SSDI with Osteoporosis

[josephinius1]

Hi. Just wondering if anyone has gotten SSDI with osteoporosis.

I'm 62, will be 63 soon, so not that far from "retirement". I'll never get much Social Security, but if I were to retire "early", I really wouldn't. I'm working as a hairdresser now, that's really my only hirable skill set, but it's been killing me for a long time, and now I may have a clue as to why: fractures in my upper back that may have been caused by the job (had no idea my bones were so bad until 9 months ago,) and even if not, certainly make doing the job more painful. Just bandying about the idea of attempting to get SSDI, not because I don't want to work, but because finding work I can DO at this age might be kind of hard. I'm still doing hair only because that's the only job I can get that's worth doing.

Perhaps obviously, my husband is still working and he has a decent income, but my small income does make a difference and I hate that I'm not only becoming a physical burden, but losing my income would make me (that much more) of a financial burden as well. Disability would at least...match what I'm making now, take some of the pressure off.

I have read that osteoporosis with fractures has qualified as a disability, but I don't look disabled, and I feel like even my doctors are all, "if you walked in here without a walker, you're fine." My primary care physician says get a lawyer, and I'm sure that IS good advice. Talking to someone at the SS office, obviously, would also be smart. Just trying to get a sense of whether it's even worth it to talk to someone, though.

Thx.

[Raleigh59]

SSDI

There are SSDisability advisors that you can go to who I believe are free, for advice

But then they get paid I think through SS DI system not sure.

I know my ACA advisor is paid for her work for me through ACA and I met a lady once at art museum who does similar work for SSDI and she also does Medicare I think. Or maybe my ACA advisor does Medicare too.

The lady who responded after me says there at ss and disability lawyers / I never heard of that .

[josephinius1 in reply to Raleigh59]

Thanks.

[dcdream]

Look for a social security or disability attorney, who specialize in helping folks like you. If you can't perform your job due to osteoporosis or any illness, you should be eligible for DI. Definitely talk to a attorney who does this work and they should be able to assist you and answer your questions. If you qualify, they should also be able to assist you with the process. Talk to an attorney and not others who lack this knowledge.

[josephinius1 in reply to dcdream]

Thank you.

[yogalibrarian]

Osteoporosis is not considered a disability for SSDI. It's a silent disease; many people with osteoporosis have not been diagnosed.

Fracture and its long-term consequences might qualify. Many people with fractures have not regained full function as much as 2 years later.

So instead of focusing on the underlying disease, focus on the measurable disability and its impact on the Activities of Daily living (ADLs).

You probably need assessments of your disability by a healthcare provider and/or a physical or occupational therapist.

An elder care attorney attorney might be able to help. And a consultation with the Social Security Office is probably necessary.

Perhaps a call to you local senior center or area agency on aging could also help.

Good luck

[josephinius1 in reply to yogalibrarian]

Yes, I've read it can be a disability if you fractured and it impacts your ability to work. I've been affected by my bad back for several years now, just now I know why.

[Fancee]

I would just apply for the SSDI benefits and let The Social Security Administration review the request.

If you are denied then perhaps you might want to get an attorney .

An individual does not have to have the appearance of being disabled and for anyone to use this as excuse to deny you any benefit or service would be in violation of ADA.

There are many folks who receive SSDI and are considered disabled but you would never know by looking at them. One of my relatives would be one of them.

Good Luck!

[josephinius1 in reply to Fancee]

Thank you.