@A MyMSTeam Member Something to remember, odds are you won’t get approved if you just put MS as the only reason, as I already mentioned in my previous post, it all depends upon which State you’re applying in because they vary in how easy or difficult it can be. I took my time and did the process all by myself, no lawyer; I think it’s because I’m so detail-oriented and have attention to detail is why I was successful. I always got copies of test results for any tests or scans I do, even have CDs from scans I’ve had to look at myself; I like looking at before I even see my neurologist.

It’s true MS is one of the reasons considered acceptable for SS disability but not just by itself, you have to include reasons how it keeps you from working and how there aren’t any other types of jobs that you can do. I found it very helpful to find out who would be handling my claim and worked closely with them to make sure they had everything they needed to process mine. I did receive two questionnaires after applying that asked specific questions related to work and the other addressed the medical part. My neurologist was the only other person who supplied information about my current physical condition for my application.

I applied at the end of March and final approval was given in June and I didn’t receive first payment until September which they gave me backpay to December of previous year from date I was no longer able to work. I’m also in mid process of having my Parent Plus student loans forgiven; I’m in the three year monitoring period required before my loans will be forgiven FOREVER! Which means they can never reactivate them even if I started working again. I’m on year two of three.

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A MyMSTea...

It took me 2 yrs

So sorry to hear you are at the should I take disability and how would I exactly do that point in your MS journey. First, I would say, if you do work, ask what help your employer has for you. Second, be sure you are ready to go on disability. That sounds like a no brainer I know but it's a big decision. Then make an appointment with your neuro and tell them your decision. It's true that the SSA can help but your neuro can push you in the right direction by helping you prove you can't work at the same level anymore. You can ask your neuro if they would recommend an attorney to help you navigate through the disability navigation process. I decided to use an attorney to help me get approved. You won't need to make any immediate payments to your selected lawyer. They are paid from your back disability payment when you're first approved. They work with SSA to fully complete your SSA application and will stick with you until you're approved. I was approved on my first try within 6 months but have heard of longer times and rejections during the appilication process. I truly wish you the best of luck but urge you not to be thrown off if you are rejected on try 1. You will get approved, MS is a diagnosis specifically called out in the SSA disability literature.

@A MyMSTeam Member My experience applying for Social Security Disability was a positive one because I got approved the first time applying. I had all my ducks in a row so to speak, meaning I took a lot of time gathering backup documents like copies of test results for my MRIs and CSF fluid Which type of Social Security Disability will you be applying for, the one where you’ve accumulated enough credits or the one where Government will be paying for, since you’re only in your 30’s it will most likely be Medicaid? There is a big difference between the two, one is Medicare and the other is Medicaid. Your age can play into it if you get approved the first time applying and also what State you’ll be applying in.

The first thing you need to know is you can’t be currently working, at least that’s what I found out before applying. SS needs to know you’re truly disabled and unable to work. If you’re still working I wouldn’t submit an application because to be considered disabled means there aren’t any types of jobs you can do. I am more verse on Medicare than Medicaid, but I think the working part is the same for both.

Can someone else please explain the ins and outs of applying for SS Disability Insurance? I know the dollar amounts are night and day and with SSDI there are more stipulations about what affects the monthly $ amount you get. So there really isn’t any answers set in stone for if and how long the process might take; if you have to file appeal(s) because you get denied can make it a long drawn out process. Sorry, but there just isn’t any simple answer to your question about how long it will take. If you want to see what reasons I gave, you can click on my picture and go to my pinboards link.

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A MyMSTea...

spell? Was weird. I didn't apply. I applied for Medicaid at the local social services place. They denied food stamps, but wanted more information on my disability. I filled out the papers they sent. A month later I got a package with a huge amount of papers. How far can I walk, what can I lift. Tons of things. Like 28 pages of stuff. So I filled it out and went to put it in the prepaid envelope...and saw it was going to social security determinations....I'd given up on disability 3 years before because I got clear to the judge and still was denied. Anyway, after4 months I get this short letter saying I'd been registered as disabled so can have Medicaid, but husband made too much, so no check.
After all the fighting, they give it to me when I wasn't asking for it. I'd just wanted help with medical bills.