Filing for disability

[Angelchef80]

I am a chef, that has been my career for over 20 years. I am at the point that I can not work in a kitchen anymore, my body beacause of the MS can not handle this anymore. I was thinking of applying for disability but do not know how to go about it. There are tons of questions that I have. Who can I talk to for help? My biggest fear is not having insurance, definitely can't afford treatment without it.

[rjoneslaw]

You can start by contacting the MSAA they can answer your questions and there is an atty name Jamie Hall that answer questions for the MSAA disability You can get his number from them

Also awhile back he did a webinar on disability you can find it on the can do website.

Hope this helps get you started.

One more thing I would tell you to get a lawyer for this process you maybe denied the 1st time but do appeal. I was told people sometimes wont appeal and that's what they're hoping on

[Angelchef80 in reply to rjoneslaw]

Thanks!

[goatgal in reply to Angelchef80]

In a MS session on disability, I also learned that a lawyer is highly recommended because the disability position is to deny rather than approve. This is because once someone is approved, the funds begin to be spent...and the more people approved, the more this costs the government. So get a lawyer because the disability process is focused on saving tax dollars and not on helping those who need it. And denied once makes it more difficult the second time through.

[Kenu]

Do you have a neurologist that specializes in MS? Documentation is everything. Mine went right thru first go with no attorney 👍. If you want to talk send me private message KENU prayers are with you 🙏👍🐾🐾 Ken

[Angelchef80 in reply to Kenu]

I have a dr at ms clinic at vanderbilt. The nurse that I spoke with made an appointment happen next week, I will be talking to him about it then. Thanks for the response!

[Juliew19673]

I recently quit my job (in CA) and have filed for state disability and hired a law firm to file for SSDI, will let you all know how it goes. For you I would go for state first (easier) and as I've heard from others say for SSI, get an attorney to help. Wish you luck with both!

[JTZES]

The best place to start is on the Social security web site and start the process there.

The website is easy to navigate. Have all your doctors contact information together. They will want a full medical history and you will need to provide that information. Also have the contact information for any hospital medical records they will need .

S.S will assign a case worker that will be making contact with you. Most states try to complete the process within 9 months but depending on the response of your health care providers it could take much longer. If you get a denial then get a lawyer. They will back pay from your initial filing on the website.

Re insurance depending on your current age you upon your approval you would be assigned to Medicare or Medicaid. No luck on coverage while your going through the process.

[pamgarner]

you can also call social security directly with question.you can go to web site to get phone # or in your phone book under government offices.I was approved 1st time and did not need attorney.they will ask you for certain documents,make sure you dot your I's and cross your T's,they are very picky.best of luck.I was approved 16 days after I filed,i know wow, right?

[jkdavid99]

I have been denied twice have had MS for 16 years. Havent worked since may 2018. Had a great job so have long term disability. They assisgned me with an advocate to help me through this. I asked for a hearing in front of a judge. That will be August 2020. Ridiculous thank god for long term disability. I know people that have got ss and lied, they are fine. This makes me so mad 😠

Good luck

[kycmary]

1st time I applied I was turned down & the state decided I should be trained for another type of work. They did not train me for any thing just helped me get a job @ Answers In Genesis. I worked there for 7 years had an exacerbation that put me in a nursing home for 2 months relearning how to function. But I couldn't go back to work the neuro I was seeing at that time had his nurses fill out the paper work for my disability It went thru slick as ice. For that I will always be grateful for. My prayers are with you.