Managing the SSDI Maze

Just as it is difficult for our friends, neighbors and co-workers to understand and truly see what we are suffering from, it's even harder for government workers who don't know us at all. These folks deny claims because they say that they just can't see or understand M.S. symptoms - many don't feel that M.S. is a disabling disease. This article: "Loosening the S.S.D.I. Knots" summarizes the National M.S. Society's many recent efforts to revise and expedite approval guidelines and to educate SSA field offices on how to better recognize hidden disabilities. Anyone who is in the process of or contemplating an application for permanent disability status will find the article quite educational and useful. Actually, anyone who has a loved one with this disease should read the article to fully understand the trials and tribulations of not only M.S. but also the government mess surrounding the disease.

Apparently our Federal Government has a lot to learn about Multiple Sclerosis. The Accelerated Cure project is hoping their grassroots efforts will change SSDI application procedures. The group is also lobbying Congress to support temporary, as-needed benefits for M.S. patients. So many M.S. sufferers don't want to give up their jobs; they don't have a choice though. But when the tide of M.S. symptoms ebbs many patients would love nothing more than to return to work. They often don't though because the process of reapplying for benefits later is a total nightmare.

The S.S.A. Disability Chronic Illness Insurance Amendment is close to being proposed to Congress. We need 10,000 petition signatures to present this Amendment to our government decision-makers. The Amendment will provide for temporary, as-needed benefits for the chronically ill (not just M.S. patients, but all patients with chronic illness). I'm discussing the petition here today to garner your support and your signatures. It takes less than a minute to join the cause with your electronic signature. If you're one of those folks worried about your tax dollars going to support other individuals who aren't able to hold down steady jobs, read about the taxpayer savings that could occur if this Amendment is activated into law. It turns my stomach to think that someday I may need SSDI benefits and despite my decades in the workforce that others will judge my right to financial support from my government, deeming me unworthy because my symptoms aren't visible to the naked eye.

When I was first educating myself about SSDI and long term disability insurance (and sitting at my computer open-mouthed and in disbelief), I came across one particular series of blog articles that best summarized the process in a way for my brain damaged-self to understand. I share it with you today in the hopes that it will help you better understand the process of applying (if you have M.S.) and better understand how to support your friend or loved one (if you are a caregiver).