Posted by susan C on January 3, 2002, at 13:29:44
In reply to Is disability enough to live on?, posted by mist on January 3, 2002, at 0:33:27
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/
http://www.severe.net/
http://www.bu.edu/cpr/jobschool/index.htmlHi, I went through applying for SSDI last year. Here are three sites I have found, the first one in particular i found very helpful.
I investigated getting an attorney, but decided that I would wait until denied one or two times.
There are many variations of the amount of coverage, depending on your work history contributions and income level and dependant children...I found my local SSA office to be VERY helpful, accurate and thorough. The State office was as well. You can get all the information to start on line. Even a 'what do i qualify for' kind of test...
The back payment is one year back from the date you applied so EVERYONE encourages you to APPLY NOW!!!! even if you feel like you dont know what you are doing. I was approved first time round for SSDI within 6 months or so and had the 18 months automatically deposited in my account. Sometimes the government really does work.
I discovered through this process that I really need a medical advocate who is with me at appointments and helps me fill out forms and keep track of things. It was very difficult for me to fill out the forms. With help, I was very thorough and honest.
If you have any questions, please ask.
mouse behind the filecabinet
> I'm thinking I might have to go on disability for awhile as my savings have run out and I'm not working. I have found it impossible to sustain any kind of job search because of being depressed.
>
> I have heard the disability payment amounts are very low. I assume the sources I heard this from were talking about a federal disability program although I'm not familiar with what programs exist. (I'm in the US, by the way.) Is it actually enough to live on? Does everyone get the same amount or is there a range of payment levels? Also, how do they determine whether or not you're eligible? And must you have reached the brink of poverty (which I think I have) before you'll be considered?
poster:susan C
thread:16187
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020102/msgs/16220.html