It's ok Kathy, we have to appreciate the little things that DO make us laugh....I stupidly thought that getting the SSDI was going to be a cure all, but the excitement of getting the money yesterday through me into a small flare...it's also been raining here. I have to laugh at myself for being so dense.

Hi Cindi,
I don't think you are dense. You have accomplished something and for us to accomplish anything in one day is an amazing thing. You go and celebrate.

I think the rain had alot to do with how you were feeling yesterday...I had a bad day yesterday too and today seems not much better and we are expecting rain prob tomorrow here. I get alot more burning and aches before the storm hits. Hope you are feeling less "dense" today. lol.
kathy d

Cindi, it sure isn't winning the lotto (nor should it be) but it should provide you with a bit of financial stability. Depending on your family resources, and what your state offer's to the disabled, you might find additional help now as well...

Our children grow up so quickly, that if you can use any portion of your backpay to create memories with or for them, I highly recommend it.

Sadly, I didn't get any back pay and we don't qualify for SSI, BUT with my amount and the suppliment for my son, my husband and I figured out that I will be getting almost the same amount that I made at my job 4 years ago. There really is something to be said for working in the same profession for 25 years!! My 10 year old stated that since I had been working since I was 16 and you can retire after 30 years if you work for our state, then I should tell everyone I'm retired!! I almost peed my pants!

Cindi, if you don't mind telling, do you know the excuse for the ALJ changing your onset date? You're clearly not old enough for the Grid Rules to be a factor. Has it been 4 years since you've worked at all?

I concur that your monthly benefit is more important, but it is unfortunate that you won't be receiving any backpay. The bigger objection is that you'll have to wait for Medicare, which I'm sure you could have found a use for.

Some of your expenses also decrease by not working--smaller gas bills, clothing budget, lunches out, etc.

My lawyer and I decided not to ask for fear that we would have to have a hearing...I have worked with the autism community for 25 years and I am a certified Autism Mentor...with all my training and certifications my lawyer thought that a judge would say that I could work at a desk job. We both knew that this wasn't possible because of all my wonderful symptoms keep me awake all night, when I sit or stand for too long my legs go numb, spasm,swell, and generally hurt ALL the time, so we left well enough alone. I really can't complain since I am getting almost as much as I did my last year of working....Our family went from being right above the poverty level to middle class in a matter of hours!! LOL

Oh, I forgot to mention that along with RSD, I was born with Cerebral Palsy. I really do not care about the Grid Rules, I'm just happy that a deposit was made into my bank account and that I am a contributor to my family

Congratulations Cindi! I knew you'd receive what you are entitled to.
I thought that when Suzy received her SSDI, in which it was significant, 3.5 years of backpay, that she would cheer up etc. She never smiled, I did all the smiling of course. Although my mental pain was eased her physical pain didn't. But the stress for her was greatly reduced which is a damn good thing.
Sleep good Cindi!!

Sadly, I didn't get any backpay and my lawyer and I don't know why. We decided not to fight it because of all the training that I had in my position, a judge could easily resended the decision and said that I could go to a different job, so we left well alone..

I am making the same amount of money that I did about 4 years ago. By this I mean with all the extra deductibles that I had taken out of my work paycheck for eye, dental, life, and medical along with union dues and donations to the sick bank, it may be a little more. I didn't qualify for SSI.... Not having the financial burden in our family is better than winning the lottery. It makes me feel like a contributing member of my family and a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Peace of mind is good medicine

You darn tooten! Still a very good outcome. I only mentioned the back pay because it took 4 years and it was enough to put a smile on most people's face but not Suzy, straight face all the way. Very shy person.