[Berries]

I just got a letter and forms today from Social Security. They are reviewing my case to see if I am still disabled "according to their rules". I am freaking out. I can't lose my benefits, especially my health insurance--Medicare.

I went through this once before, about 5 years ago, and the months it took for Social Security to decide my fate were agonizing. I worried and worried and worried.

I don't know what I'd do if I lost my benefits. I couldn't pay rent, let alone have a pdoc and a tdoc and medicine. And what if I have to have surgery again?????

I am sooooooooooooooo freaking out!!!

I am so overwhelmed I can't even fill out the forms. I read them and then had to take a klonopin and put them away.

Why??????
Just when I am starting to accept that I have a debilitating mental illness, this happens and now I am sure it is a sign from above (or below) that I am not really sick.

[Rohag]

Hi, Berries! Every form that enters the house triggers me, some more, some less.

Government agencies invest a lot of time and money justifying their expenditures. What you're describing seems to be a routine reevaluation of your case, and personally, from what I know of you, I don't think you have anything to worry about provided you fill out the forms honestly and fully.

Here's an early-2008 discussion of SSDI reviews from Google Groups (alt.social-security-disability). The people answering the initial question seemed to have researched the issue fairly well. They make reference to new regulations that make it more difficult to the Social Security Administration to terminate established entitlements.

Of course, none of this information would make me feel any better being confronted with these infernal government questionnaires. It's a recurring pain.

[gingerkat]

Take a deep breath before you begin. I know that we can sometimes get ourselves all worked up even before we need to. Try to worry about the stuff you can control.

I know how hard those papers are, so do you have someone that could help you out? SSDI pisses me off... they know how hard those papers are and for people that suffer from depression, how concentration can be a huge issue.

Good luck

[Pomegranate]

I feel the same way you do every time I've gotten a review, I've had 5 or 6 over the years. Like Rohag said, just be honest about what is going on with you. Let them know all the thoughts, feelings, anxiety, depression, physical problems, etc. etc. you experience. I seriously doubt you will be denied benefits at this point in your illness.

[lynn P.]

They want you to do back flips, while jumping through hoops while patting your head and rubbing your tummy all at the same time

Sorry I thought some humor would do us all some good. It's their job to poke holes and look for ways to get out of paying people - evil people. Fill out the forms even have someone help you and send it back to the grumps.

[Abby]

I agree with everyone elses post. Without meaning to sound rude, although this is of incrediable importance to you, for them it is simply a tick box exercise. Unfortunately, you have to jump through the hoop to complete this process for them. It may be easier not to look at it as though an individual person is scrutinizing you in order to judge you personally, but as a faceless administrator trying to get through their day job just like most of the rest of us. I think you should have more faith in yourself, if you were well enough not to need social security (which btw i'm assuming is similar to disability benefit) then you wouldn't have applied for it, let alone be trying to renew it. You are a good person in need of some help, that's all. It makes sense that they would review it every 5yrs or so because living circumstances and health change. Having said all that though, i definately feel for you, i hate long application forms, most of the time the questions are so abstract and vague i'm not sure what they want so i do what you did and store it away somewhere out of view.

[leacon]

Berries, I know far too well how you feel. You get a review and you begin to freak out. My experience though is more with security reviews. I was pleased a few years ago when I retired and could forget about them. I was afraid of getting fired every time I had one. I had to go through the hoops to get disability from the federal government (not SSDI). I was denied the first time and almost totally freaked because of it. Take a deep breath and fill out the forms. Better to get it out of your way than leave at the back of your mind. As others have said get help if needed.

[Berries]

Thank you ((((((everyone)))))) who replied. I appreciate your support and advice. I looked on that link you gave me, rohag. It was very comforting.

The worst question is "describe your typical day". I want to tell the truth, but don't want anyone to know my private business and I don't want them to know how much time I spend in bed during the day. I don't want them to think I am lazy.

[turquoisesea]

(((((((Berries))))))))))

I agree with the others, that at this point's it's routine. It doesn't mean they are out to get you, they just want to be sure their money is being spent correctly.

As to how much to explain about your day, I'm not sure,but maybe you could explain anything you'd think would appear as laziness with WHY. It's not "I lie in bed"... it's " I lie in bed trying to xxxxx, for me being sick I"d say I lie in bed trying to rest, get lots of fluids, and feel well enough to make lunch. I guess it's in the way you say it how it will come off to someone reading. I'm not sure how much detail I'd put in, anyone have any similar experience to berries with advice on this?

hugs to you berries

[Naturefreak]

I just went through a review about six months ago and I wasn't worried too much about it. My psychiatrist filled out all my forms and the benefits continued. I've had a few over the years and it does get you anxious when you see anything other than a cheque from them. Like turquoise said they have to do reviews every so often. That is their policy.
I'm sure everything will be just fine. Take care Berries.

[wickedwings]

Berries, take a deep breath. It's going to be ok. I used to get SSDI for 10 years. Every year, there was a review. Yes, I always got stressed out over them. But, it always worked out just fine.