You might try contacting the local Bar Association, too. They often have a referal list of attorneys who specialize in Disability cases. Your state probably has a cap on the amount you'll need to pay any attorney ... cases are handled on a contingency basis and attorney's can make anywhere from 25-30% of the total to date in the worst case, or a cap of $750 in the best I've heard about. You live in a "progressive" state, so it won't be too bad.

Be sure you everything ready when you finally do see an attorney. If you've kept a journal that will be very helpful ... if not, start now and think of how your disability has affected your ability to work for the past 10 years. Try to show how you progressively got worse until you finally left the workplace. A doctor telling you it would be best not to work will be invaluable! Or at least a doctor who would put huge restrictions on the type of work you can do, how long a day, etc. The attorney will most likely suggest someone for you to see if your GP can't help. There's also a possibility that Social Security will send you to THEIR doctor.

Social Security wants you to dwell on the <u>DIS</u>ability part, not how able you still are, so be prepared for a little depression, OK? I got sucker punched when I filed! I'd been living with chronic pain from 1987 until I filed in 2004 and spending a good 2 weeks on paperwork while I viewed my glass as half empty got to me. Just know it's a possibility and not going to last.

Having said all that, and please don't get upset at this, are you sure you ARE disabled? There are retraining programs available and even plans where the government will send you to school so you can qualify for a different sort of job. If you're not totally disabled as I am, sometimes you can still work parttime and earn up to "X" dollars without it affecting your Disability income.

I hope this helps! Good luck to you, Melanie.

GoodMama