Best way to get disability

[Gcann61]

I am 57 years old and have worked 44 years of my life. I recently had a 2nd MS attack and have not recovered with stroke like symptoms on right leg an me writing hand for about almost 2 years. I fall down occasionally and am at point for more use of wheelchair. I feel my mind not as sharp and know all these symptoms are effecting my job. I have had lots of MRI, medications, physical therapy and all are not helping me last through each day. I hate to quite my job , but I know I would be better off , less stress and sitting behind a desk.

What is the best way to take steps for disability? Is is costly using a lawyer of fo you have to do it on your own, or is there a resource to turn to to help a person through this?

I very much appreciate suggestions from people who have gone through this process

Sincerely thank you

[greaterexp]

I hope others who have faced this will chime in. It sounds like you clearly have cause to apply for disability. I think many people here have gotten a lawyer to help the process along a bit. I wish you the best for quick approval.

[Gcann61 in reply to greaterexp]

Thank for reply, it always helpful from someone who understands this. Thanks again

[Timeflies5]

Sorry to hear of your recent attack Gcann61. I think I had one too and will be seeing my neurologist tomorrow morning. I started my disability insurance process by going on ssa.gov website. Personally, I did not need a lawyer. It took about five months to see compensation tho...but I’m thankful nonetheless. Hope this helps. Prayers your way 🦋🌸

[Gcann61 in reply to Timeflies5]

Thanks, I do understand it takes time and thanks for the prayers

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Hi Gcann61 Welcome to the Community! Although I really wish it was for a different reason.🌞

The best advice I can give you is STAY STRONG! And call mymsaa.org Toll-Free Helpline: [phone] ext 154

Since the disability for MS has changed, they would be able to help you the best! They open at 9am est!

Let us know ok? 🤗💕

J🌌

[Gcann61 in reply to Jesmcd2]

Thanks, I will definitely call them , I appreciate the advice , take care yourself 😊

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Gcann61]

Hey it's what we are here for!☺️ We get it! We don't always like it but we get it!🌞 Jump in anywhere! 🤗💕

J🌌

[Kenu]

Sounds like you have lots of history of medical procedures that have been done ✅. What I did was got letters and records from all of my doctors and procedures together and letters from them stated I have permanent disability and unable to work AGAIN. While doing this I filled out all of the forms for SSDI. I submitted everything at once and waited for reply. Five weeks later I got approval from SSDI and had to wait the five months till it kicked in🤬. You have like I did two things, MS and Stroke....I know lawyers take 25-30 percent 🤬. And you need one that specializes in disability. My opinion is to take the time and do the legwork and submit it yourself and if turned down then get attorney. Good luck 👍🍀. Ken 🐾🐾

[Gcann61 in reply to Kenu]

Thank you for advice,did I you still work while going through process? That’s my situation as I struggle everyday ay work and it getting harder to coop with 🤨

[Kenu in reply to Gcann61]

No, if you still work it shows you are not disabled ! It’s tough waiting for five months till it kicks in but you can’t be working. I had short term disability for 90 days and then long term after that. I had been paying for this thru my work. You have to be unable to work, period ....Ken 🐾🐾

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

Gcann61 Applying for disability is a daunting task. When I was applying for disability, a friend, who was recently approved for disability, gave me a link to a document that helped me which is:

ssa.gov/disability/professi...

Make sure that this document is up to date. I used it to file for disability in 2014.

You can go and get legal assistance from one who specializes in disability. I did it on my own, was not approved that first time and I didn't use the document above. I did use it on my second attempt and I was approved. One thing to note, get all your documents ready ~ doctors notes, medications, etc because you have a limited amount of time to fill in and submit your application.

Keep Smiling,

Carole

[Kenu]

Be sure to include what you can’t do like walking any distance, sitting to long, getting up by yourself, falling down, fatigue, eye strain, blurriness, lack of use of hand, leg, etc. Main thing is documention from doctors. Ken 🐾🐾

[Gcann61 in reply to Kenu]

Thanks for advice

[Mssailor]

I did it on my own with a guide from NMSS. I don't know if that still applies since it was 12 years ago. one thing I think helped is my journal where I documented my symptoms so I could show evidence and explain what was happening. If you decide to get help there was a company, Allsup that I eww as referred to by my insurance company

[rjoneslaw]

I have dm u with the name of the atty that work with the MS society and does disability

[Gcann61 in reply to rjoneslaw]

Do attorney take a lot of fees?

[Kenu in reply to Gcann61]

25-30 percent. Ken

[rjoneslaw in reply to Gcann61]

SS has a statute that has set the amount that atty can change on those cases.