SSI for fibromyalgia/myofascial pain

Can one qualify for SSI benefits due to this condition?
I just called to apply and am curious what I'm in for...difficulties or not?

Hi withit,

I think you have to apply or be getting Social Security retirement or Social Security Disability in order to get SSI because it is a supplement to the former income. You can certainly apply for SS Disability for fibro because I just did. You can also get SSD for most mental illnesses like depression and two problem seem to be better than one, so throw anything like that in too.

This site is helpful http://www.ultimatedisabilityguide.com/index.html

The form is long, complicated and a real pain in the entire upper body, so don't try to do it all in one sitting.

Good luck!

Nan50

Apply with all the info you can. Keep copies of EVERYTHING. Don't be discouraged. It often takes the hiring of an attorney, and most ppl are denied the first time. However, the monies, once approved, are retroactive back to the date of your first application.

Good wishes on this!

the main point when you fill out those forms is to describe how fibro and myofascial pain interfer with your ability to work. The disease itself isnt what gets you ssi or ssdi. Its how that disease affects your ability to work. Describe your worst day and dont be ashamed to put down any psychological problems that you have that also contribute to you not being able to work, as well as the effect of medication. i have a listing of impairments somewhere, ill find it later and then post the site here.

https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps10/poms....x/0426510015#b

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/profes...ltListings.htm

Yes you can apply for SSI. SSI is usually for people that dont have enough work credits (40 credits) to get benefits from SSDI. The max amount you can recieve from SSI is $623.00 per month. You can recieve both SSI and SSDI if your SSDI is under $623.00 per month (they base it on your past work history) If your SSDI check is more then that then you will not be able to receive SSI. Granted if you have children the rules are different.

Quoted from the SSA Website:
"The Social Security Administration is responsible for two major programs that provide benefits based on disability: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on prior work under Social Security, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Under SSI, payments are made on the basis of financial need."

"Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program financed through general revenues. SSI disability benefits are payable to adults or children who are disabled or blind, have limited income and resources, meet the living arrangement requirements, and are otherwise eligible. The monthly payment varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate, which may be supplemented by the State or decreased by countable income and resources."

It doesnt matter what condition you have if you have a doctor that will back you up and say that you cant work then you have hope.

You might want to check out the Social Security website it will answer alot of youe questions. SSI Questions Page

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withit said:
I just called to apply and am curious what I'm in for...difficulties or not?

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I was say you are in for DIFFICULTIES.... but it will be worth it once it is over and done with.

BTW - I too am thinking about filing for SSI due to my RA & Fibro.

I'm going through the SSD application process now, so I will post brief descriptions as I go through the stages. The first two forms are submitted (they can be done online and you can stop and go back to them if you write down the code numbers they give you.

Now my friend (they need a friend or relative to ask about you) just got a 10-page form to fill out about me. I got another 10-page form to fill out about what I do all day. These forms ask about everything from how you go to the bathroom to what you do for fun. I suspect they hope you will mention your rock-climbing or how you dance the limbo until dawn.

I've also had two phone interviews about work dates and doctors that seem to be just confirming what I already told them. I was pretty fogged in the one time, so I'm not sure what I said or how it will affect me. I think there was a lot of "I don't remember", so maybe that will work in my favor.

I just keep reminding myself that I've paid SS taxes for a lot of years and it's time to get some of it back.

Nan

good info nan! I guess it would be easiest to fill in your forms and make copies for the other people to refer to? Or are the other ppl allowed to say they "don't know" some things?

I had a home visit and when she traipsed into my bathroom I was a bit unnerved for sure.

Sky wrote:</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
I had a home visit and when she traipsed into my bathroom I was a bit unnerved for sure.

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Oh no! Sky, SS doesn't always do home visits do they? If they see the state my place is in they'll declare it unfit for human habitation for sure!

My floors have massive dust bunnies and there are cobwebs around the ceilings. It looks like Morticia Addams was my interior decorator. I just don't have the energy to clean like I should, so I focus on kitchen and bathroom fixtures and the cat's litterbox and taking the trash out. By the time I finish that it's time to start over again.

Nan

The last I was told... Fibromyalgia is not considered a condition that is recognized as a disability, but it is interesting that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is. Having had a severe case of Fibromyalgia for 3-4 years, I understand what you are experiencing.

I do not recommend hiring an attorney because they tend to drag their feet and cost you more money. It took a friend of mine over 5 years to make it in front of a judge. This was because she fired them and then re-hired them as they basically begged her to. She received a positive judgement in less than 3 months. (She has other conditions).

Another friend of mine with lupus and RA, filled out all the paperwork herself and was approved in 3 months.

My aunt has PTSD badly. The SS office did tell her that the far majority of people are denied the first try, which she was.

There are 3rd party companies that you can hire (cost ???) that alledgedly increase a positive judgement substantially. I have worked with one named Allsup, Inc. for a few years but they say that the judge will not set a date.

I know that Fibromyalgia is under consideration to be qualified as a disability but have not seen any document to verify that it has been.

If you are interested in learning what I did to cure my FM, let me know. I have absolutely nothing to sell by the way. I have been FM free now for close to 5 years.

Best of Luck

Well, I now have a scheduled date for my SSI hearing with the appointed judge on Feb. 15. In the room will be myself, my attorney from Allsup, Inc, and the judge. I am going to try with all I am to see if my husband can come in with me as he is not only a tremendous support, but he is also a valuable source of information to help me remember the answers to questions.

I do recommend, however, that you consider any "witnesses" to testify for you on your part. In Indiana, that is at least considered acceptable and necessary. You also have the right to sopeona any person or people who will provide, under oath, any helpful information. So, I have a little thinking to do.

Best wishes and try to keep us up to date.

Love and Light,
Sherri

I would like to start the process by filing online today - does any one has the link to where I need to go to file?

Having just won my case for SSD, I can tell you it is a long road of paperwork. Be sure to get copies of all your medical records. Also keep on file for yourself a history of your work history, as what you did, and your yearly earnings. I was told I needed that information to see if I also could get SSI and Medicaid. I was told I was not able to get medicaid because I have no children & medicaid because my name is on a piece of property in another state, that is worth more than $2000. Of course that is Florida, and all states have different rules.
If you are denied, appeal that decision. Continue doing that until you get a chance for a court date. Now it is up to you, but at that point I got an attorney to handle my case. The time it took to get the court date was not the attorney's fault. the government has cut funds for the SS admin offices. That is causing the backup of cases. However, the Judge I got told me how sorry he was that I had to wait 4 years for my hearing. Some are lucky and get their court date sooner, but most have to wait a period of time.

http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/...hp?p_faqid=326

when you fill out the forms keep in mind that in addition to whatever illnesses you have that keep you from working that you also state how those illnesses keep you from working. Cant stand, cant sit, no balance, no concentration etc. Also do the same for medications that you may take and how they also limit your ability to work, fatigue, nausea, concentration etc. Social security is more interested in how these diseases and medication keep you from working than in the fact that you have them.

keep hard copies of everything....make a folder .....or envelope just for this.

Thanks for all the INFO & INSIGHT......... I will make sure I tell them how it effects me and my daily activities (or lack of them).

And - I will remember to remain patient as this maybe a very long process to get the final out come wanted.

You can apply for it but it is one of the harder conditions to get approval on. Look on the internet for more resources about how to qualify.
Hugs
Ocean13

Just had my Independent Mental Exam for SSD. Retired psychologist who had me come to his house. Wasn't bad, except for my feeling, like always, that because of the depression and fibro fog I had forgotten to mention some important points. He said the exam was consistent with my application and his report would be favorable to me.

Next is my Independent Medical Exam. That is worrying me because the doctor works for one of those companies that handle Workers' Comp for employers. I'm thinking it may be a little hostile.

I will say that the state disability person has been really good about making the exams as convient as possible for me.

Nan

Strangely enough.......I have not had to experience this myself but - my mom has fibro and another rare genetic disorder that is causing her to loose her central vision.

We found a support group through a CHURCH in our community that has their own FREE attorney to help you get SS benefits.

May be worth looking into in your community. Just a thought.

Withit,
What state are you from? Some states have stricter laws and requirements than others. For instance in Ct. it is real tough to qualify for SSI.
I know because I was denied 2x's, and then I went to a lawyer, and was granted ssd.
Nina

even though one may not get medicaid if they get the full ssd they will get medicare 24 months from the time ss determines one being disabled. mine will start in July this year.