AARP Member
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Background
Name: Willie
Birthday: November 8
Gender: Female
Status:
Divorced
Ethnicity:
Caucasian
Religion:
Christian/Catholic
Location:
New York
United States
New York
United States
School:
Graduated with a BS in Psychology/Sociology -SUNY Empire College
Graduated with a BS in Psychology/Sociology -SUNY Empire College
Work:
Retired from the State University of New York
Retired from the State University of New York
Hometown(s):
Binghamton, NY
Binghamton, NY
Quote:
Learn from the Past, stay in the Present, look toward the Future
Learn from the Past, stay in the Present, look toward the Future
Just another pic of meSocial Security Disability
How many of you have seen the commercials on television--attorneys advertising their services, assuring people that they can help them apply for and receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits? Well, I am here to tell you that the only cases they will take are the ones they are sure they can win. Why? Because that is the only way they can get paid. There is a cap on what they can receive from your benefit, but that is the way it is.
Social Security is archaic, understaffed and underfunded. The waiting time for those who apply (after they have been denied the first time) is, last I knew, almost two years. What is one, a bonafide American citizen, who, through no fault of their own has become disabled in some fashion--unable to work, supposed to do in the interim for their cost of living?
I was lucky. I was able to gain the services of my NYS US Senator, Hilary Clinton. Within about two months of writing to her, my appeal for benefits was approved. I might hope that this could be an issue that AARP may be able to address.
dvux2 says:
Looks like I have one for the record.
I filed for Social Security 9 years ago in Georgia. I have an attorney. I waited 2 years for the first hearing. I was turned down at my last hearing because the Judge said I could not have made the wages I said I made. I had the same income that Social Security said I made. Social Security sent it back for a rehearing with the Judge because they and I had the same amount listed. The Judge was wrong. I have now been waiting 3 years for another hearing date. I have no insurance and need spine surgery and live in terrible pain. I cannot find a neurologist or neurosurgeon that will even see me. I go to a free clinic to see a regular MD. If any of you have a suggestions on what I can do please let me know, I don't know what else to do or where to turn.
Thanks Carole
Posted: January 5, 2009 9:16AM EST
rgar5052 says:
I hired a lawyer and he told me that they only take cases that they can win,so they get paid. The next step is to contact your Congressman's local office so that they can track your case. Do this before you have your hearing. I only learned this after I had my first hearing. Nobody tells you who to contact in order to get help with disability especially if you are under the age of 50 when you first apply. North Carolina has a two year waiting list for hearings. I was turned down at my first hearing which was a video hearing with a judge in Calf. I didn't want to turn it down because of the wait. The next step is an appeals comm. which approved my disability so that made it easier to get my back pay it only took a total of 4 years to get that part accomplished.
Posted: January 3, 2009 7:18PM EST
Lindy11 says:
In Georgia, the backlog of SSD hearing cases is the longest in the nation. It has taken over 4 years for me. A recent letter informed me that my case will be heard in April. I have not been able to work a real job since 2004. Surviving until a hearing date is very tough, especially financially.
The problem is on the beginning stages, of applying for SSD. Most cases are denied. Then the Appeal, which again most are denied. Then the Hearing before a judge. It is apparent, that revamping the beginning stage by changing the rules of denial, would make a world of difference to those who are disabled, unable to work and struggling to survive for 4 years.....
Obama does have SSD on his list of things to change. www.change.gov
Posted: January 3, 2009 1:57PM EST
Punksmom says:
You are correct when you said the SSDI Lawyers only take on cases they know they can win. I applied for SSDI in Nov '07 was turned down. In between that time I turned the magical age of 50 which is concidered an age that is hard to become employeed again. After receiving my first denial I hired an attorney. I did win my case exactly one year to the date of applying, and never having to go before the judge. The lawyer did very little, yet in the same respect he was able to give me information for assistance inbetween time that I did not know about. So it is a double edge sword for paying the attorney fees after you have won the case. I was fortunate enough to have a 401K, STD and LTD pay coming in through the company I worked for. Without that I would have become homeless. I have wiped out my entire 401K in that year and now live paycheck to paycheck on SSDI. I still do not make enough to cover my very basic living expenses. I sold my house, moved into a one bedroom apt. Sold my SUV with a hitch and lift on it for my wheelchair for a cheaper car that does not hold the hitch and lift. I have cut my living cost to the bone and still rely on my credit cards to pay for my scripts and doctor bills. Thankfully I still have COBRA for another year since there is a 2 year wait to receive Medicare which is totally rediculous. How does the government expect people to live with no health care. That's why I'm on SSDI to begin with is due to poor health. Otherwise I would still be working at my coushy job enjoying life as I once knew it. I do feel greatful that I was approved, but I am amazed at how difficult it is to live on it. And I was lucky enough to have a years savings to back me up. Something has to be done about health care. At 50 yrs old I am already cancelling doctor apts and deciding on food or meds because of the cost. I have 7 different specialist I see on a regular monthly basis. All co-pays are $50 each, so you can see why I pick and choice who I see that month
Posted: January 1, 2009 6:59AM EST
nananancy says:
Willie, the same sort of thing happened during the Reagan administration. The conservative Rethuglicans actively worked to destroy the system. Staffing was cut, case loads climbed and virtually all disability claims were denied.
Hopefully, when Obama comes in things will turn around.
Posted: December 29, 2008 3:14AM EST
as74656 says:
I also wish AARP would address issues for people on SSDI. I've belonged to AARP since I turned 50 and now that I need help, AARP addresses nothing that deals with SSDI. I have no health insurance and AARP offers nothing affordable and for me that's the most important issue. My thinking was to get back to work, but after 2 years of no treatment for my disability, I can't even imagine what the road back will entail.
Fortunately I too received the help of my congressman which gave me some hope in our political system
Posted: December 28, 2008 1:42PM EST
Angel7187 says:
Willie, I applied for social security and the clerk said I could only receive it under my
deceased husband's social security. I was denied too, but as you say I had a lawyer and
he pushed them. I now receive social security disability under my husband's social
security, I wanted to change it to my own, but for the xtra $100 dollars it was not
worth the hassle. I wish the best for all who have tried and I just suggest keep bugging
them it is all retroactive when you are approved
Posted: December 24, 2008 7:06PM EST
barbarae says:
I have a question for someone that has this experience or some knowledge with social security. I'm 62. I was married for 32 years and my wife passed away. I don't get social security benefits and have been denied twice because at age 58 1/2 I got remarried. They said you can't get social security if you marry before 60. Do you have any resources for me?
Posted: July 1, 2008 5:03PM EDT
LaVErne321 says:
Willie, There was a Congressional hearing about this- And, you can send questions here, too:
http://www.aarpmagazine.org/money/Articles/a2004-05-12-sourceseeker-money.html
Posted: July 1, 2008 12:18PM EDT
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