disability

cinder
cinder Member Posts: 50
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
My breast cancer has returned after remission for almost 10 years. I have now applied for disability and I have been turned down because I was in remission they said I could have been working, I was not disabled. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to go and what to do next?
Thanks,
Cinder

Comments

  • jeancmici
    jeancmici Member Posts: 665 Member
    #2
    From what I know of Social Security coverage etc. or any other disability insurance, you are usually employed when you apply for the status of not being able to do your job or any job.
    The fact that you did not work during the previous ten years has a lot of bearing on this decision - why you did not work etc.

    For example people do not just go from homemaker to disability status.

    You could consult a lawyer specializing in disability benefits.
    Hope this helps somewhat.
    Jean
  • ryley
    ryley Member Posts: 55
    #3
    It's true, you usually have to be in a working status to apply for disability (SSI), but you can also apply because you won't be able to work in the future. I work for a social agency and I know of refugees who have never worked in the US, don't know the language, so are eventually approved for SSI because they won't be able to work in the future. Unfortunately, it usually takes a few applications and probably a few years before you are approved. You should keep re-applying. Also, depending on the state you live in, there is a social service agency that can help you through the application process.

    Good luck,
    Ryley
  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #4
    There are two types of disability: workers disability and Social Security disability. In New York State, municipal employers are exempt from paying workers disability insurance on their employees, so I am totally out of luck there. However, there is also Social Security Disability. There are lawyers with a specialty practice in social security issues, and it would be worth looking into that. The municipal workers union to which I belong even has a special office to handle social security disability applications. I put it into the same peace of mind category that keeps me going back to a Certified Public Accountant to have income tax forms completed properly each year. I just feel that government officials are more likely to process an application completed on your behalf by a professional. Hope that helps a little. Love, Denise
  • Snookums
    Snookums Member Posts: 148
    #5
    DeeNY711 said:

    There are two types of disability: workers disability and Social Security disability. In New York State, municipal employers are exempt from paying workers disability insurance on their employees, so I am totally out of luck there. However, there is also Social Security Disability. There are lawyers with a specialty practice in social security issues, and it would be worth looking into that. The municipal workers union to which I belong even has a special office to handle social security disability applications. I put it into the same peace of mind category that keeps me going back to a Certified Public Accountant to have income tax forms completed properly each year. I just feel that government officials are more likely to process an application completed on your behalf by a professional. Hope that helps a little. Love, Denise

    Yep, I have a close friend that was AMAZINGLY lucky to get disability on her first ap. It is one of those things you just have to go after again and eventually you will win. You can fight this heck, you fought breast cancer and beat it back so, this will be easy!
  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #6
    Check your email cinder I sent you a note. You can access your email here from start page. Hope it helps. hummingbyrd
  • jake10
    jake10 Member Posts: 202
    #7
    It is not uncommon for people to have to apply 2-3-4 times before they get SSI. Good Luck, stick with it. Beth
  • mc2001
    mc2001 Member Posts: 343
    #8
    cinder,
    It is common to get denied the first, second, and even third time. Keep fighting, ask you doctors to write letters, and get copies for yourself. Keep calling the Dr office until you know the letter has been sent to disability from the dr office. And keep calling back to disability office. DOnt wait for them to call back. Keep on them. Good luck!
    -mc

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