So I guess this means I didn't dream it???

Yay! Wonderful news! Congrats, Anne!

Congrationlations it is wonderful news it gives the rest of us hope to know that if you keep fighting you can win. Way to go god bless

THAT IS SO VERY COOL!
Your rich in PEACE

I'm in your same boat...retirement disability, W/C and SSD.
Maybe the universe is turning in a favorable direction.
I would give anything for ONE positive right about now.

I am assuming you do not have a SS attorney. So far, this is approved, so ok, yes! But the second part, on wehtehr you meet non-medical requirements - I don't "get" that, so if that is negative and you were resting part of your case on it, or you're not 100% by this decision alone, then I would lodge my request in writing when and if you get a negative decision.

I am not a SS atty nor am I licensed anymore, so this is just off-the-cuff from a friend advice.

It is nice to get a retroactive check!!! Save it wisely - like those ING big interest, FICA insured savings accounts.

God bless you, I am very, very happy that you go the decision you deserve. (Sad that we deserve them, but happy we got 'em.)

Love to you -

Tam, actually I do have an attorney (Binder & Binder) had them thru the whole process. There is a cap on what they can take as payment: 25% of my lump sum OR $5200 whichever is LESS!

I confirmed what this is today on the Social Security website:
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What are non-medical requirements for disability?

Question:
I applied for Social Security disability benefits and received a letter that says I am medically disabled but that SSA will review the non-medical part of my claim. What are non-medical requirements?

Answer:
To receive Social Security Disability benefits a person must meet Social Security's definition of disability and meet certain non-medical eligibility requirements. Examples of non-medical eligibility requirements include proof of age, employment, marital status, or Social Security coverage information.

State agencies (usually called Disability Determination Services or DDSs) make the medical determination on a claim.

Local Social Security offices are responsible for verifying non-medical eligibility requirements.
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so I assume this is simply making sure I'm a US Citizen, don't owe back taxes, don't have hidden assets etc. A Local level check.

I have an appointment next week with my mother's Attorney for wills, trusts, estates. I'm going to review my situation with him while setting up her estate. I'm going to be executrix and we don't want that messing anything up with my SSD/SSI.

My girls will also get a retroactive lump check and monthly checks until age 18. The forms will be here in a week or so from my attorney and they will file them with SS for me.

Yes, I hope this will give many here some hope and set a precident in 'the system'.

Good for you Astern, I'm really happy for you. You go girl.

That is awesome news....you must feel so relieved !

I have no direct knowledge of this, but I took the non medical part to mean that you have had your necessary quarters in, etc (you know the part where they check that you worked and paid taxes....including SSI....for long enough that you are eligible for SSDI) I forget how many years that you have to have paid in for.......but I would think that Binder and Binder checked that out before "wasting" too much time with this.

Do you mind me asking exactly how disabled you are ? Meaning.....are you just TOS or do you have other things going on too ? For instance.....I can technically move around okay...........If you paid me $1000 I could do 25 jumping jacks.er, well, at least 10 right now, but there is no way I'm going to (unless you write me that humongous check) because the pain would be so severe for several days after it that my Vicodin and ice packs would in no way cover it. Are your movements really restricted by range of motion.....or are they restricted by pain, like me ? I hope that's not too personal, I'm just trying to guess what my finding will be. How many denials did you get ? Or was this your first shot ?

I am so happy for you !

Thanks finz - I am relieved. And very pleased that my kids will each be getting a lump check, and a monthly check until they reach age 18. This is just in the nick of time for their college. I had no idea how I was going to pay my 1/2 of their education - now I know that's what my lump check will likely go to. It's a huge relief.

I have worked full time since age 15, so have all needed credits. Yeah, Binder checks that out first.

How disabled am I? If I did 2 jumping jacks, I would have pain for 2 days, one day in the 10 range. My arms and hands would get puffy and red. If I were to clap my hands 2-3 times, like, at a naughty cat... I would have muscle spasms, and a severe headache in 1-2 hrs. If I were to trip and land on my knees and an arm (not a complete fall) on carpet, I would be in this same flare up knot-like state for the day and very sore the next day.

Basically, if I walk very gingerly and slow, no percussive movements, and treat myself like a little flower that can wilt at the slightest breeze... I'm merely uncomfortable. The movements are restricted by pain, but I can push past that and cause the crisis anyway. But pain and discomfort are always there. 24/7.

But if a weather system moves in - 2 days before it gets here - I also will go into a flare up from hell that can last up to 3 days in a 10 that meds do not touch.

It can have NOTHING to do with how I move. This makes even planning fun things impossible because I can never count on myself to feel good - let alone try to be a good, dependable employee. And to type this... is painful and now must stop.

hope this helps,
A

ps: other dx include: SAD, GERD, Depression, COPD, arthritis. otherwise, just TOS.