Hi everyone. I’m on sick leave from my teaching job I have taught k-5 for 20 years. I fell last year in classroom with 22 students present my admin sent me home for the students safety as well as my own safety. I’m in the process of applying for disability retirement.
I’m wondering how it went for those of you who may be on disability? I believe ms is enough to qualify me. I’d appreciate the possible outcome s so I can start to mentally prepare for any unforeseen obstacles.
Be well 🤗
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Tracy79
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I applied for disability before my diagnoses. My journey started with getting hit on the head at work. I used Binder & Binder cuz they knew their way around the system and got approved.
They did a follow up w me and with the MS diagnoses - i am set
I wouldn't count on it. I have been lucky enough to work so far but it's time. People on this forum and some of my doctors are saying it's a long process even if you have been working your entire life and contributed your entire adult life. So many people who have abused the system which angers me to no end. I think a lawyer and make sure there is a mental element also seems to be the best route. Good Luck!!
@Tracy79 Make sure you put down every embarrassing detail. Things that you don't want to tell anyone. The more you can tell them you can't do the easier and quicker it will go through. I put down things that I was afraid of doing because I was afraid of falling. Things that had happened, everything. Embarrassing things that happened in public that make me not want to go out in public (bladder and bowel issues). It went through on the first try. I was 55 when I applied and someone told me that was the golden age were they don't question as much. Make sure you have all your medical records. I didn't use a lawyer but it went right through. I hear some have had a real tough time. Don't give up.
Tracy79 I was very fortunate and got approved for Social Security and private disability insurance the first time I applied. I agree that having all of the ways MS has impacted your life and work, in particular, will be very helpful.
I was 61 when I applied which I believe helped. I wish you all the best for a quick and easy path to a positive outcome!
Tracy79 Hi Tracy, I was blessed enough to have a company (Alsup) that was part of my insurance package through work. If it wasn't for them, I never would have been awarded SSDI! They made it so easy and I was approved 1st time around. So my advice is, if you don't have access to a company like that through work use someone like Alsup or if someone else used on and had great results on here. Hire them! They only take some of the back pay owed. I was blessed my fees were paid for by my company! Anyway, it will be the best money you could spend. The questionnaires are so hard and confusing its not funny. If you have questions. Please feel free to ask me personally or anyone else.
Tracy79, I was approved the first time, but this was 15 years ago and I understand it is more difficult today. I do remember that the instructions said this application should take a only few hours. WRONG! It took me several weeks to do a thorough job, so take your time. Also, be sure to list any accommodations you asked for. I went from 40 hours to 32 and then from a standing job to clerical before I finally thru in the towel.
Hello Tracy, going through work disability for me was a trip (DC Govt). They make you want to cuss somebody out. I finally got total disability after going through something’s and SSI after jumping through some hoops. Just be patient and make sure you document everything and every doctor visit no matter who it is.
Like everyone has mentioned, records, records and records up front with a Great referral from Doctor ( permanent disabled) was a key. 👍 Mine went thru first time👍 Good luck and my prayers are with you 🙏🙏🐾🐩🐕😉 Ken
I advise getting a copy of your policy. This will help if you are applying on your own, or if you get an attorney involved. It will also let you know how much and for how long they will pay you. I applied on my own and got it.
Tracy79 I gave up my teaching job in Nov. 2016. Actually, I was pretty much forced out after running out of everything. I applied for disability retirement in December 2016. It was approved in Jan. 2017. It's different than regular disability. It’s part of your retirement. I had 3 doctors fill out the paperwork. They sent in MRIs, results of 2 lumbar punctures, etc. etc. I’d recommend you do the same thing. If I would have had to appeal the decision, I honestly don’t know how I would have. We inundated them from the get go. It probably helped that my docs didn’t want me working anymore too. Good luck to you!
Ya my doc didnt wanted me working even before my dx. He said i was a hazard to myself and others cuz of my balance issues. I was covered from head to toe in bruises
My mom had no problem with social security disability but the private long term policy was awful to her. She did receive it until 65 but they fought the entire time (she applied at 61 or 62). She has rheumatoid and was severely disabled by the time she retired and applied for disability (SSDI was approved in a matter of weeks/months, very fast).
I was just approved for SSDI on the first try with no lawyer, which I wasn’t expecting. I filled out their questionnaire with lots of details, authorized them to access my medical records electronically, and they did the rest. I also have a serious connective tissue disease, so that plus PPMS evidently convinced them I couldn’t work. My monthly benefit is not a lot, but they gave me backpay and retroactive payments in a lump sum, which helps. They also automatically enrolled me in Medicare, which I wasn’t prepared for, I guess I qualified because the determined date of disability onset was more than 2 years ago, so the Medicare waiting period for enrollment was already up. I already have good insurance through the marketplace, so need to figure this out. I was only approved 4 days ago, so still new to this.
I have applied 4× and am still being denied but I hope it goes better for you. They constantly tell me well your husband is still working so we don't feel you need help.
Hi Tracy, like others, I was approved quickly on my own with the first attempt. As I recall, it's helpful to have a doctor in agreement with good records. michael
Tracy, I received my disability 3 weeks after I filed for it.
This is what I did
I had a letter from my MS Dr. I gathered all test results, blood, MRI reports, hospital stays minutes etc. Anything and everything possible. Related and unrelated to my MS.
I made an appt at the SS office. I went to my appt with my daughter to listen. Filed and provided the case worker 162 pgs if information.
I had been on short term into long term disability with my employer. So through that process I had accumulated the biggest majority of paperwork.
I do know with family and friends of friends in Louisiana they require a letter from your all your Doctors. If they do not have that information they will request it from the doctors. That can cause issues. The Dr office receives the letter (at the SS time) and form and it goes to the bottom of the stack. Most Drs these days require you to pay a fee to have them filled out and returned. A letter from your Drs usually will be enough.
Just go completely compared. Any ammunition is best.
Tracy79 Make sure you put EVERYTHING down when you apply, no matter how embarrassing or how little you thing it is...even if it feels like you are repeating yourself...put it down. I applied in 2008 on my own, no lawyer and was awarded my first try. I attempted to get a lawyer like my mom suggested and they told me I had to do it myself the first and possibly the 2nd time on my own without one. Be as detailed as you can. I got a copy of my medical records from my doctor so I could go through them to put info in to my application. It took my awhile to complete the application but I did it and I won!
@Tracy79 Also I had my husband read over everything I had put down and he was able to remind me of things I hadn't thought about. I also paid to get copies of all my medical records from every doctor before I filled out the paper work. It only cost me about 10.00. That way I could make sure every detail matched. It will take some time to fill out the paperwork. It took me several weeks because some the questions it took me time to think of how to answer. Take your time and don't rush. Think it over and review it several times before you file it. I sent it in the end of Dec and I was approved and had my back pay all the way back to when I was diagnosed by the first of Mar. I was shocked that it was that quick.
My first application was denied. I got an attorney and appealed last June and am STILL awaiting a determination! I'm in VA. I think some states can be more difficult than others. Praying I get approved this time and don't have to go to court for a hearing. I hope your experience goes more smoothly.
Unfortunately, the disability process takes far too long with those of us that have ambulatory MS (ie; not confined to wheelchair). Document every lil detail and find a docter that will attest to what you share with them as being truth. If nothing else, It also helps to reach out to an attorney (ms society may be a good referral for that) all the best to you and the outcome!!
I taught for 23 years (high school). I had to stop in 2016 - it was getting to be too much and the MS is effecting me cognitively now. Plus the pain and exhaustion is ridiculous and my symptoms (especially getting words out) are getting worse. I officially applied with a disability lawyer (I live in Florida) in June, 2016. I am still waiting for a hearing. So, this June will be 2 years. It is NOT that easy anymore! Expect to wait a while and wait for a hearing! It all depends on your age, and where you live too! Oh! Your EDUCATION matters too! I am currently 48 and I have my Masters. If you are younger than 50 and the more education you have, the harder it is - even with MS. The Union was of NO help to me (but I live in a "right to work state" and in my district, they are of no help). Be prepared to be denied the first 2 times (they didn't even look at any of my MS stuff - even when the lawyer resent my MS MRI's and other MS related info - when you receive your denial, they list what records they looked at and for me, they got records from PRE-MS). You see, at the early stages, they can pick and choose what records to look at - that is what they did for me! Again, they choose to NOT look at any of my MS evidence!
If I could go back in time, there are some things that I would do differently - like NOT start out with a disability lawyer from the "get-go" - but get one after the first 2 denials (long story, but I will try to shorten it). Without a lawyer from the beginning, most LIKELY you will have a third chance to have ALL of your records looked at prior to a hearing and therefore, if you have enough evidence, you can be approved prior to a hearing (so you do not have to wait so long!). I know this b/c I accidentally received 2 very different letters. The first letter that I received after the 2 initial denials was after I decided to go to the hearing and then went onto the the "adjudication" process. The first letter was an "accidental" letter and it was "accidental" b/c the the people at the adjudication place thought that I did NOT have a lawyer (but I did). That letter did mention about having my ALL of my records looked at prior to a hearing and if I had enough evidence by just looking at my records, then I could be approved much quicker prior to a hearing. I know of 2 people with MS who were actually approved that way and did NOT start out with a lawyer (I also received information as to how to get legal help). Then 1 week later I received the actual letter that I guess people who have lawyers get and NOTHING was mentioned about the possibility of having ALL of my records looked at. So, I feel that I am at a disadvantage b/c I DID (and DO) have a lawyer from the beginning and therefore, I do have have that same option as others who did not have a lawyer from the beginning (but who can get one "now" at this point of the process - now they can have a lawyer and still have their records looked at and I can't - I have to wait for a hearing). I kind of feel that government and disability lawyers have an "understanding" - the longer it takes for me to wait, the more money the lawyer gets. If I was accepted immediately (and I think if I was accepted within the first 5 months of applying), then the lawyer does not get paid. Then from month 6 (I think ot is from month 6) and beyond, the lawyer will get paid per month (and I will receive back pay - that's great for me - but I really could use the money now).
I am so upset and feel so let down. I was told by my lawyer to depend on my family and friends for help. It really sucks b/c this LONG process can make you feel really depressed (I was never depressed in my life until this!!!) and I have never asked for financial help from my parents in my life until now and it makes me feel very worthless and loser"ish" - plus I really miss teaching. Anyway...I am hoping for a hearing soon and I am hoping that I will not be denied. I get so upset when I see other people getting disability for "stupid" stuff and I am still waiting for a hearing.
I am "lucky" that my parents are helping me (although it does not feel good at all) b/c without them, I would be homeless right now. I do receive a partial pension (I couldn't make it to 30 years) but more than half of it goes to health bills since I have to buy my own health insurance and pay for out of pocket expenses (and I am not eligible for medicaid b/c I do receive a pension).
There needs to be a better way - but our gov't is too busy making sure that THEY reap the benefits (they are supposed to work for US - but we are actually working for them and they are getting the great health care while for many of us, our health care keeps getting worse).
I hope that things work out better for you. Since I have gone through the initial process pretty "recently" (and still going through it) and we are in same field for about the same amount of years, feel free to e-mail me (hailfried@bellsouth.net)! Good luck!
@Hailfried thank you for your help! I’m going through the process on my own right now. I am 56 years old, taught in Denver for 20 years. My neurologist didn’t leave me with a good feeling when I saw him on Monday. It may have been because I asked him to call the disability insurance company and share the information from the most recent visit. He said that the company would have to contact him. I’m trying to remain patient and positive. I’m starting to think this is going to be a longer process. And don’t get me started on how depressed I already feel about the ms right now. Again, thank you 😊
I am so sorry for this. One should NOT be thrown into this chaos.
I was dx’d 4/07/05, but pulled out of work in 12/04 “cause I drove too much, too much stress”. As a PI- IT WAS FUN, exciting- I miss it still... I applied for Disability about the same time as dx and approved on 1st appeal in 1/06 (most people get denied for first application). I DID NOT USE LAWYER, but opinions vary there as well as other things we endure. Just pay attention to what you get for paperwork, read up. My wife and I have 3 kids and THEY received part of my benefit until they “aged out” and after they did so SSA was coming after us for “overpayment” (I heard around 9k then 12k (which is the correct one??)—- they claim my kids “aged out at 16” not 18.
ALSO know your choices for supplemental policies... none of this was discussed with me and now I understand it’s too late. GO IN WITH EYES, EARS OPEN- but RELAXED!! I feel there needs to be better coaching/ counseling for this. Not scary, just tedious.
Good news this week 🤗. My disability retirement claim was approved on Monday. Thank you all for your replies and support. The stress relief will now let me focus on my ms body and mind. I’ve come to love you all 💜
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