Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyMSTeam Member asked a question đź’­
Sparta, GA

Has anyone had to quit work and get on disability?.If so how hard is it to get on it?
I work 2nd shift and 12 hours a day. It's getting harder and harder to do my job. I have had several accidents and falls at work.
Please give me some advice of what to do and how to go about getting disability. I'm scared I won't get it , but working is getting harder to do.

January 2, 2022
 · 
Reactions
A MyMSTeam Member

It took me a long time to come to the decision to quit my job, my employer had made accomadations for me but the fatiuge and cognitive isses were just too much.
I researched disablity on this site, then researched on Social Security website which i didnt understand at first.
I stated keeping a diary by using a app on my phone.
I then talked to my Neurologist who disagreed with my wish to sign up for disablity, because i could still walk unassited. Never considered my fatiuge levels, cognitve issues or the enviroment i worked in.
I went back to research the SSA website and looked at it closer. I found that i had to hit 4 criteria to be accepted on disablity. Luckly i did.
I think the 4 are, the diesese, the lenght of time i was employed at this single job, my education level and my age.
Anyway after a year i saved enough money to get by on for about a year and finally quit. I applied for disabilty online, everything that i had read from other peoples experience said i would be denied and i was denied rather quickly. I contacted a disablity lawyer and he advised me to reapply before i enlist his help. I reapplied again with the same result of being denied. The lawyer took my case then and contested the decisions.
Then i had to see a SSA approved Doctor for an exam, he decided that i did have MS and that it did interfer with my employment.
After that i did not have to go in front of a judge or proceed with any further court proceedings. I was granted disablity.
All in all from the time i quit to the time i recived any checks was a little over a year and then another year before i was covered with medicare for insurance.
Sorry for being a long winded answer but this is my story. Hope it helps.

January 4, 2022
A MyMSTeam Member

Definitely talk to your neurologist office. Not only can they update your records, mine recommended a disability attorney. What's great about that is you won't owe a dime out of pocket before you're approved and then just a smaller fee out of your first payment from SSDI. The attorney can help with what write and say if you will need a live meeting with a judge. My time to approval was ONLY 6 months or so.

January 5, 2022
A MyMSTeam Member

First talk to your neurologist. Mine wrote in my records that i was unable to work. She knew exactly what to write so Social Security would know my issues.
Then go on line and fill out an outragious amount of forms.
I was approved first try. I had to wait approx. 6 monthes to get a reply from them.
I am happy to say it was worth the wait!

January 4, 2022
A MyMSTeam Member

First I went to SS and they filled out my forms…denied so I went to minimal hours for a while then applied again online and was approved!! Just be answer all questions as honestly and detailed as possible!! Good luck

January 3, 2022
A MyMSTeam Member

I think you need to talk to your neurologist first and then your HR manager. You need a MS diagnosis, documentation of your falls at work & your dr saying you can no longer work. Expect tons of paperwork. Expect it to take a long time.

It took me 14 months to get my SSI approved. 13 months after I legally separated from my x-husband & reapplied. Which I have been told is on the faster side. 🤦🏻‍♀️ So expect a long haul & if need be contact a lawyer.

I would look up what the requirements are to receive disability in your state/country & go from there. In the meantime document every thing. What your daily symptoms are, each fall, get & save every all your medical records/bills.

January 2, 2022

Related Questions

View All
A MyMSTeam Member asked a question đź’­
Suring, WI

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question đź’­
Gainesville, GA

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question đź’­
Atlanta, GA

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In