[Mrhomercat]

Hi, I am applying for SSDI and have seen about a dozen T's and 1/2 dozen Pdocs since 1993. I can't remember some of the names of the T's and Pdoc's, nor the clinics I've received treatment from. I have a list of what I can remember. What's the best way to go about obtaining my records from these places? Will they charge a fee? Thank you.

[Rohag]

Hi, Mrhomercat!

Originally Posted by Mrhomercat

What's the best way to go about obtaining my records from these places?

Given your circumstances, have you considered obtaining the services of a lawyer/firm that specializes in Social Security claims? (They don't get paid until you get your claim granted, and, all things considered, your chances of success are higher -- they know all the "right" language to use and how to best present your case to impress the bureaucracy.)

[Yoda]

I don't know much about how to apply (my employer hired attorney for me when I couldn't work) but it seems that how you are now and recently is what they will base their decision on. I know a complete history is nice but what does it matter what level of functioning you had five or ten years ago. Good luck.

[Perna]

Do you have enough work credits/have you worked recently enough? I think it's mostly about your most recent job(s) in at least the last 10 years and what has been going on with them; why you cannot continue to work in that field/job. I would use your most recent job and therapists you were seeing then and after.

[shezbut]

I got assistance from a non-profit agency to help me through.

SEMCIL is their name. They're part of a national agency, but I don't know what the national name is. Argh! They work to help disabled people. Disabilities of all kinds. My disability is brain functioning, so they helped me work through everything. perhaps you can find the link through their site?? I'm sorry, I just can't recall.

They helped me get my papers from all of my doctors. It didn't cost a dime, and went straight from the doctors to SSI. I did have to send letters to those offices okaying the release of records to SSI. Thankfully, the clinics and doctors were really on top of sending my complete history, so SS wasn't always waiting for more information. They were able to make a pretty quick decision on my case from there.

Very best wishes to you!

[justaSeeker]

Can you afford a disability lawyer or non-attorney representative for a social security disability or SSI disability claim. Yes, in fact, anyone can simply because disability representatives are paid after they win a case, not before.

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/

Detroit Social Security Disability Attorneys: http://www.social-security-disabilit...09-Detroit.htm

For many people with bipolar disorder, the ability to maintain substantial gainful activity (SGA) -- the ability to work -- is seriously compromised. Debilitating depressions, manic-based bad decisions, struggles with medications and side effects, as well as psychotic features, panic attacks and other extreme symptoms of this illness, make it difficult for some to obtain or hold a job. http://bipolar.about.com/od/disabili...bility_int.htm

[Denise26]

The SS office told me they would obtain my records if I couldnt produce them. I just had to give as good a listing of drs/hospitals and such that I could come up with.