hi ... when I appealed (2nd time) this last April .. it took until Sept 9 to deny me again .. .due to my age (49) and that I have an education - I should be able to work a full-time position due to my sx ..

I now have an advocate that suggesting to appeal again (by the end of this month now) ... and to get an attorney .. she also told me that she's NEW to this and that she's just following the rules .. never really has worked with anyone about appealling ..

I know that I won't get a ton of money - do I have to go thru the humiliation of dealing with a lawyer? AND - it's to be a hearing! I don't get it?

I'm under the understanding that sure, I can get a lawyer to help - but not a hearing ... and then was informed that if after the hearing, I'm denied again - I won't be able to get any backpay from August 2007 or Jan 2008 (whichever they decide on when they first denied me) ...

I have to contact the advocate of my decision ... I just get so fed up with them ... I have less than $100 to my name ... and been doing side jobs for cash to survive .. and it's making me worse (the stress etc doesn't do me any wonders, that's for sure!)

thanks for listening!