Social Security Questions and Answers

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  • NMM
    NMM Member Posts: 138
    edited May 2012

    Mzmerz:

    If you stop working you should apply.  Make sure you put on app that you are stage iv and request a compassionate allowence.

    As far as LTD, they most likely will offset for SS.

    As far as working vs. not....as long as you can provide food and shlter for yourself...always remember...I never heard anyone wish that they had more time to work when they face their maker.

    I have learned a lot since June 2011 with my wife that at the end of it all...a stage iv diagnosis is all about surviving..each minute or each day of each month...and hopefuly each year...

    if working is what keeps you surviving..then go for it...bottom line at stage iv...do what make syou happy...and cut out that which does not...

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  • ibcmets
    ibcmets Member Posts: 4,286
    edited May 2012

    Steven,

    Just want to thank you again for offering help to all of us with SS questions.  I actually send people here to look for your posts. 

    I'm glad your wife is stable on Xeloda and wish your family a wonderful summer.

    Terri

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  • NMM
    NMM Member Posts: 138
    edited May 2012

    Diane

    No you need the credits to get Title II.  You say you need 5 more.  Well currently for 2012 a person needs to earn $1,130 to earn each credit (but unlike the old days you o not ned to earn it in each quarter).

    see here  http://www.ssa.gov/oact/COLA/QC.html

    So if you earn 4 this year and report $4,520 and then 1 next year you will be fully insured.  

    With respec tto your second quesiotn...it is not one I am familiar with..usually iot is when someone is a widow or divorced that this comes up.  Best thing to do is call...For information about potential benefits on someone else's record, you should call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778),

    and your last question is like most others...when in doubt just file...it is free..explain in detail what you need...all they can say is no.

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  • Mzmerz
    Mzmerz Member Posts: 1,054
    edited May 2012

    Thank you Steven.  Glad to see you are back and wish you and your family all the best.

    Amy 

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  • Chickadee
    Chickadee Member Posts: 4,467
    edited May 2012

    Man am I glad you are back. This is complicated stuff for sure. I have also been put on Xeloda. I'm about a month into it and convinced my onc to go 7/7. So i hope we both get good news at scan time.

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited May 2012

    Welcome back, Steven, and best wishes to you and your wife.



    I can't thank you enough for starting this thread and offering your advice. It would never have occurred to me to apply for SSDI had I not read your advice to others. I applied online and was approved without hassle a few weeks later. I'm stating this to give encouragement to anyone who thinks they qualify. It's not hard to do and you have nothing to lose.



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  • sharont68
    sharont68 Member Posts: 124
    edited May 2012

    Update:  Well had first Taxol last week. Will be getting Taxol weekly and Avastin every three weeks. 

    I called the SSA because everytime I would put in the security code to check my application status, it would always say that my status could not verified and to call the 800 number. The representative that I was forwarded to scheduled a telephone interview. My medical records and my W-2 form that I mailed to the local SSA department here and I still have the delivery comfirmation for it, was delivered on 25 April. I did my application online on 19 April. I know that it takes time, but shouldn't I heard something by now. Shouldn't the local SSA send my medical documents upward? If I hadn't have called, I don't think I would have gotten a phone interview scheduled, but do I need to have one?  The phone interview is scheduled for June 5. Should I get a letter explaining that to me? What actually is this?

    Oh yeah....I did state Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer....but forgot about the compassionate alllowance. Is this probably why I haven't gotten a letter or a call from them?

    This is the first time I'm applying....so any help will be helpful!

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  • Chickadee
    Chickadee Member Posts: 4,467
    edited May 2012

    Move on from SSA to the Texas Disability Determination folks. I copied this from their webpage. You will have someone assigned to your case and they can tell you whether everything is in order. Every state has one.





    Disability Determination Services

    Our mission statement: "To improve the quality of life for Texans with disabilities who apply for or receive SSA disability benefits, by making timely and accurate disability determinations."



    The DARS Division for Disability Determination Services (DDS), funded entirely through the Social Security Administration (SSA), makes Social Security disability determinations for Texans with severe disabilities who apply for:



    Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or

    Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

    Texans with disabilities must first apply for benefits at their local Social Security Office and their applications are then forwarded to DDS by SSA for a disability determination; however, SSA is responsible for making final decisions as to whether or not a person is eligible to receive any Social Security benefits.



    To apply for Social Security disability benefits, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their website at www.ssa.gov to learn more about the application process for disability benefits.



    If you have already filed a disability claim with Social Security, you may contact DDS about processing your claim at 512-437-8000 or 1-800-252-7009 with information or questions concerning your claim.



    Mailing Address:

    DARS Division of Disability Services

    P.O. Box 149198, Austin, TX 78714-9198



    Main Telephone:

    1-512-437-8000

    1-800-252-7009

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  • Mzmerz
    Mzmerz Member Posts: 1,054
    edited May 2012

    I called them regarding my Adult disability form, and the work history form.  They stated that it is a required form and that everyone has to fill them out.  So I filled it out and will be mailing it back.  Not sure why they want to know how I interact with my pets or if I can count change.    So I guess we shall see what happens.  My "rep" is out of the office until Monday, anyway. 

    Amy 

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  • Pazword
    Pazword Member Posts: 5
    edited May 2012

    Hello. I posted 11/22/11 and Steven responded on 11/29/11 about this issue. It's still continuing...I am still appealing the closing of the LTD claim. Have a few more questions.

    Quick Background: I will be 64 in August. Initially diagnosed (10/2010) stage IIIb, I am now told I have stage IV breast cancer, HER2+ because there was a spot on the lung (also the liver and spleen--they're not concerned with these though) which is no longer there, but they can't be certain it wasn't and isn't a cancer cell. So I guess I have Stage IV metastatic, but Herceptin is keeping it in check and I will continue with the Herceptin infusions once every 3 weeks indefinitely. Started chemo November 2010, had a mastectomy (left side) April 2011, radiation completed in July 2011.

    I was on STD then LTD throughout treatments but then I thought I was being a good employee and didn't want to take advantage of anyone because I was beginning to feel "better" and returned to work on a part-time basis (after discussing with insurance caseworker and she said there is a partial disability LTD policy that should work for this) in August 2011. Big mistake I guess. When I returned to part-time work, thinking it was partial LTD, they closed the LTD claim. Insurance company stated my incision is healed, I have no major complaints, and there's no reason I shouldn't be able to work full time--fatique is not an issue, other people work and get treatment. My doctor has written many letters indicating fatique is an issue among other things (like the possibility of heart failure being the biggest side effect of being on Herceptin), but none of the other issues are major...yet. So I feel like I am being penalized because right now have no evidence of disease. Bummer.

    My company has allowed has been wonderful to me and has allowed me to continue to work 3 days/week while I am appealing this decision. I should have had the decision re the appeal in May, but the ins company just advised they are sending out my appeal for independent review so they're extending the appeal yet another 30-45 days.  

    I must admit that I, too, like CharlotteMe, went into a depression, crying--not being able to function well and having a big case of feeling so sorry for myself and others that have to go through this insanity, and needed to seek mental health sessions with a psychologist to get back on track! My psychologist finally put it into perspective: I was taking it personally and this is an insurance company and the bottom line is they don't want to pay. While this helped me work through the depression I guess and I'm not crying anymore, I'm pretty angry about the whole thing. I should be ecstatic that I am NED (well...okay I AM!!!!), but this brings you down. After reading the boards here I see I am not alone. This shouldn't happen to cancer patients. It's an insult.

    Question: I am so tired, physically, and also mentally. I would like to just give up this appeal and just "retire" "quit" ... whatever and apply for SSDI, but I am a little hesitant to do that before I get the results on the outcome of this appeal (plus I don't want them to WIN). However, I understand I can't apply for SSDI until I am no longer working. I'm not sure how to leave work though? I obviously can't leave using LTD since they won't even approve partial LTD. So is my only recourse to actually "retire/quit" and then apply for SSDI? Would the fact that I am still appealing an LTD claim affect the SSDI application? If I win the claim, the insurance company will owe me 2 days of work each week since I went back in August 2011. So that would be a lump sum payment I guess? Not sure how that affects the SSDI? If I lose, then I guess it's just a mute point. If I get approved for SSDI would it be retroactive to the date I was diagnosed or when treatment began or to the date I stopped working? I'm just not sure how to proceed.

    Steven, thank you for all your advice and for helping others get through such tough times, especially when you are going through this with your wife too. Appeciate any advice at this point.  

      

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  • Chickadee
    Chickadee Member Posts: 4,467
    edited May 2012

    SSDI is usually tied to the date you stopped working because of the effects of your disability. The first check isnt issued until the 6th month from the date of disability. Your assets are not a consideration in SSDI so a lump sum payment would not affect it.



    Hopefully Steven can drop back in and give you some guidance on your chance of being approved. Lately SSA seems to be tightening up their reviews of disabilities and asking for more documentation.

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  • sharont68
    sharont68 Member Posts: 124
    edited May 2012

    Thanks Chickadee and to everyone that commented before for y'all imput, I really need organization numbers to call and get anwers to this......Laughing Too be so young......I'm soo confused with thanks!

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  • Frapp
    Frapp Member Posts: 1,987
    edited May 2012

    Bump

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  • redwolf8812
    redwolf8812 Member Posts: 2,463
    edited May 2012

    I'm sure this has been answered, but I've searched high and low and can't find it.  Have mercy.  Laughing.  I currently work full-time.  Up until now, I've felt up to it.  Treatments and side effects weren't bad.  Now, however, they're beginning to take their toll.  I'm thinking I may need to stop working soon.  When I apply for SS, what date do I put down for unable to work?  I'm assuming it's the obvious answer, i.e., the actual date I stop working, but I didn't know if I should instead put my diagnosis date.  It's all so confusing.  Thanks.

    - Penny 

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited May 2012

    Penny - it has to be the day you stop working, as it's after your diagnosis and you've continued to work. 

    Does your company have a long term disability program?  If so, it's intended to get you through the social security waiting period until benefits kick in.  So be sure to check with your company's human resources folks.

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  • sharont68
    sharont68 Member Posts: 124
    edited May 2012

    So, I called the DDS here in TX and the lady that I got said that she could not see a case in my name. She double checked my SSN and said my claim hasn't come in yet. That I needed to check with the local office here that I mailed my medical records to. I told her I did my online application 19 April and that I recieved an online confirmation from the email I used to complete my application shortly afterwards.

    So, I'm going to the local ssa office that I mailed my medical information to Monday and find out what happened to my information. I'm just wondering why others are found to be "eligible" in short of a time. Maybe I did something wrong with my application or maybe it just take longer in Texas. At least I still have the phone inteview on June 5...I guess.....still don't know whats that about...guess I'll find out!

     Thanks Chickadee for help in this matter!  Smile   Hope things are well with Steven and family. 

    Hugs to everyone!!

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  • Chickadee
    Chickadee Member Posts: 4,467
    edited May 2012

    I think your local office is incompetent, however, when I first called DDS, I remember that at first he also said my case was not there, but then he found it. It's entirely possible someone is sitting on an inbox and that they need to have a fire lit under their butt. Don't let them off the hook.

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  • Mzmerz
    Mzmerz Member Posts: 1,054
    edited May 2012

    I called SSDI back and talked to them.  They stated I was approved! YAY  But when I asked her about the date being tied to my last date of work, she said no, I would just start getting benefits in October, no back benefits.  I did, however, get appointments sent up for getting my kids disability under my benefits.

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  • Chickadee
    Chickadee Member Posts: 4,467
    edited May 2012

    Congrats on making it thru the gauntlet. My first payment was calculated from the date of disability which was my last day of work. You will get a letter detailing your approval. I would challenge them on that date if it isn't your disability date. Always worth asking.

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  • NMM
    NMM Member Posts: 138
    edited May 2012

    Sharon

    6-8 weeks from app to phone interview is "SSA" fast especially when you consider theholiday.  Hang in there and just make sure you have submitted the results of your biopsy which show the cancer, the results that show it has spread, and then your onc treamtent records.

    When you have your phone interview it may just be back ground to get payment informaiton form you or they may want medical info.

    Whatever the case try to remember the delay is ot personal and that they make millions wait.  So don't take it out on the person on the phone.

    ***

    MzMerz  When did yo stop working?  If it was 5-6 months before October (like last or this month) then you are good and just have to wait until the period is over.

    Steven

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  • Mzmerz
    Mzmerz Member Posts: 1,054
    edited May 2012

    Steven, I stopped working on 4/9/2012.  So I would get back benefits to then or no back benefits?

    Thank you!

    Amy 

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  • Chickadee
    Chickadee Member Posts: 4,467
    edited May 2012

    If you just stopped work in April then Oct is about right for the first check.

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  • Mzmerz
    Mzmerz Member Posts: 1,054
    edited May 2012

    Yeah, i am not disputing that. Maybe I am misunderstanding.  I thought that you get benefits back to your first disability date.  So I was thinking I would receive benefits in October for April - October.  is that not correct?

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  • Chickadee
    Chickadee Member Posts: 4,467
    edited May 2012

    No, you just get your first check. Would be nice to get it all but that's not how it works. It can be a tough wait for many. I had retirement funds so I wasn't in a bad way.

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  • Medigal
    Medigal Member Posts: 1,412
    edited May 2012

    Can Steven or anyone who knows answer a question or two for me.  My DD has a lawyer and lost her job May 2011.  She had to file an Appeal for Social Security Disability and her lawyer told her it would take at least one year from that date (about Nov.2011) before she could expect the letter giving her the date for a Hearing.  Is this true?   We are still waiting but how do they expect someone to survive without funds that long?.  We have been supporting her in her own apartment but that sure is expensive! 

    Will she lose her chances to get approved for SSDI if she were able to do a bit of part time work at this time?  She has not been able to work fulltime since 5/2011.  She does not have cancer so her diagnosis is not easy to get an approval but her medical problems make it impossible for her to work fulltime anymore.  If anyone can give me the answers to my questions, it will be greatly appreciated.  I don't know how others survive while waiting for approval from SSDI if they can't get quick approvals and have to appeal.  Thanks so much for any information.

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  • bevg49
    bevg49 Member Posts: 739
    edited May 2012

    Thanks for all the help, Steve. My question is this. I actually stopped working in August of 2007. At the time, I did not have cancer but did suffer from diabetes, COPD, coronary artery disease (stent in one artery) and depression for which I have been seeing a psychiatrist for many years. I didn't apply then because I thought each of these things was not enough for me to qualify. I have now been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Do not have a difinitive staging diagnosis yet as my surgery is on 6/7 -going for a unilateral mastectomy. Anyway, I heard someplace that you can apply for SSDI as long as you have worked within 5 years (up in August !)).... Is this true and will the fact that I've not worked in almost 5 years hinder me? On the other hand, I will be 63 in July so I know I apply for regular SS then. Is there a difference in what you get between SSDI and just SS? Is one preferable? Thanks so much for your time and effort.

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  • Chickadee
    Chickadee Member Posts: 4,467
    edited May 2012

    According to various news articles they are under the gun to clear the backlog of appeals. I have heard it does take a long time. Her lawyer should advise her on working. So sorry she has to go through this.

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  • Chickadee
    Chickadee Member Posts: 4,467
    edited May 2012

    Bevg, the SSA website answers a lot of your questions. You can also sign up on there to get your estimates on benefits that they used to send yearly through the mail. If you still have last years paper estimate it will tell you what your estimated SS benefits are as well as your potential SSDI benefits. In my case SSDI was equal to what I would receive if I waited to age 67.



    Some info here: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html#a0=1

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  • sharont68
    sharont68 Member Posts: 124
    edited May 2012

    Thanks Steven for putting things into perspective. I'm trying to Not want things Now....i'm trying!! Now my secret numbers work and I got an update that they haven't made a descion on my case yet. At least something...I was starting to think I did something wrong. As big as Texas is and I've been working in the government, I should know that things go a little slower than most places. 

    So from now on, I'll wait until my hearing(a little nervous) Tuesday and be a little more patient.Laughing

    Thanks everyone!!

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  • bevg49
    bevg49 Member Posts: 739
    edited May 2012

    wow, thanks for all your help. I went to the website and ended up applying online. no visit, no phone call, no nothing, just an online application and report which was pretty easy and now I wait. In my case, looking at any one ailment, I might not be eligible but looking at it all: breast cancer (surg. next week), diabetis (insulin dependent plus byetta plus metformin plus glimiperide), COPD, hydothyroidism (synthroid), high cholesterol (vytorin), pressure (cozzar); coronary artery disease with a stent (plavix and baby aspirin), it looks ridiculous. You'd think I'd be in a wheelchair or half dead looking at it all. I actually stopped working a few years ago because of my other illnesses and my hubby and sister kept encouraging me to apply but I thought it wouldn't be worth the fight. Now with this breast cancer thing, I guess it is worth it. Hell, I worked for years and paid taxes. I actually could get retirement ss since I'm going to be 63 in July but it's about $300 less so I'm going wait for them to contact me and see. If I do get rejected, my brother-in-law is a lawyer so that would be the next step - let him appeal it.

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