Dealing with Disability Benefits

[BinBoulder]

Just curious, did anyone face an uphill battle with receiving disability benefits?

I was correctly diagnosed with ALS 6/2006 after being misdiagnosed, ignored about the symtoms I was experiencing (numbness, knee buckling, tripping, spasms, etc.) for 4 years. Anyway, I was denied disability benefits because the SSA said I waited too long to apply. I now have a hearing date to plead my case. Anybody else gone through this ordeal? Any insights to share? I don't know if I have to prove that I have ALS, or prove that I had become disabled 4 years before being correctly diagnosed?

 

[irismarie]

not quite the same ordeal and not the same country but i am currently tearing my hair out over the red tape and the idiocy of state paperwork. Refused 100% aid because I "am not receiving treatment" whatever that means. So I appeal and now I have to name a specialist who will work for me but not anyone who is treating me. How am I supposed to know anyone? Then I shallbe convoked like you, I suppose. Every single benefit is from a different address, a different association and I have to send the same proofs over and over again to all these different people who start right from the beginning again. I feel more often like giving in face of the bureaucracy than before the face of the illness.

It is crazy that I get an electric wheelchair, houseworkers and nurses to help me as soon as they see me but have to fight tooth and nail in yet another corner for a handicapped parking space or 100% on medical aids. Should not complain and feel ashamed to do so but this paperwork battle is exhausting and so depressing every time you get yet another letter asking for yet more proofs.

I wish you strength and hope that you get help to go through this

 

[Blubear]

Hi BinBoulder, first of all welcome to our forum! This is a really good place to get info, and support...even if you just want to vent.
First of all when did you apply for SSD? This is a topic that is talked about heavily on our forum. Just go to the search button and put in SSD or disability and you will find all the threads on it just to give you some more incite. I have been through the SSD nightmare myself, but I do not have ALS. It took me almost 3 years, and an attorney who later I found I really didnt need since I did have a doctors letter that just got buried in my file. But with people with ALS it is suppose to be different than what I experienced. SSD is so bombarded with people who dont really need it that they just deny everyone at first and use any excuse they can get to get your case off their desk. When were you diagnosed with ALS? And how long have you been waiting for disability are my 2 questions. Hang in there!
Hugs,
Blubear

 

[indigosd]

ALS is an automatic qualification for SSDI. There is a 6 month waiting period. You will receive Medicare A & B on the 5th month. This is very puzzling. Did you work enough quarters to qualify? You understand that SSDI and SSI are two diffent programs, right? IF you qualify and are just being hassled I would suggest that you contact your local ALS Association and your MDA-that is where I would begin. Kari is correct-tons of info if you use the search box. Hope this helps and welcome to the forum!