Disability Benefits

It's obvious I am not going to be able to drive my truck any more. My feet just hurt too much and I'm afraid to drive because my feet are too numb to know what my feet are doing, like how hard I'm pushing on the gas or the break. I am considering applying for disability. I know I have paid for it with my social security taxes all of these years, but I have never asked for anything like this before. I have worked all of my life. I've heard that it's hard to get it.  Anybody had any experience with this process?

Hi Poppy -- Given your medical history and neuropathy there should be no difficulty in obtaining the benefits, however it will depend on how you word your application.  I have found when working with government departments it is best to schedule a meeting with the social worker at the office and sit down with them to explain Multiple Myeloma.  Most people have never heard of it and don't understand what happens -- the fact that most patients don't LOOK like they have cancer until they are literally at deaths door, makes it very difficult for workers to see what is actually happening.  Therefore, speaking to the worker in person detailing what your DISABILITIES really are and how they impact on your life will help them to make the right decision. Explaining the loss of your mobility and having to rely on others for transport -- if your wife also has problems (most Grandma's have some) and how this impacts on you -- and going into complete detail on all the issues, ie: lack of sleep, chemo brain, pain and inability to use your limbs, etc -- sit down and itemize them before you have the appointment.  Paint the darkest picture possible while sticking to the truth, don't try to make it sound better than it really is.  Remember, these people don't know you, they have a finite amount of money to meet the needs of many people, and YOU will not look either sick or incapacitated while sitting in their office.  Only when you move or change position, try to serve them something to eat or drink where you shake while trying to hold cups, etc. , seeing/hearing about the modifications in your home which makes life easier -- be really honest.  I worked in the field of disability services for the government for 20+ years, and the most frequent problem I encountered with parents was that they had become immune to seeing the EXTRA time it took (when compared to a 'normal' child) to care for someone with a disability.  Each liitle task indiviidually does not take much time, but when every task takes extra the picture is completely different.  Think of your self as a 'normal' 56ish year old fellow and then look at all the things that you require help with -- every little thing!!  Good luck Poppy -- if it doesn't work the first time, there is an appeal process and you can challenge the decision and try again.  Fingers crossed for you -- Cath

 

My God you are a God send! I am beginning to wonder what all of  us that read this board would do w/o you and I beleive his name is Craig, and others to help us. Shirley and I will sit down and make a list of the things that are hard for me to do and ALL of the things that she has to help me do. You are right she has some limitations of her own that we deal with. We are going Friday to talk to SS. Wish us luck! Thx again Poppy

Social Security/Disability Income is a Federal program that can be applied for after 6 months of disability.  In NJ at least you have to apply for STD short term disability which can last up to 26 weeks.  While on STD, you can apply for LTD long term disability through SSI Social Security Income.  My father was approved the first time he applied and there was little or no wait between the state disability and the federal disability.  Approval will depend on your specfic condition and yours doctor's responses.  My father was also stage III and passed away exactly 9 months from the day he was diagnosed.  Getting SSI approval right away was even a bit of a negative thing for him as the neighbor was disallowed and appealing her case (different medical condition). 

SSI can a stress can take several years and appeals to be approved.  But MM is not a temporary disability, it may be put in remission but it is not curable.  I do not believe you will have an issue applying for or receiving benefits based on the information you posted here.  Your loss of feeling even if comes and goes can be a barrier to you doing your job. Applying is not that difficult, the waiting is worse.  But having piece of mind once you are approved that you will have money coming in to pay the bills will help with some of the stress as well. 

 

On 1/10/2008 wolffhunter wrote:

Social Security/Disability Income is a Federal program that can be applied for after 6 months of disability.  In NJ at least you have to apply for STD short term disability which can last up to 26 weeks.  While on STD, you can apply for LTD long term disability through SSI Social Security Income.  My father was approved the first time he applied and there was little or no wait between the state disability and the federal disability.  Approval will depend on your specfic condition and yours doctor's responses.  My father was also stage III and passed away exactly 9 months from the day he was diagnosed.  Getting SSI approval right away was even a bit of a negative thing for him as the neighbor was disallowed and appealing her case (different medical condition). 

SSI can a stress can take several years and appeals to be approved.  But MM is not a temporary disability, it may be put in remission but it is not curable.  I do not believe you will have an issue applying for or receiving benefits based on the information you posted here.  Your loss of feeling even if comes and goes can be a barrier to you doing your job. Applying is not that difficult, the waiting is worse.  But having piece of mind once you are approved that you will have money coming in to pay the bills will help with some of the stress as well. 

 

We went last Friday and filed the application. I had already filled out what's called an Adult Disability Report on line. The guy we talked to over at SS was very helpful. In fact today I received some more forms to fill out from SS. I am applying for long term benefits and not the supplemental short term benefits. I don't know all I need to know about this stuff. I still would rather get to feeling better and go back to work. I am sorry to hear that your Dad passed away so soon after diagnosis. I am a firm believer that God has a plan for all of us and He is in control. Thx for the help and I'll go ahead and thank you in advance for answers to the future questions I may have regarding disability.