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I lost my job over a year ago and have been unable to find a new one in a large part due to my MS. I’ve been mainly living off my savings but I know I can’t do that forever. I can’t physically handle working full time and no one in my field seems willing to hire part time. Sometimes I wonder if I could even handle that much. I don’t have any visible physical disability but deal with a lot of the silent symptoms. Namely fatigue, pain and memory fog. Any advice on the disability benefits process… read more
MSF 262 SSDI MS Disability.
I hope this helps.
If you live with multiple sclerosis and are unable to work due to an MS-related disability and/or other conditions, you might be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) benefits. The Social Security Disability Guidebook can assist you in deciding whether applying for disability benefits is right for you, and in navigating the complex application process. Additionally, information about certain types of MS that may qualify a person for an expedited review of their application for disability benefits is provided on this website in the section on Compassionate Allowances. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes MS as a chronic illness or impairment that can cause disability severe enough to prevent an individual from working. If you have any of the following symptoms, or any combination of these or other symptoms that prevent you from working, you might qualify for Social Security benefits:
Difficulty with walking and other motor skills Difficulty seeing
Difficulty concentrating or completing simple tasks
Difficulty remembering
Extreme fatigue, regardless of sleep
Speech impairment
Side effects of medication(s)
While SSI and SSDI provide different benefits, SSA uses the same disability determination process for both. You can even qualify for both at the same time. This Guidebook, Applying for Social Security Benefits: A Guidebook for People with MS and Their Healthcare Providers focuses primarily on the SSDI application process but includes helpful information for both programs. If you need additional information or help as you read through the Guidebook, contact an MS Navigator, call SSA at (Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators).
The Society's MS Navigators help identify solutions and provide access to the resources you are looking for. Call (Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators) or see "More info" to contact us online.
Consider bring up going on disability with our neuro. They should be instrumental in helping you navigate the initial steps. Ask them who they recommend to use as a disability lawyer. Even if you decide not to use one, it's good to at least talk to one. Going on disability is a big step but I think you're heading in the right direction. Please continue to ask here as you need.
@A MyMSTeam Member thank you for the link. I have read that info already. I’m really hoping for some more personal experiences from people dealing with this decision now or in the past.
I would advise to talk to an attorney first. I finally got my Administrative Law Judge hearing coming up in July. I filed originally in December 2017. Turned down in April got an attorney. Turned down in August and now just waiting on July. I was told that wait times here in Indiana at least, could be up to 22 months before you see a law judge.
Call and office fill out paperworkyoull probably be denied fight it be sure to have all you ducks in a row plus your neuro behind you.
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