Social Security Disability Review

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AnnE16
AnnE16 Member Posts: 241
edited September 2017 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

Are any of you going through social security review right now for disability? It has been a couple of years since they approved me and the letter said they follow up every couple of years. In the paperwork it asked for three people that they can call to talk about my diagnosis. You couldn't put down your doctors though. I am just curious if anyone is going through this paperwork and if they called your family/friends and what do they ask them?! "Is she dead yet?!" I feel like they would probably prefer me to be that way. The hardest thing about living with stage 4 cancer is they don't get the depths of our pain, fatigue, depression, etc. all from this stupid disease. And then I have to deal with all this paperwork too? The stress of it all is too much some days!

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  • Zillsnot4me
    Zillsnot4me Member Posts: 2,687
    edited September 2017

    I don't remember them asking that question (thanks chemo brain!) but I'm sure it's standard. I do know if they called, no one has fessed up to it. I personally think it's just an easy way for them to get their numbers up. We should be pretty cut and dried:)

    Mine was approved with no issues. Dr sent in paperwork. I know it's nerve wracking. I also hate dealing with the damn bills and chasing money to pay for chemo. At least SS is every few years.

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  • Micmel
    Micmel Member Posts: 9,450
    edited September 2017

    I also don't remember ever having that question asked. Mine was a basic paper that asked for my status on what my diagnosis is and what is going on. I filled it out and they sent back another letter saying we are not reviewing your case at this time. It was after three years. That this letter came because I was set to expire on 12-31-16. I received the paperwork probably three months before I was set to expire and be reviewed. I have never heard of the family thing. They may however want to know what your daily life is around the house and if you're out doing yard work or mowing the lawn etc.... maybe to see what you can do perhaps ? Just a thought? It seems odd because you're obviously dealing with quite enough to be dealing with this added additional stress. Sometimes shit really sucks. I Am unfortunately in the same boat! Don't give up! They are just trying to weed out the people who shouldn't really be getting it at all. ~M~

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  • Lauriesh
    Lauriesh Member Posts: 692
    edited September 2017

    it must vary by state. I was up for review last year and my paperwork asked me for the dates of my last 3 dr appointments , was my condition the same, better or worse since I applied and if I had worked in the last 3 years. I must have been reapproved because I haven't heard anything else from them.

    Do you have a social worker at your oncs? Maybe that could be one of the people.

    Good luck

    Laurie

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  • AnnE16
    AnnE16 Member Posts: 241
    edited September 2017

    I agree Zillsnotforme!! We should be pretty cut and dry! It is not like we picked up a box, hurt our back and filed disability! I know what you mean about chasing the money! I usually get one call a month from a debt collector for my medical bills! Ugugh!

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  • AnnE16
    AnnE16 Member Posts: 241
    edited September 2017

    Thanks for your feedback Micmel and Lauriesh. I don't think there is a social worker at my oncologists office. A friend told me to get a lawyer that specializes in disability if there are any issues. I hope I don't need to go that route! Talk about more stress!

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  • Micmel
    Micmel Member Posts: 9,450
    edited September 2017

    Every hospital has a cancer care team that has social workers for every location. I went through my infusion center to find them. They usually come to meet you when you first are diagnosed. I would look into your hospital if you can't get any information from oncologist!! Also I would look into an advocate group that specializes in disability. Avoid the higher fees if you can. I had a company called Allsup. They filed everything and did everything for me. I only filled out a few papers and they called on the phone to go over everything. They even sent someone to accompany me for any hearings etc... reviews. Everything. I would call them first. They know the laws. That's is where I would start I feel I needed help or representation in this specific area. Good luck, the waters an get murky if you aren't totally sure of all the ins and outs of the requirements! ~M~

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