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Has anyone been recommended by there health care providers been recommended to do disability. If so how do I even start.

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rolla, MO

Multiple Sclerosis - I am not sure what kind I have I just know I am continuing to get new lesions.

July 28
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A MyMSTeam Member

Hello @A MyMSTeam Member, it is a hard subject to discuss, but lots of us here have been in your situation. I retired on medical grounds in 2018. I am in the UK so not the right person to offer suggestions to you, but I am sure others here will offer suggestions. Stay strong 🤗

July 28
A MyMSTeam Member

I believe I have worked enough for the SSDI. I worked retail two full time jobs most of my life. The affect started about four years ago I could feel thing wrong but nothing to explain them. I have DDD in lumbar spine. I had to have surgery due to my spine pinching the sciatica nerve. After surgery I went back to early and the pain was unbearable. Due to this I had nerve blockers put in. I left retail and am now scheduling for health care for a call center. It is so fast paced and consistent changes and even though this was something that was supposed to be easy it is very challenging and overstimulating. It makes be feel so dumb I know answers but forget and brain stall. I started health care 1 year 9 months ago. I found out I had MS due to being stroke activated a year ago. Since then I have had a pretty substantial decline in health and comprehending some of these documents and process is very confusing. My only support is always tired and stressed it’s so hard to discuss this stuff and I am drowning in medical debt.

July 28
MyMSTeam

Yes, many MyMSTeam members have been in exactly this situation — and it can feel overwhelming at first. The good news is there are clear steps to get started.

There are two main programs to know about:

- SSDI — for people who have worked enough over their lifetime and can no longer work due to disability
- SSI — monthly Show Full Answer

Yes, many MyMSTeam members have been in exactly this situation — and it can feel overwhelming at first. The good news is there are clear steps to get started.

There are two main programs to know about:

- SSDI — for people who have worked enough over their lifetime and can no longer work due to disability
- SSI — monthly payments for people with disabilities, regardless of work history

MS is officially recognized as a disability under the Social Security Administration's Neurological Disorders listing, so you have a solid foundation to apply. Here's how to get started:

- Tell your neurologist you're applying — they need to document your condition thoroughly, including your lesions and how symptoms affect daily life
- Gather your medical records, including MRI results, medication history, and provider contact information
- Apply online at the SSA website, or visit a local Social Security office
- Consider getting a lawyer — MyMSTeam members say it can speed up the process significantly

One MyMSTeam member shared: *"Getting denied once or twice is not unusual. But having MS is indeed considered a true disability."*

Don't wait too long to start — the process can take three to five months or more, and appeals are common.

July 28

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