I'm becoming very discouraged here lately. I don't know how my family puts up with me. But they do. Lots of days- I'm quite a mean old hag. Our financial situation is starting to get the best of me.

In the last two months... I've had to fork out over $1,000 in copays and meds, mostly meds. We don't qualify for any assistance. Basically, because my hubby has a job.

I could give you the whole sob story. But I'll spare you the details. I'm just wondering if you'd be willing to share your Social Security experience with me. I'm waiting on a hearing, and it should be coming in a couple of months (I really hope!). But until then.... how are we to live? Honestly?!?!

Okay- my short SSD story: After filing for SSD, it only took them 4 months to deny me. We filed an appeal/reconsideration and within 2 weeks of that, I was denied. Now we're waiting on a hearing. I'm thankful that the first denials went quickly. But this last part... UGH!!!

Like I said. I'd love to hear how things have gone with you, and what state you're in. I hope you will share. Thanks.

Amy

(I did post this in the SSD forum, but didn't have much feedback. I'm hoping you all will help provide some. Thanks.)

Post edited by: fibroforever, at: 08/11/2008 11:13

I cannot give you any input or suggestions on what to do that you haven t already done. I hope someone else here in the forum can help you.

{{{HUGS}}} Marilyn

The first of this year, I wrote a 'dire need' letter. My attorney told me it wouldn't do any good. But that I could write it anyway. So, I did. My attorney sent it to the Senator that gives me monthly status letters, as well as to the SSA. And she was right. It didn't do any good.

I feel like I've made "LOTS" of noise throughout this process. It's become quite exhausting. And now, I'm at a loss... other than to sit.... and wait....

I don't qualify for unemployment. I didn't work for someone and they let me go. I had to quit due to my medical condition.

The prescription aid website that you provided charges $100 for an application fee. I can't do that.

I'm sure I won't qualify for prescriptions. We have insurance through my hubby. It's just that it's not enough.

We've tried getting help through lots of difference agencies and it seems that as long as you or your spouse is working- you don't qualify. You basically have to have absolutely nothing to get help. Sad, but true.

Check with Wal-Mart, Kroger and some other grocery store pharmacies.

The ones we have around here are all going to the $4 for a 30 day prescription and $10 for a 90 day prescription for generic drugs.

That's even if you have RX insurance. There are some drugs I can take and some that it has to be the Brand name or it don't work.

Also going on the drug company website can tell you if you are eligible for their free drug program.

Jan

May your troubles be less, Your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness come through your door!

I applied for SSD a couple of years back - it was in like September. I filled out all the forms and talked to the SSI/SSD guy on the phone who asked me a zillion questions. It took a long time to answer all of them.

About a month after that, I went and found a Disability Advocate to help me with my case. I figured I wasn't going to wait until I was denied to get him involved. We had an interview and he got copies of all of my surveys and interviews and stuff. He said that I would probably have to appeal and then have a hearing, because most people do.

I was required to see an eye doctor (for my severe vision condition), a physician (for my fibro and asthma). They didn't make me see a psychologist, but I thought they would. I had to have my advocate change appointments for me because I could not go to appointments in the mornings. He was extremely helpful.

About six months after I initially applied - March of the next year, I received an approval letter and I got on SSD. Shortly after that, I had spent down all of my mutual fund and got SSI.

These were all of the conditions I applied for Disability for, and I believe it led to the rare first-time approval because there are so many: vision impairment caused by head trauma, fibromyalgia, eating disorder not otherwise specified/partial recovered from anorexia nervosa, post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, self-harm, panic attacks, pain disorder not otherwise specified, asthma, allergies, and hypoglycemia.

While I was waiting on SSD, I was able to get prescription help through a pharmaceutical company. I also got several generic drugs through Target's $4 prescription plan. My family was not supportive, so they did not help me with money. I had to spend down the mutual funds that my aunt had given me for my high school graduation. I was 24 when I applied for SSD, now 26.

You could go to your local churches and/or Catholic Charities and they will often help you pay for medication, food, etc.

My disability advocate works with people in several states, even though he is based here in Colorado. If you'd like his contact info, I'd be happy to give it to you. Just PM me if you want it, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to PM as well.

I know how hard this process is. Please hang in there!