaulted from childhood to late teens, severe depression, possible bipolar, PTSD, tachacardia, all I can think of off hand.... They continually turn me down.

My 15 yr. old (bipolar) daughter lives with me 90% of the time and I do not receive child support because at the time of divorce, I made decent money and we have shared parenting.

We receive foodstamps and medical coverage.

I recently moved into an apartment that my mother and I were leasing. She died tragically the first night here, a month ago. So, my daughter came to stay with me permanently, she was also here when mom died.

I had helped my parents financially for years, she was, now going to help me. Instead, I cannot pay the rent and utilities and have exhausted all resources.

Any suggestions?

I am currently having surgery to remove some female cancer. I am also attempting to push the SSI, for dire need/hardship.

I have many mental issues as well andsimply do not know where to go from here.....

I have always worked, but the last 2 years, was self-eployed and could not pay my taxes. I am 4 credits short due to this. If I "hopefully" get approved for SSI, I hope it is possible I can pay some of my back taxes, for the missing 4 credits, and believe since I qualify for SSI, will be able to get my SSDI, so I will receive more income and my daughter will also get half of that each month.

Any suggestions? AM I missing something?

its tough
 

I wish you the best winning your SSDI and SSI case. i have not any luck with mine, ive been trying now for 3 years.

I know every state is different Alaska is where i am and its been nothing but dead ends for me up here. But i have to keep fighting for what is mine.

You shouldnt give up. keep at it. I think my age has something to do with it, i am 45. My sis in missouri is 58 and got her SSI first time around, crazy.

best of luck!

Mental issues
 

I won on mental issues as well as a bum knee. It took a total of 3 1/2 years to finally win. Make sure you have a good doctor to document everything for you. I had 2 great doctors that kept on top of things for me. You have to have alot of patience if you expect to win.

Have you considered seeing if your daughter also qualifies for social security given her diagnosis of bipolar? It may be worth a shot.

Hi lilred,

It sure is a frustrating process !

I wish there was a magical formula, but damned if I know it.

The only advice I casn give is to focus on functional limitations. It's not about the list of diagnoses, it's about how those medical problems interfer with your ability to do a job.

For example....the vast majority of people over 40 have osteoarthritis somewhere and are not disabled by it. Where is your's and how does it affect you ? The ladies on the Lyrica commercials srolling around Rome and working in the cake shop are working despite their fibromyalgia.....why can't you ? Not that I need an explanation, I have both problems too, I mean explain it to ssdi.....no need to defend yourself here ! We all get it !

It matters a lot what your doctors write on the ssdi forms too. Have you seen their documentation ? If they just list the problems without explaining what you can't do, you are screwed.

Are you using a lawyer ? I think that really helps.

Best of luck to you, especially with your upcoming surgery