debbiegu3

Just some information to keep in mind while deciding whether or not you're going to file .

It's important to note that having proof of MS does NOT automatically mean that the SSA will approve you for benefits. The SSA has 5 critical points that are evaluated. 2 of those 5 that the SSA places a lot of emphasis on are :
* Can you do the work you did previously?
* Can you do any other type of work?

Basically you have to prove to the SSA that your are no longer able to do the job that you're currently doing even with any reasonable accommodations being made and that you're unable to be trained to do any other job even with any reasonable accommodations. Though the SSA reviews all medical reports and information from you Doctors, you need to understand that it's the SSA that determines you're disabled and not the fact your doctor and or employee have decided that you're disabled. This sound harsh but it's the reality when it comes to dealing with the SSA when having filed for disability.

The approval rate for Social Security disability (SSDI) and SSI claims varies, depending on the level at which claims are reviewed. Initially less than 25%-30% are approved. Approximately 10% are approved at the appeal/ reconsideration stage. If denied in stage 1 & 2 than the cases are heard by administrative law judges (ALJs). Those that are heard by ALJs have a significantly higher rate of approval than cases that are decided at the application and reconsideration levels (in most states, reconsideration is the first level of appeal, a paper review). For instance, more than half of disability applicants who appeal and attend a hearing with an ALJ are approved for benefits, while only about 25%-30% of applications are approved at the initial application level and only 10% of applicants are approved at the reconsideration level. The whole process can take 3-7 years.

Age does seem to play a small part in the filing process only to the point that it may move your file up closer to the top of pile if the person is over 50 . That said it still doesn't mean that one will be approved.

I was 51. You should grab it right away, or you'll have to start all over. Then be prepared for their annual questionnaire to complete and have your dr resubmit as well, to decide whether you're still disabled under their definition of the word. Yes, even though their is no cure and you won't get better...the government will still pester you to death with questionnaires.

Benefits cannot be deferred after approved unless you participate in the SSA "Ticket to Work Program" and at that it's only for a limited time period. Through the SSA "Ticket to Work Program" SSDI beneficiaries can get the help they need to safely explore their work options without immediately losing their benefits and find the job that is right for them. In other words the program is designed to get the beneficiary back to work on full time basis and discontinue their SSDI benefits completely. Here's the link that explains the program . https://www.ssa.gov/work/overview.html

Don't understand that since your condition's not going to change why would you want to defer benefits if approved even if deferring was an option which it's really not ?

I haven't been approved for it, I just got my ducks in a row so to speak. I'm the type of person that likes to have everything figured out for when it comes time to make a decision. My problem is that I want to keep working, need to keep my mind working; this is where it's hard for me to admit that maybe disability is my best option.

I'm not ready to accept that right now. I'm going to see how job hunting goes, I'm getting both salary continuation severance and unemployment payments at the same time for five weeks, then just unemployment for a total of 26 weeks. I have plenty of time to figure out if financially my hubby and I can afford me being on permanent disability. FYI - I'm on his insurance. My neurologist told me it would only take a couple of months unless the claim was denied.

If you are already approved, you should go for it right away.