applying for social security disability

[peemagg]

I need your opinions on this. For the last year I have been dealing with problems from a foot surgery. A little history. I broke my foot 15 years ago in a auto accident. When I say the foot, I really mean the arch of the foot. Well after 3 surgeries they fixed the original break. In May of 2008 I had more surgery to get rid of the arthritis that had developed around the original break. That surgery went fine except I developed a disease of the nerves called RSD. Well to make a long story short I haven't been able to work since, because I was a housekeeper in our local hospital. I have had people tell me that I should be applying for social security disability. I was wondering what you all think? The problems that I am having is that I can't stand or walk for very long without a lot of pain. Do you think this is something that I should be doing?

 

[mechurchlady]

yes and they can retrain you for a job that does not require walking. Get into the system some how. You can work but not at your current line of work so they will probably try to retrain you but at least do try to get financial help.

The experts will be around later and they will know what you should do. I am sorry to hear about your foot hurting so much. The best pain relievers are laughter and chocolates. Cannot give you some right now but do send you hugs.
Laurie

 

[nanadeb]

Well to make a long story short I haven't been able to work since, because I was a housekeeper in our local hospital. I have had people tell me that I should be applying for social security disability. I was wondering what you all think? The problems that I am having is that I can't stand or walk for very long without a lot of pain. Do you think this is something that I should be doing?

It depends on your age. If you are near regular Social Security retirement age, it would be the best course to apply for Social Security Disability. This assumes that you have enough work credits to be eligilbe for Social Security. check that statement they send you before your birthday to find out if you have enough credits.

If you are younger than that, you will to show medical proof that you no longer can do any job at all, not just your present job. Social Security Disability, or SSD is for those who cannot work at all.

If you want retraining, you need to go to your state rehabilitation office. Even then, you will have to fall below a certain household income level to qualify. Social Security may refer you to rehabilitative services to try to get you off SSD, but they are not the primary referral source. You may refer yourself.
HTH

Deborah ( MSW aka Master of Social Work)

 

[peemagg]

I think that myself I would not be able to qualify for SSD. First of all I will be turning 40 soon. Next I realize that I have to be unable to perform any jobs. That to me is why I shouldn't apply. I can work as long as I can sit. I just can't stand or walk for any real length of time. The only reason I asked about this is because our employee health nurse and a few others have suggested that I do it. I figure that there is no way that I would be approved, but I thought I would see what everyone else thought.

As far as rehabilitation training, I am working on that on my own. While I have been down, I went back to college and am working on my major in horticulture. I know strange choice with not being able to walk or stand, but I love growing things, so I want a job that I can love. There is a lot of different avenues that I am exploring.

Thank you all for your opinion.

 

[BeckyScott]

Here's my 2 cents-

Go ahead and apply. They'll turn you down and you'll have to file that you disagree with it, take it to a hearing.

That will take 18 months, at least, to happen, I'll have to get back with you because we're still in limbo. And you won't get SSI in the meantime or anything. Even if you apply, it's likely it'll take over 18 months before you see a dollar. So go ahead and apply now and get the ball rolling.

 

[jt'smom]

i am on on social security disability as a result of physical/mental disabilities from my brainstem tumor. i applied when i was 37 and with all of my problems, i still had to go through intense evaluations with my neurosurgeon, neuro-oncologist, physical therapist and occupational therapist. it is not easy by any stretch to get on ssd, and approximately 80% of people are rejected the first time they apply (that number is straight from ssa). check the ssa website and do a search for "the blue book" of disabilities. it is the book that lists all of the disabilities that qualify. it doesn't sound like to me you would be considered disabled because you can work, you just can't stand. you will be measured against the standard of being "unable to perform any meaningful work", or if you are terminally ill and expected to live less than a year. there are state programs for job retraining that you might try. good luck!

 

[blondietink]

I agree you should access the Blue Book at ssa.gov. It will give you a good idea of how serious your disability would have to be in order to be approved for SSD. Also remember when applying for SSD, there is a 6 month waiting period before you can qualify for benefits. So, it would be beneficial for you to tell them exactly when you became disabled (one year ago). Then they would start from that date and look at all of your medical records, and assuming you have gone beyond that 6 month waiting period, then your benefits, when approved, would start on that 6 month date. Since you have a work history, they would use the SSD formula. Thre is no asset test in qualifying for SSD.

If, however, you did not have a work history, you would need to apply for SSI. SSI determines the date of your disability as the date you call them and apply. You also need very few assets to qualify for SSI, such as no more than $2000.00 in savings. You are able to own a house and a car.

Now, if your work history gives you an SSD benefit of $300.00 per month, and the SSI rate is $600.00 per month, you could qualify for benefits under both programs and get $300.00 per month from both programs. Good luck!