Hi-

Sorry friends, been awol for a long time... lots and lots of problems going on- family (or lack thereof) especially- as terrible as that may sound. I just have one quick question regarding SSDI-

I worked part time from the age of 15-18, and full time from 18-23. (aka for as long as legally allowed). After losing my job, I had the surgery (still had insurance through my dad) that caused my CRPS. Now from what I've read on the gov't's website regarding the "rules" about applying/receiving benefits, supposedly you must rack up a certain amount of "points" or "credits" based upon the number of years one has worked full-time. Now, from what I calculated, the minimum number of years one would need to work to gain enough "credits" to be eligible to even apply would be ten years... but given my age, it's mathematically impossible for me to have that many credits (even if I were still working full time, now 24 yrs old). But if it had happened a year earlier, when I was 22, everything would have been different, because apparently, at 22, they have different rules, and still consider you a "child" of-sorts (don't know what that all means).

Anyway, my point is, I'm very concerned about what I should do... if the "credits" rule really is the case, where do I fit in? and how do I get approved- quickly? I'm not going to lie, I'm dragging my feet because I'm scared about what I might hear.

Also- regarding the "waiting period" before payments start, how does that work, and what do people do during this time to get by? To pay rent, bills, groceries, etc?

Any information at ALL would be so greatly appreciated! Thank you all!!!

Please check out the SSD forum. Read the stickies in particular. The same number of credits are not required for a 24 year old as a 30 year old. You might also qualify for SSI as well. Read up on both programs. If your disability onset can be documented to have occurred while you were 22, you could qualify for "children's" benefits on a parents work record, but would only receive them while a parent collects SSDI or regular retirement SS.

1/3 of SSDI applicants are awarded in the first stage. Doing your homework, getting the support of your doc, and accepting you have a long term severe disability will help.

I agree with Lit love, you may fall under SSI, which would actually look at your parents incomes and their credits. My husband as a son who is autistic who has applied for SSDI and will get it. But they did check my husband and whether is employer would offer any benefits. He is now 18 and he has never worked.

Just to clarify, the OP might qualify for SSDI, SSI, or both. SSI is income and assets based (it's essentially welfare for the disabled) but at age 24, your parents income or credits will not effect your ability to collect SSI. If you live with them rent free and/or they pay any of your expenses, that will be factored in to your income for SSI.

Parents work credits are only considered if you're applying for "children's" SSDI benefits as discussed before.

There are some cases where adults can qualify for all three programs, although it doesn't seem the OP can claim her disability started at 22. Children collecting SSI is an income based program, but again not relevant to the OP.

Hope this helps...

Hi...
pardon my gibberish- it's very late here and I haven't slept. In lots of pain, stressed, and parents have stopped talking to me- honestly don't know why. And since this has happened, I've lost all my friends, so I'm totally alone. The only thing keeping me going through all this pain is the hope that I can get SS figured out and at least get one huge worry off my chest.

So my question is, what do I need to do to find the correct info as to where to start... Should I get a lawyer? I don't exactly see eye-to-eye with my doc and so Idk how accurate his records are. Also, I need this to be done fast, as I live on my own and get no help from my parents. I'm pretty afraid of the whole process to be honest, and in a perfect world, would love nothing more than some "hand-holding" through this process... As horribly painful as CRPS is, the emotional and mental issues that tag along seem to be almost as bad. (in my experience anyway)

Anyhow, thanks everybody- you've all been lifesavers from the start (about a year now- time flies even when you're NOT having fun I guess!).

It's your choice if you want a lawyer or not. They are good for making sure the paper work is in the best possible order, but it is not that hard to do it on your own, but you need to be thourgh. you also want to make sure your doc. is on board, because they will request their documents as well. The bad part is it takes 4-6 months, sometimes longer.

4-6 months if things go REALLLY well for you. You CAN NOT expect to get a quick approval. It might happen. But you need to try and plan for the worst case scenario. You're young, and hopefully have very few bills. Reduce everything that isn't essential. Be ruthless with your budget. You might need to apply for food stamps, use public transportation, find roommates, apply for Medicaid, and so on. Refer to the Catch 22 stickie in the SSD section. Do you have any other relatives that would take you in?

Attorney's only get paid out of backpay, and many won't even take your case until after reconsideration has been denied. There are also non profit advocacy groups, and non-attorney SSDI advocates as well.

You need to gave your doc/s support of your application!!!

If you're not seeing a therapist, I'd highly recommend you do so. Dealing with a severe disability is incredibly stressful all by itself. Add in your isolation from family and friends, and it's oh so much harder!

I think people like to blame us for our disabilities, because if we have control over our health, then healthy people can delude themselves into believing our unfortunate circumstances can't happen to them or their loved ones.

All though it's not a substitute for what you've lost, those on Neurotalk can offer a great deal of emotional support.