Social Security Disability Advice Group

I have COPD and am getting to the point where work is becoming very very hard. How do I get started trying to get disability?

Sue

You have several options: If you are working, can you apply for disability? You can apply by contacting your local social security office (online,in person..)

Or,you can contact an agency that specializes in Social Security Disability claims.-some will charge you a portion of your SS benefits should you win..but they will do all the paperwork and there is a limit to the amount of money they can charge..

The most important thing is you must have DOCUMENTATION, DOCUMENTATION, DOCUMENTATION.

Also, hate to be a bearer of bad news, but most claims are initially denied, resulting in having to appeal, and then waiting months...average at present 24+ for a hearing. So if you are fortunate to have employer Long term disabiltiy you are lucky. I speak for myself and other in saying that I did not have any type of disablity insurance, and had to move in with family and go on general assistance while I wait for a decision.

ITs a long process, so if you think you are really going to go the Social Security route, start NOW.

Your are lucky you found this group, you will get lots of input, that I wish I had years ago, and very much look forward to each day.

If you are currently working and apply for SSD, they will turn you down immediately because you ARE WORKING! You have to stop working in order to prove that you cannot work. In addition, you need to have your docs behind you. If not, it will be very difficult to prevail.

Thanks you guys. Sounds a little depressing.

Yes. And its usually a long, difficult process. But well worth it if you can no longer work due to disability.

Don't get discouraged. The key is to knowing how the system works and know upfront what to expect. If you feel your condition is making it hard for you to work-begin working with your doctor regarding documentation you will need for disabiity. If you are eligible for disability thru your employer begin looking into what the requirements are, how long it will last. Don't get discouraged, but know that there is a high percentage of claims that are denied at the first stage. On the other hand, and a better note, if you've had this condition for quite a while, and have good documentatin, you may be one few lucky ones who gets approved early in the game. One of the key words is SGA- substantial gainful employment...meaning can you work any type of job. There are several good internet sites that can help you with some technical term, including social security itself. For some people, they opt to use companies/attornies that advertised as specialist in social security disability claims. For myself I went this route in that I could not handle or understand the paperwork involved. I did have an attorney at my hearing and it helped in that the judge and attorney spoke using code words, and jargon I hadn't a clue about what any of it meant.

So, in a nut shell, the more information you know before starting the social security disability route, the better off you will be=.

Knowing what to expect and the time frames won't come as a surprise and you can plan accordingly.

Good luck, and don't get discouraged, at least you found a place where others who have applied for social security can understand your situation and answer your questions/concerns.

It's VERY depression. But, if you can't' work, you can't work. There's nothing anyone can do about that. So, if you need to apply, apply. Good luck! And know that we're all here for you.

I say apply , its a long process that most likely will take years.If you can still work but are having a difficult time let your doctors know this you need documentation.I know my cousin has the same condition and shes 4 years into she got denied by the ALJ. I have a friend with it and got approved within 4 months and she worked up to the time she applied. Its diffrent for everyone.

You can apply online,thats what I did.