Are you all ready for some good news?

are you really ready?

I heard from Social Security.....

I am APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My first check should be in my account in October.

But my backpay will take up to 6 months.

I cannot believe it. No lawyer, no appeal -- amazing. They found me disabled from the date my employer let me go in Dec. 2009. With the waiting period, that means I started disability June 2010. So I won't get on Medicare till June 2012 - which may mean I go a year without insurance - because my COBRA will end June of 2011. I'll have to see what I can do on that. No insurance company with a brain would cover me.

I will know more once I get the actual letter - such as was I classified as permanently disabled, or will I have to get a new decision after so many years, things like that.

But -- I am SOOOOOO happy!!!!!!! Such a relief.

Hey Daylily- that's great!! Awesome!! XOXO Sandy

Yippee!! Congrats!! So happy for you.

Jules -

It's wonderful you were approved. Sorry about the insurance thing though. Under the Healthcare Reform Act, it's my understanding that adults with pre-existing health issues who have been without insurance for six months will qualify for new pool coverage that doesn't exclude for pre-existing conditions. Which would mean that you would be without coverage for six months, rather than a year, if I am reading this Christian Science Journal article correctly:

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politic...ing-conditions

But enough with detail. Thrilled to hear you got SSD on the first go round, as I did a few months ago. (In my case thanks to the detail of my doctors' report.) And for what it's worth, I truly believe a new wind is blowing through the SSA.

Congradulations!

Mike

Congratulations. It is a relieve when you get approved. And what most don't realize is that you get much more than just that monthly check especially if you have minor children it's truly a lifesaver. I had a great case worker and she made me aware of every benefit I was entitled to. I didn't get mine of the first try but did on the second. I also particpate in the work program so I am able to work 2 days a week which gets me out and feeling better about myself. Again congratulations......

Gabbycakes

Congratulations!! By the grace of God, I was approved on my first go round too. I know what a relief it is. Double check on your COBRA coverage. Many policies have a stipulation for coverage that allows for an additional 18 months of coverage (total of 36 mos.) for those who are deemed disabled HOWEVER you must notify them within 60 days of being deemed disabled that you intend to extend coverage. I ended up getting screwed this way because I did not notify them within the 60 days. Luckily I qualified for the state insurance risk pool and did not go without insurance until my Medicare came through. But it was a nightmare and caused a lot of unnecessary stress. Hope this info helps.

Cricket

I feel very happy for you daylilyfan! What a gift, you deserve it.

Thanks everyone!!

Cricket - double thanks to you!!! I just called COBRA and you are right! I can get an 11 month extension by sending them a copy of my paperwork when I get it... So I will only be without insurance a few days or up to a month - will have to see how that works out. That was a fantastic tip you gave me... !!!

I feel so blessed! Things have gone so wrong for so long, and I still cannot believe this!

I never buy lottery tickets but I feel like I should go buy a couple!

Great news. We are working on our application. We are going to try without a lawyer for the initial application. My wife has a pain pump and lots of doctors who will write good material for us, so I am hopeful.

The biggest problem is that she does not want to admit she is disabled and she has to, instead, try to convince someone that she is. That is not a happy making situation.

Did you do anything "special"? I see that getting your ducks in a row is critical and having well written clear doctor's notes that expressly say you are disabled is important. Other than that do you have any insights or lessons learned to pass on?

TIA. And congrats again. Being disabled is horrible, but having some money makes life easier.