SSA Withdrawing My Benefits

Options
pupfoster1
pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I recently had to go through a review process for SS Disability which I have been receiving for the past 4 years.  That process included a trip to a psychiatrist and an MD, rehashing how crummy I've been feeling over the past couple years---chronic pain, anxiety and depression as well as severe insomnia. Some nights are better than others, but I am tired and in some sort of pain ALL the time.  Much more than I can write here.  So in their wisdom, they have determined that I have IMPROVED since their last review.  IMPROVED!  WTF?  I am NOT better, in fact I am WORSE since the last review!  

We have come to depend on this to help support our family as I have been unable to commit to a full time job since my dx.  I absolutely will be appealing, but am wondering anyone else has had this happen to them, or give me some advice on how to handle it.  I have 10 days from today to file if I want to keep getting benefits (which btw I may have to repay if I lose the appeal) during the process.

Any advice you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Sharin

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited May 2014

    Sharin, we're so sorry you're dealing with this! You may want to post in the Employment, Insurance and Other Financial Issues forum too - there are members there who have first-hand experience and lots of knowledge about these issues.

    There's also more information at the main Breastcancer.org site in the blog post Breast Cancer and Social Security Disability Benefits. 

    Best wishes,

    • The Mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited May 2014

    Thanks Mods,

    Will check those out asap.

    Sharon

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Solen
    Solen Member Posts: 146
    edited May 2014

    I am sorry you are dealing with this.  I can only give advice from the perspective of a mom with a child with autism.  Many parents I know apply for SSI for their child or services through regional center.  Almost everyone is rejected at first. And have to "prove" the disability, even when it is beyond obvious.  Very sad to see that when people are down, it is so hard to get the help they need and deserve.  We were rejected because my son was too "high functioning"  But he STILL has autism under anyone's definition, and it sucks to have to jump through hoops to get any help. And it is actually their legal obligation to provide it.  But budgets are tight, so they fight giving services.  So I know how you feel.

    What many parents do is arm themselves with doctor's letters stating the disability in such a way that it cannot be argued.  So I get  letters from doctors, therapists etc.  Most docs will write a letter in your behalf.  Also have them state the real truth, no sugar coating.  We often want to make those around us (friends and relatives) feel better about our situation, so we tend to downplay how hard things really are for us.  But when looking for services we need to express the unfortunate truth of our situation.  So make it clear to those writing letters what you need them to say.  And then be very clear when you reapply of you needs and limitations.

    You may look into if there are advocates in your area that can help you  to get your point across. They may know best how to "play the game"  (sadly that is what it takes sometimes)

    I wish you luck, I have seen so many parents fight this same type of battle and I know it is frustrating.  But I think they almost always reject everyone first time around.  Kind of an icky way to do business if you ask me.

    Alos, if dr and psyc you saw were choosen by them??? I think that is a bit of a conflict.  You may really want to find a disability advocate in your area to help you.  Good luck.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited May 2014

    Thanks Solen,

    I'm sorry you had to jump through all those hoops too.  My initial ap was denied too, and I appealed immediately and got it!  I just don't know how I'd function having to hold down a FT position (or much more than I'm working now) with the pain, insomnia, PTSD, etc.  And yes, they were SS appointed docs, albeit independent ones.  But they have a basic list of questions, etc and don't deviate from those or ask for any additional info.  VERY FRUSTRATING!

    Sharon

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories