A Beginner's Guide to RA: Social Security

I recently tried to apply for SSD, only to find that my previous employer didn't turn in 4 years worth of my ss. I didn't keep all of my tax return forms or pay stubs  ( this was from 1983-1983) since my file box was full. The IRS doesnt even have that far back on  microfilm. How do I prove I worked all those years???? and what pay basis would they even go on if I could prove it????? KEEP RECORDS OF EVERYTHING is the best advice!!! I didn't and am screwed!!!

Great post and very timely for me. I did research the Disability Secrets site, some good info there as well. I watched my wife fight the system for 3 years. It is a difficult struggle, and needs to be started as soon as you know you can no longer function at your job.

Brad

I know how it is to live with RA. I'm 38 and have lived with RA for about 12 years. It has been about 3 years when the doctor came back and told me that I would not be able to work any more. I just didn't know what to do at first. I just really wanted to go live in a cave some where and die. But then I called and applied for SSD it took about 6 months for me to hear something back. I now attend college because I need to find a job that i can do. this has really help me so much. Since I didn't give up I feel whole lot better. My doctor even told me that he is so suprise at how My RA is doning that since I keep my self active with school it helps my RA. So what I'm trying to say is don't give up if u can go back to school and learn something new it does not matter how old you are just try it and you will feel a part of something all over again.

Great article Lene, thank you for opening this discussion.  We can all learn from each other.  In my own immediate family my mother has been on SSI for years due to fibromyalgia and my brother has been on it for many years as the result of injuries incurred during a logging accident.  In addition, as a pharmacist with many patients who have gone through the process I can tell you that denial of your claim the first and second time should be expected.  It is almost always the third try that gets approval.  This was the case for my family members too.  So as Lene says, get started as early as possible, know that you will be turned down at least on the first attempt and prepare yourself mentally for that. 

I will probably be applying soon myself.  I have RA and fibromyalgia.  I am still in my first year and my understanding is you have to have been disabled for at least one year.  I'm not there yet but can certainly start the paperwork and research.  I have also been to the Disability Secrets web site and found it very helpful.  I will try it without an attorney.

I applied for SSD in Mid-January 2009. Mid-March 2009 I was approved. I know that this is not the norm, but they acted very quickly with my case. I was told that, since it was a disease on the "approved list" that it sped up the process. I think it also didn't hurt that I've had this disease for 28 years and had most of my records and doctors info for that whole time.

I too felt like I was giving up on myself, but my husband helped me out of that way of thinking.

Don't give up, one of the reasons it's so hard is that there are quite a few people abusing the system, so the system takes it's time.....

Lene,

This is excellent information. When I applied for SSD I was fortunate in that I had documented my illness, my doctor appointments and any meds I had taken. I was shocked by the amount of paperwork but got it finished and sent it in. I feel it was easier for me because of my documentation. That and I have an excellent rheumatologist. My sister insisted I apply for SSD since I was not able to go back to work teaching. Standing most of the day and the stress of teaching was not condusive to recovery. In the past five years SSD has been a lifesaver for my meds and doctor expenses when my husband lost his job. Having a painful disease and not having insurance is not a good combination. So I agree, fill out the paper work, get any info you need collected and keep a journal of everything about your illness. That makes the process easier .

Thank you so much for posting this.  This post made me feel so much better.  I'm 21 and I've worked a few jobs here and there but nothing I could ever stick with because of my undiagnosed RA for years.  Now I'm at a point with deformity in my hands and pain to where I can't work anymore.  It's so harddddd to explain to people why I'm 21 and can't work.  I try to look on the bright side that I'm having an early retirement haha, but apart of me still yearns for that independence.  I hope maybe with more medicine and surgery later in my life I can go back to work.  Thanks for this post, you made my day so much better.

Boy, THANKS!!! so much. I just recently lost my job and am contemplating SSD. It all overwhelms me. Julie Robbins.

I applied in June 2008 and received my first check November 2008.  I did all the filing myself and strongly feel that people should try this first before hiring a lawyer to help you.  Going to websites that give you inside info or tips helps.  I feel that I received the benefits the first time I applied was because I really focused on how much need I had now from other with my daily self help needs.  ie dressing, driving,shaving your legs, cooking etc. 

I think that something that should be addressed is the unbelievable stupid bureaucratic ruling that says that you must be deemed disabled for two years before you qualify for medicare benefits.  This is killing me financially right now.  We are all aware of the costs for our treatments and medications.  I was self employed and no longer have health insurance and no company wants to insure me.  Any and all the money that I did have in reserves is being sucked out of my savings acct. at a rapid rate to pay for services and medications until I qualify for medicare in June 2010 I have no choice but to self pay.  It is taking me down a terrible financial path quickly.  I don't understand how they can find you totally disabled with your first application to them and then not back it with health benefits??????  Am I missing something somewhere?  Are others in the same boat?  I have to believe others are.  This is making life so stressful for me and I am afraid I will loose everything I have due to my decreased income and now needing to self pay for services.  I feel this is shameful that our government lets this happen.  I would rather have the health benefits than the small check that I receive monthly.  I am sure I would be in better financial shape if I got medical help and no monthly check.  Of course the best case scenerio would be if you are deemed disabled you automatically qualify for medicare without the two year waiting period.  If I am missing something someone please tell me what I need to do to get medicare NOW.

Thanks to all