SSDI Advice from Our Editor, Rebecca
Please note: Disability Connections, Inc. is not affiliated with any law firms or government entities that deal with the issue of applying for disability. The advice and guidance offered in this column is not a guarantee that you will be approved for SSDI, and we will not be held responsible if you are denied for these and other benefits.
My friends,
If you are reading this, it’s possible you are considering application, or have already applied for Social Security Disability Income, or SSDI. Whether or not to undergo this process can be a very difficult decision to make. I know all too well, as it was a tough decision for me.
No, I don’t have MS. But I do have about eight other autoimmune conditions that I deal with on a daily basis. For my daily survival, I must monitor my daily diet, activity level, and maintain a tedious regimen of many medications, daily and weekly supplements, otherwise known as life support.
Why am I telling you all of this? Well, it wasn’t always this way for me. At one time, I was an athlete, at the top of my game. I competed regularly in both gymnastics and track while in my teens. Currently I find myself basically trapped inside a body that no longer functions properly.
When I got to the point that I could not work anymore, it was quite the rude awakening. I once was a person who could work a full time job, two part-time jobs, sing in the church choir, and still have time for volunteer work. Currently, I have maybe two to three hours in a day during which time I can perform a few tasks; then I need to rest.
Even with all of that, it was still a difficult decision to finally pull the trigger and apply for SSDI. Yet, I knew it was something I had to do in order to stay afloat. I have been on SSDI for nearly a year now, doing a bit better in some ways, and not so well, unfortunately in others.
Are you still struggling with these difficult decisions? Would you like some emotional support in order to get you through the SSDI application process? While I can’t guarantee that you will be approved, I would like to offer the benefit of my grueling experience and knowledge of the process, so as to help you maintain your sanity and stave off needless anxiety throughout the long, painstaking process. I have some helpful tips and guidance I can offer you in order to make your experience a little less painful, and hopefully help lead you to success in your journey.
Please submit your question or comment by clicking on the “comments” link below this column. I look forward to reading your questions and to helping you in the best way I can. If there is a question I cannot answer, I will do my best to point you in the right direction and find as many resources for you as possible.
Categories: MS community Questions and Answers, People with MS helping others
Tags: MS and People helping each other
I enjoyed reading this. I have been completely disabled with CFIDS-Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome since 1996. I now have my late husband's social security to help with my disability. It was a nightmare going through the application process and when the first reviewer told me over the phone when I explained my severe fatigue, "Please, fatigue is not an illness." I began to realize the desperate situation I was now faced with in getting help with surviving after my husband's death left me to cope alone.
I have weak muscles and my left leg collapsed under me one day breaking all the bones in that ankle needing emergency surgery to screw a metal plate onto the bones to set them to heal. I use a rolling chair in the kitchen because of bouts of unexpected muscle weakness where I have been cooking and had to turn off the stove and go lay down which would leave the meal in ruins. With the rolling chair I now simply sit down and rest for a bit while I monitor the stove. I can then simply stay seated and finish that one item I am cooking. I have a rolling walker with seat when I go places and now 'standing' in a line at the bank or wherever is no problem. I simply sit and roll my way along. It has saved me from falling more times than I can count. I have a four wheel electric scooter that allows me to go out into my gardens.
Life is now good with the help of my husband's social security benefits but what an incredible nightmare process it was to get the approval. It left me so ill that it took several months before I began to heal and recover. I often now have symptoms of PTSD because of the horrific nightmare it was to achieve approval. For a long time it made me actually hate living life as a disabled person and gave me my first experience of wanting to end my life just to put an end to the nightmare social security was making of my life. Life is better now and improving with the passing of time. The severe fatigue, muscle weakness and being stuck in bed resting for days at a time has been difficult to adjust to but the social security nightmare was the worst experience I ever faced in connection with this disability. I am continuing to heal and my life is blessed and I am once again comfortable with both my disability and my life. I wish everyone here well. Patricia; Stockton, California
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Hi Patricia!
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Goodness, it sounds like you have been through quite a lot. No doubt you are a very strong woman and can be an example for others to follow. I must say, I can relate to much of what you're saying. The approval process for SSDI is lengthy and trying, to say the least. My personal theory is that they hope to exhaust people before they get approved, thereby costing them less money in the end. So, it's only those who have enough persistence who make it across the finish line, so to speak. I like to say, "Have persistence to go the distance".
I'm sure life for you is a bit easier, with your husband's social security income. But I totally understand how difficult simple daily activities can be when you are ill and have mobility issues, and you live alone. Personally, I'm not very good at asking for help. So by the time I finally do ask for help, it's far beyond the point where someone could have easily helped me. I give you much credit for your resolve and for continuing to move forward in the face of adversity.
Wanting to end your life due to challenges of being disabled is something many people can relate to, although may not be able to admit it. I know from my experience that I have had those days and wondered why I continue to wake up every day if I'm only meant to be severely ill, have mobility issues, and continue to be alone. But I also believe that everything happens for a reason. While I may not be privy to those answers at the time, I know that if and when the time comes, it will be revealed.
Again, I'm honored that you felt you could share your story with us today. I know others will read it and find solace and comfort in your words. Awaiting approval for disability income can be quite tedious and requires much patience. You have demonstrated that when you want something badly enough, it can be achieved. Stay strong, my dear. Please keep us posted on your progress. Wishing you many continued blessings.
Best, Rebecca.
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