After so many years of waiting *sniffle-snort* it's FINALLY HAPPENED!! OMG, I feel like I'm tripping on acid! Is it true?!? Is this really what I think it is??

Please help me - I've been let down and had the carpet pulled from under me so often, I'm not believing what I'm reading.

Anne
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Social Security Administration

Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance

Notice of Decision

Date:March 03,2008

As a result of our additional review, we are able to make a fully favorable medical decision and find that you meet the medical requirements for disability benefits. The onset of your disability is established as of June 01, 2003. Therefore, it is not necessary to have your case decided at the hearing level. We have not yet made a decision about whether you meet the non-medical requirements, but we will make that decision soon. You will soon get a notice about the amount of your payments if you meet the nonmedical requirements.

If you agree with our revised determination, you need take no further action and your hearing request will be dismissed. If you disagree with our revised determination, you may request that the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review proceed with your pending request for hearing. Your request should be made in writing and filed within 30 days from the mailing date of this notice. Your request may be filed with any Social Security office.

It sounds wonderfull!!

Oh Ann How wonderful, I am so veru happy that battle is over with and huge weight off your shoulders.
My hugs and love to you
di

Thanks guys! You are the best group of folks ever!!

I called my attorneys (Binder & Binder), who said that we have to wait for the award letter before they can explain anything to me about what I get/what my kids get etc., and I have no idea how long that is.

I have so many questions. I may go post over in the SSD forum.

I'd be partyin' right now but I am at an 8 pain-wise already from weather and maybe excitement. Just staying in bed for tonight.

CONGRATS !!!!!!!!

Feels good huh ?


Dolfinz

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.