  Hey, ((((LandingSanely)))). I went through a lawyer who specialized in SS Disability claims; he was formerly an attorney for the Social Security Administration-Disability, so he knew the system from the inside. He handled everything - I gave him a list of my physicians, and he took it all from there. The review process takes about 6 months during which time you will probably be contacted by an SSD caseworker for interviews, and you may be sent to a SSA doctor/psych for evaluation. Once SSD is awarded, the first check is retroactive back to the 1st of the month following the date of filing. The attorney's fee was deducted and sent to him separately by the SSA; the cap for attorney fees at that time was 25% (of that initial lump-sum payment). Quite frankly, I do not know how anyone can manage to handle the initial filing on their own - I wouldn't recommend it - too much stress, and you have a much better chance of your disability being approved with the first submission of the claim using an attorney instead of doing it yourself - the attorney makes absolutely certain that all of your rights are protected in the process. There is a 2-year waiting period after the official disability date to be eligible for Medicare coverage. You have worked; you have paid into the system; you are entitled to these benefits. I understand your concern regarding the stigma associated with receiving disabiliity - but your physical and mental well-being is more important, and having these benefits can help you and your family survive until you are back on your feet again. Best of luck to you.
__________________
"I walked a mile with Pleasure; she chattered all the way, But left me none the wiser for all she had to say. I walked a mile with Sorrow and ne'er a word said she; But oh, the things I learned from her when Sorrow walked with me!"
(Robert Browning Hamilton; "Along The Road")
|