Disability Benefits
Sun, June 10, 2012 7:44 PM
After being on an exhaustive job search for years while in college. I've been turned away at every door for one reason or another. Usually with the "Your simply overqualified for this work." I have two associate's degree's in Criminal Justice. Finishing my Bachelor's in 12 months for Public Safety Admin. 150+ hours volunteer service at Sheriff's Dept. (before my symptoms came back 10 year remission to the date of my only surgery)
I tried a few years back 06-07ish (before Crohn's Disease was quiet as mainstream as it is now), to get on disability to help financially. I got an attorney who told me my chances were extremely slim to get it as I've never worked and its not a disability that can be easily seen like a missing leg. Also the fact that the disease can come and go makes it difficult. To which I said so what about people on disability for depression?? He also said, the way the government will see it, is that if I am healthy enough to go to college full time then I am healthy enough to work particularly seeing how my GPA is a 3.95 (always dean's list or 4.0). To which I said there is nothing wrong with my mind, my mind is sound and better then most people's. my body is the issue, my body holds back my mind not the other way around. He said I would have to quit college to get on disability (something I was not about to do and wait years to finally get it as a long-shot).
Now that I'm asymptomatic again worse then I was when I was first diagnosed and I have a 4 year old (going thorough custody case) I am flirting with the idea of starting again, but already turned down once because I've never been able to find work.
I was wondering if anyone else has had any measure of success trying to get disability benefits, how hard the fight has been etc.
Joined Mar 15, 2012
Wed, July 18, 2012 5:33 PM
Reply posted for Hotshot1121.
I finally received SS disability after a 2+ yr battle - I was totally unemployed during this two years- I have Crohn's and Lupus - my daughter also has Crohn's and was able to get disability after having 20+ surgeries and unable to work- it is very difficult- you need to get a good SS Attorney and be prepared for a long journey - good luck
mayoneJoined Sep 18, 2009
Thu, July 05, 2012 1:25 PM
Reply posted for Hotshot1121.
Hello Hotshot1121
Without a work history, you cannot receive Social Security Disability (SSD). You need to have a minimum work history with FICA withholdings which determine the benefit amount received. But, you could qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you are medically qualified for SSD, but don’t have the FICA credits, you would then qualify for SSI. Applying for SSD does not automatically apply you for SSI, but they can be applied for independently or as a combined case. SSI currently pays just under $700.00 a month as a maximum benefit. You are then automatically qualified for free Medicaid benefits and, depending on your state, other low income assistance programs (i.e. HUD section 8 housing assistance, food stamps, etc).
You really need to connect with a lawyer that is a disability specialist. The process takes a great deal of time, and lawyers are only allowed to charge a small set fee or percentage, so not everyone handles these cases. I went with my county’s free Legal Aid service, and they were very dedicated to my case. When I first applied for SSD in 2006, it took me a year and a half from first application to when I received benefits.Of course, the length of time and degree of difficulty may vary in your state.
Having a supportive group involved is important. Many times during the process, I felt that there was little hope, but my legal aid lawyer was always so positive that I would be successful that I managed to hang in there. She said that my case would be a slam dunk! I say go for it, you can’t be any worse off than you are now. Just be prepared for a long haul.
Joined May 3, 2009
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