I have an appointment to file for SSD for the second week in February. I know lots of you out there have been kicking and scratching to get your claim approved (as you rightly deserve may I add). Any advice for when I sit down with this fine govt employee to fill out my form (couldn't do it online because I had a question about estimating future income)? I have all of the documentation that they requested for me to bring, but I'm nervous about the appointment that I will say something to kill my chances.
Bless all who tolerate my endless questions,
Lori Lee

Hi Lori Lee,

I haven't been thru this experience yet, but I'm going to apply real soon. I'll get the forms and all the information gathered that they want. I'll have letters from various Drs. that have treated me. The meds that I have been on and the ones that I'm currently on.I'll have a couple businesses write letters why they would not consider me for employment..I have a RSD friend here that was accepted and talk to her. Maybe the support group, ask them questions for those that don't mind talking privately about it. I already know I don't have enough credits for one type of help. Anyway, I will pm you when I find out more information, and I would appreciate it if you learn something helpful, please pm me. Let us know when you get accepted. I know we all need any help we can get.

I am so sorry you lost your nursing profession. It takes a very special caring person to care for those in pain and different distressing situations. I'm sure you miss it, like I miss what I did. Keep in touch and take care, Loretta

I applied (online), and my best advise is go in as if it is your worse day, and answer all the questions as if it were your worse day. Do not make the mistake of answering the questions as if it were an ok day. If some days you require a wheelchair, go in with a wheelchair, forget the makeup, etc. also, don't lie. just use info from worse days. I was approved within 6 wks. I hope that helps.

Hugs
Mary

Hi Lorie Lee,

We don't have SSD here in the UK and I am too young to recieve it anyhow from what I understand but we have filled in lots of forms about my RSD for lots of different things like the handicapped badge, adaptations done to our house etc etc!!

As Lostmary said, fill the forms in as though it is on a bad day. Most forms will state for you to do that anyhow but it's really important that you don't lie and tell the truth about your symptoms. Don't say that your symptoms aren't that bad just because you might be scared, you deserve to get everything you deserve and shouldn't have to suffer if you don't have to!

We have never had any problems filling in most of the forms and have been accepted within a few months thankfully! A lot of the people that assess the forms might want to speak to your Doctor also so make sure he/she is aware and knows what to expect.

I wish you the best of luck and hope all goes well and that you get accepted real soon!

Hi there; I know your'e feeling very nervous about the SS meeting - I too was almost sick with the thought I would do something to blow it. The lady that took the information from us was very nice and patient. Luckily I had my husband go with me as I was worried I would forget information with all the drugs I take! I applied in late August 08 - and just got awarded with payments to start in March - thank goodness! I was totally blown away I was accepted - was all ready with what I was going to do when I received the denial letter. I think what really helped is that I had ALL my dr records with me (about 4" thick) - even included my PT notes I requested from the therepist. I also had downloaded the RFC form (Residual Functional Capacity Form) and had my pain management dr fill it out in advance so I could hand it in at the same time with my dr records.. I know most people wait until SS requests this from a dr, but I figured it couldn't have hurt. It was about 5 pages, and my dr was good enough to go thru each page with me and fill it out right then in the appt. I hope everything goes good for you - just remember to breath! Be very honest on the form and in conversation with the person about what you can and CANNOT do, your pain, etc. I'll be keeping my figers crossed for you! Be sure and let us know how it went.

it took me like 3 years to get approved, mainly because i was/am so young. i got denied like 3 times, and then finally had to go to court. i would reccommend finding a lawyer. one who gets paid only if u win. it def helped.

I am also starting to apply for SSDI.. My interview is by phone this Tuesday at 10am.. I am working on getting all the info I need to answer my legal representatives questions..

My lawyer will be paid by my long term disability insurance company. I figured I might as well try while I still have the insurance. That's a savings I didn't think I would have..

About time that Insurance company did something besides stressing me out..hahahaha

I will share what I learn as it goes along. Good luck to you
hope you get approved soon

Girls, I got my SSD in the early 90's. And, I like msdrea had to get an attorney. I am now going through a review of benefits! I am in a state where SS reviews your benefits every two or three years. I hate the paper work and find the questions insulting, black and white and not there for my benefit. Good luck to you all. I do wish you, your well deserved benefits. I don't know what the new changes for SS will look like, but...day by day.... I just need to get through another review.:
My best to you all,
Di

Hi Their,

The only advice I have is try to get EVERYTHING you can. My husband makes good money after he saw the paperwork, he just told to me to forget about it but I should't of. Hugs, Roz

Don't try to hide anything. They'll know.

It's really hard to explain all the troubles we have to someone who doesn't have the problem. They've run into this before so don't fret if you can't.