what are the odds of getting social security disability with ra

06/11/08

janchow

Topics:social security disability and income

10 years with dx of ra.

my rheumy at ucla says i qualify. I own a small company. willl this income disqualify me?

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Answers (2)

Thursday, June 12, 2008

BretN

RA is a listed disability with Social Security, and therefore makes it easier to prove your case. I qualified for Social Security with RA and was approved rather quickly (4 months). You have to be unemployed or on disibility and wait 90 days from the date of diagnosis to apply. Once approved there is a 6 month wait (from date of application) before benefits begin. Then you can earn up to $900/mo additional and still receive Social Security benefits. If your RA goes into remission and you feel well enough to go back to work full time, you can freeze your benefits for up to 3 years and re-activate them (without re-applying and waiting another 6 months) later if your symptoms return. I hope that answers your question.

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re: what are the odds of getting social security disability with ra
Susie
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 05:30 PM

Hi I saw your post and wanted to comment. I was diagnosed with RA in 2000, IBD 2003, Acute gastritis in 2006, and severe Degeneritive Disc Disease 2007. I applied in March 2009 and haven't been denied or approved. They have scheduled an appt. with their Psych doctor next week. Does this sound normal? Any insight would be great. I am really starting to freak out (no money/no work) about being denied.

Thanks

Susie

re: re: what are the odds of getting social security disability with ra
BretN
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 02:49 PM

Hey Susie,

I was asked to see a Social Security assigned doctor shortly before being approved. I was never asked to see a psychologist however. I also had 3 different doctors that had seen me before and after my diagnosis send in medical records to Social Security verifying my condition. Luckily, my employer (and the State of CA) had a short/long-term disability plan which I applied for immediately after I stopped working, so I would stll get some income to survive on while waiting for Social Security to respond.

You need to insure (ask them) that all your doctors have responded to the Social Security inquiries. This will help expedite your case. Good luck and stay positive.

Regards,

Bret

re: re: re: what are the odds of getting social security disability with ra
Susie
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 06:51 PM

Thanks for the message. I spoke to the gal that got approved in 70 days and has had a diagnosis for only 2 years. She said that with the RA that it is an approved disability and that I shouldn't have problems getting through. I had a mental examination from SS today and that went well. I have also spoken to the adjudicators and they said they have everything in order to make their decision with exception of the exam today. They said they should have an answer for me within a couple of weeks from today. I am crossing my fingers and hoping all goes as planned. I have been out of work for 16 mos. and only applied in March. I on the verge on bankruptcy and in the process of losing my home. Something has to give soon. Keep you posted.

Susie

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Jonathan Pletzke

If your doctor thinks that it is worthwhile investigating the option, then you might pursue this. Keep in mind that if you are classified as disabled, you will no longer be eligible for most private insurance products. This means that you will only be eligible for coverage on things included in the Medicare plan, and you'll be on your own for anything above and beyond what they might pay, such as items that might be covered by a private insurer.

Regarding ownership in a small company, you'll need to check with your financial professionals regarding this. In general, disability means that you are unable to be an active participant, which means that passive income, such as that derived through ownership and not work, is treated differently than active income.