Advice Please on SSDI

Kandy, I sent you a PM.

Oh I can't wait until the SSA sends a psychiatrist to interview me. If they don't believe I am crazy, I'll send them to Shetland, who will confirm that I exercise like a crazy woman.

Seriously, your SSDI is based on your MBC diagnosis. It's a benefit based on life expectancy, not physical ability or anything else. As a pool, people with MBC are unlikely to live long enough to get their expected SS retirement benefit, so you effectively draw down on it early through SSDI.

You have MBC, you paid for this insurance for exactly this situation, and I can't see it being taken away.

>Z<

Lol, Zarovka.

http://ssdfacts.com/forum/index.php

I've seen stage IV people there. They are fast tracked but not necessarily approved right away. It still depends on factors such as age, ability to work (many stage IVs do still work), etc.

Seriously, this is the best forum to read and ask. People that used to work there, mods that are in the trenches and on top of laws and regs- all who really know the intracacies of SSDI/SSI. I've lived on that bored for 2 years now and still don't know near enough about how this works at the various stages of the approval process. You will receive advice and info on how to navigate the process, etc. I'd hate for any of you guys to get denied because of some small mistake. Please check that forum out. I was approved off the bat but not for cancer because I found that forum and lots of help and tips. Best wishes to you all,

This just steams the hell out of me! As if you have the time or energy to have to fight for this along with everything else. Where is the compassion, cooperation, professional integrity.... God, I could go on and on.

Z is right (and hilarious). You paid into this pool through SS, you are taking it early and statistically probably for fewer years than the standard SS, there should be NO problem getting renewed.

It is not automatic approval, Meow. Again, go to the link I provided for anything and everything you want to know how SSDI works.

Kandy~ I was approved for conditions that were unrelated to my cancer before I was even diagnosed, I went in front of their psychologist and I thought it went badly, but he ended up agreeing with me. I strongly suggest placing. Emphasis on the cognitive areas of how the chemo and your treatment effects your ability to make decisions and react or keep pace like a normal person who isn't on heavy medication for cancer pain. I didn't have cancer at the time but was on a large amount of pain medication. His report agreed with me that I was not cognitively able to hold a job or report to anyone or communicate successfully while onMeds. Take your pain medication before you see him, don't lie, but obviously the medication will have it's delaying effects and he will see it. After that I went I front of one of their judges. audjucation judge, my hearing took less then five minutes. There were people in there for hearings in designer jeans and nails done to the nines, gold bling jewelry, it was quite eye opening to why this process is the way it is. I cannot really imagine them not approving you honestly. They do this to weed out the people who are just trying to play the system. Your medical records will speak for themselves. I was approved on the spot after that hearing. Last year I received a review notice as well, at the end of the letter, it said we reviewed your medical records and we do not need to review anything at this time. So. They are aware, and can access those medical records. I honestly think this is all procedure. At least with what I have experienced. As a whole,. The entire time from start to finish was 18 months total. But they give you back pay to when you are entitled. Just don't give up!!! That is what they want you to do. ~M~

Kandy - the claims are not approved automatically for stage 4, but you will be a PRIORITY. There is variance by state, but you will get approved as Micmel said so well.:) Thank you for the link Artista. Each year all of us should review our Social Security estimated benefits to consider; drawing early at 62 (which I am planning), waiting until 65 (lol unless you get MBC at an older age) or claiming SSDI which you can do at an earlier age after proving your case. You may also use a lawyer, but that will cost $, but it also gets you to the top of the line and weeds out loons with the Gucci bags and bling in there ahead of you as Micmel described. lol Please keep us posted. You are a lovely lady and deserve the best. Lots of support for you here. Here's a link to NC claims.

http://www.ssdrc.com/state-north-carolina-nc-getting-started.html

(()) Claire

Thank you susan for clarifying that this is not automatic. I know I read that early on and while I will work as long as possible, I would be willing to bet that many ladies have read that fallacy and quit on the spot before really checking out the facts. Yes, thanks for the link Artista (nice screen name!) I plan to investigate this issue in depth before making any definitive moves.

good luck Kandy, I hope you get back to a place that you can relax just a little and feel better. My heart hurts for you right now....

Ha Fitz, no kidding! I would love to bend the ear of their psychiatrist!