Psych brought up the "D" word today

MrChicagoRN, RN · Aug 12, 2014

You can get started here. Social Security Disability Benefits - Online Application Information

My understanding is that at some point, you will be examined by their doctor. Also, that it's best to apply on your own first, then use an attorney only if denied.

Is is part time work an option? Life coaching?

I hope you find the path that's best for you, whether it's through SSDI or in another direction.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Aug 12, 2014

I applied for disability and was accepted the first time.

The forms were pretty daunting; but are doable to be filled out; they ask for basic information; self reporting on symptoms that are present; I believe they have forms that are need for your p-doc to fill it as well.

Once the information had been gathered, I had to go through both a psychiatric exam as well as a physical exam. The examiners were chosen by SSA.

Once the reports and exams were completed, they made a decision, which took up to six months for a decision; I received my first check Christmas Eve 2008-I almost felt like it was a Christmas miracle.

I wasn't eligible for Medicare health benefits until 22 months later, and due to my amount, I wasn't eligible for state health benefits either (had no dependents), so I went almost two years without healthcare access; so make sure you are eligible for "extra help" or some way to get your medications to prevent relapses and access to healthcare.

I was eligible for both SSI (ran by the state level) and SSDI (ran by the federal level). I chose SSDI because the money was greater; it helped me stay above water. Both SSI and SSDI are determined.

You can apply online per the link that MrChicago posted.

After being approved for disability, if you feel the need or desire to work and stay busy, there are income requirements to working, and making more than the minimum constitutes as "gainful employment"; unfortunately on a nurse's salary, you can work two shift and according to SSA, because of that amount, it's being "gainfully employed"; I'm actually fighting this as I'm trying to get back on my feet and eventually want to get off, but I'm not even ready-hopefully by the end if this year. My point is to be careful with income if and when you may feel the need to work to stay busy while on disability, and bills may make you feel the pressure to work-at least that was my case.

Being on disability helped me not lose my property, and helped me remain functional in order to survive. :yes:

poppycat, ADN, BSN · Aug 12, 2014

It's been 20 years since I started on disability so I'm sure things have changed. When I applied, my doctors provided all the exams & documentation. I never ever had to see a doctor provided by SSA (not in the whole 10 years I was on disability). I was very lucky because my application was approved the first time and I had my first check within 3 months.

LadyFree28 is right about the income limit if you decide to try to do a little work. When I was on disability, I was allowed to make up to $800/month without it being considered gainful employment. That worked out to about 2-3 private duty shifts per month. That was ok with me because I couldn't handle working more than that.

I was able to return to work full time in 2004. My disability payments continued for 9 months and then were discontinued along with my Medicare.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Aug 14, 2014

That's the thing. I can't work as a nurse, unless it was as an advice nurse or something "behind the scenes". I can't handle pressure anymore, and as we all know, nursing is loaded with it. I also have physical problems that render me unable to stand and walk for long periods of time, reach over my head, stoop, kneel etc. Do I have to file on the basis of my mental illness alone, or can I use both the MI and my physical ailments?

This is so pathetic. I don't believe in living off the taxpayers, but I'm rapidly running out of options and I'm sure not getting any younger or fitter. I never thought I'd find myself in this position.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Aug 14, 2014

You can most certainly file for both.

:yes:

You have worked hard; getting SSDI is not "living off taxpayers" IMHO; I have always felt if I am paying into a system, should anything happen to me, I am grateful for the safety nets that I have paid in; it has allowed me to continue to thrive.

Don't forget, SSA also helps with finding jobs for disabled workers; I think for the greater good of not having people default or live on the streets or not eat or be able to thrive, SSDI does help those who really need it. :yes:

Carpediem1012, BSN, RN · Aug 14, 2014

I'm sorry I am of no help VLV, but I hear the desperation in your post and I hope you find what you need. You have been a voice here for mental illness, and I thank you for being such an advocate! I wish you the best!

elkpark · Aug 14, 2014

This is so pathetic. I don't believe in living off the taxpayers, but I'm rapidly running out of options and I'm sure not getting any younger or fitter. I never thought I'd find myself in this position.

None of us ever think we'll find ourselves in this position, but it could happen to any of us at any time. You won't be "living off the taxpayers," you'll be receiving benefits you have earned by paying into the system all the years you've been working.

Best wishes!!!

poppycat, ADN, BSN · Aug 14, 2014

You can absolutely file based on both your physical & mental health problems. Along with my mental illness, I had a seizure disorder which was only partially controlled when I applied for disability. I filed using both diagnoses.

I didn't mean to imply in my previous post that you should eventually try to go back to nursing. I'm sorry if that's how it came across. I was just telling my experience. I feel very lucky to have been able to return to work. When I first started seeing my current psychiatrist 7 years ago, she told me she's never heard of anyone getting off disability.

As others have said, SSD is not "living off the taxpayers". It is money you paid in during the years you worked. If you need to be on disability, you have earned it!

Cricket183, BSN, RN · Aug 14, 2014

I have been on SSDI for just over six years now. I was approved the first time I applied and had my first check within 5 months from when I applied. I never saw a doctor other than my own. That said, I had the backing of multiple physician (neurologist, pain management specialist, cardiologist, and hematologist. I have RSD/CRPS in my entire upper body that also affects my heart, stomach , and immune system.) The paperwork is extensive but very doable. In my opinion, being a nurse really helped with this. Definitely include all diagnosis so they get a good overall picture of your health status. Even though my primary diagnosis was RSD/CRPS, I included tachycardia & SVT, Gastroparesis, and Dystonia as additional diagnosis. I also included the medical records showing all the different treatments I had sought for each. It was a lot of record gathering and a huge pain but necessary. It took 2 years for Medicare to kick in but I was able to apply for COBRA initially then once it ran out received insurance through my state's insurance program for uninsurable persons (this was prior to ACA, this program no longer exists.).

I recognize the shock, fear, disappointment, disbelief in your voice. When I was first diagnosed in Nov. 2006, I refused to even discuss the possibility of disability. I was in such denial. I pushed on and continued to work. I had my dream job on an inpatient oncology unit and had just received my OCN. I lasted until Feb. 29, 2008. After three 12 hour shifts in a row I ended up in the hospital for 3 days in a severe pain crisis. It was then that my neuro, cardiologist, pain doc, & hematologist all separately had a serious heart-to-heart with me and I had to accept that I could not continue to push myself like I had been. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. I worked so hard for my degree, was up for a promotion to unit manager, and was only 40 at the time. Like you, I initially had a huge problem feeling like I was taking a hand out. But like others have mentioned, we paid in to these programs exactly for this reason.

Be be kind to yourself. Acceptance comes slowly with the full range of grief feelings in the process (denial, anger, bargaining, etc.). I bounced in between the grief stages (and still do). Right now I am just starting to look in to the possibility of returning to nursing part-time or per diem but realistically I know that it is a remote possibility. If I can help you in any way feel free to contact me.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Aug 15, 2014

Viva, I have absoulutely nothing to add to this except for to not think for one second you are "living off taxpayers" You will be living off of the hundreds of thousands of dollars that YOU paid into both social security and medicare for your entire working career.

I would see if there is a social security rep that comes to your town at any point in time, sometimes monthly. Have conversation with them as to where to begin, how to file, and the like. Sometimes it is easier face to face than on the phone.

In the meanwhile, see if you can get some assistance with food, medical insurance, and money from the state on welfare. You can not work, threfore, you could use the insurance and what ever other assistance you can until the SSI/SSDI kicks in.

Best wishes and you know you are the best of the best--that for now, your illness needs to take the front seat. Get whatever you can from where ever you can. After multiple multiple (ok, so we are not THAT old, but you know what I mean) years taking care of everyone else, now is time to take care of you.

xo

OCNRN63, RN · Aug 16, 2014

I used an atty. (not one of those ****** you see on TV) to help me file, even though in my particular situation I was an automatic approval. It was a big help with having her, because she told me almost word for word how my physician should write her letter, and she helped with organizing paperwork. She was also a supportive presence when I went to the Social Security office for the evaluation.

It didn't take that long for me to get a hearing, and I was told after about two weeks that I had been approved. I didn't need any special exams because my docs had their notes to go on. As far as paying for the atty., mine waited until I got my determination, then she gave me the option of paying her monthly or in one lump sum; when you get your first payment, they give you a back payment of several months. SS rules that you must be disabled for 5 full calendar months in a row before you are entitled to benefits. So, say they find that you were disabled Sept. 1, 2014. Your actual month of entitlement to benefits is April 1, 2014. You get paid for those five months, then after that you get a check on the third Wed. of the month.

I used LTD checks from my former employer to live on prior to getting SSDI. I'm fortunate in that I will still get those checks until I am 65y, at which time I go on regular SS.

Another benefit to getting SSDI is that you will be eligible for Medicare in two years.

Here's a key phrase my atty. had me use in the application, after my doc outlined my illness: "I do not feel she is safe to be in the workplace, and this will be a permanent disability for her."

Again, I would really encourage getting an attorney, not only for the help s/he can provide, but for the supportive presence s/he can be. It's a stressful time, even if it's what's best for you.

PM me if you have any other questions.