We have been waiting and waiting on hearing about my school pension money. We have also applied for the regular state social security disability, but this is the small monthly payment from where I worked as a teacher for 15 years.
I applied under the regular disability option, because it would have given us an extra 100 dollars per month. (600 instead of 500) Well they denied me on the reason that they think I could do sedentary work.
We could appeal that, but we can't afford to. We had to borrow money fast the other day to make a house payment that was behind a few months. So, we are going to just tell them we need to drop that an get the regular retirement pension of 500 dollars per month. That will make our house payment, but not sure what else.
I have been scheduled for medical appointments by the regular social security disability people of the state of Tennessee.
We are both a bit depressed today. I still will thank God for all he has brought us through. We have been getting a food card, and help with our electric bill, and have applied for medical cards to help.
Please keep us in your prayers. It is tough right now, but I have my faith. I feed my 4 dogs. If I eat, they eat.
God Bless all of you.
susanep :)
I'm sorry to hear about all this and things not really going as you've wanted/planned to.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers and hope everything will get better.
Have faith and be strong. :)
Many hugs and love!
Susan, You have every reason to be discouraged. However, knowing you and your hubby you will rise to the occasion and make it through these tough times. I am so glad that you are getting the help that you are. I really get sick of money being such a worry for the world. Basically, we don't need all that much or stuff that fancy. Food, shelter and the love of family and friends. Then with us sjoggies there is the need for medical attention. Glad to hear that the SS people are doing some appts for you. Let them know how bad it is.
Tell them about the walking, the infections, blood sugars, fatigue. All the stuff that plagues you. I will pray that they can get this resolved in your favor. Hopefully, you will get more income and even some help from the state. If you could ever feel well enough you might be able to consider doing some tutoring down the road. Have to really set limits though so that you don't get yourself run down. Rest now and sleep when you can. Irish ;D
Thanks every one. Irish, I agree about the world having to worry so much about money. It shouldn't be that way. I don't care about frills anymore.
susanep :)
It is a luxury not to worry about money. Most of us are one major disaster away from major money worries, trust me.
I was in my 40's before I really grasped the concept of having enough money so that it really couldn't 'go away'.......sort of the Scrooge McDuck kind of money.
Of course, I never cared about money and we couldn't dream of that kind of money.\
But at last I understand the sort of security, the luxury, of having that kind of money and therefore no money worries.
Now that I'm over 65 it's nice at least to know that I can't really lose my medical care!!!!
Or my social security.
Notwithstanding the people who want to take away both, I don't think that will happen in my lifetime.
I hope things improve for you Susan.
Keep us posted.
Kisses
Elaine
Susan~
Let out a really good SCREAM! Now do it AGAIN!!!! Keep going until you're able to LAUGH about it!
Some things we just can't change but we get through them some how!
I will be thinking about you and wishing for a good outcome for you and yours!
Sha
Thanks again everyone. Yes I will scream until I laugh. :D
I just finished watching a movie with my husband based on a true story about the homeless. Very good movie. At the end the main character said, " the next time you see a homeless person, take the time to stop and ask how they are doing, if you can buy them something to drink eat or both, because really you are looking at yourself in the mirror".
susanep :)
Susanep,
I can really relate to your situation and sorry to hear what happened. I had almost the SAME happen to me this year, and it can be so discouraging.
I left work in Feb. and applied for my STD right away, and was approved UNTIL the end of March when my doc wrote that I had slightly improved. (great) At that point my employer sponsored short-term disability was denied. They said I could also still perform the duties of my "sedentary job". I was very ill at the time and we have struggled financially, too. We also couldn't afford a civil suit, which was my only option. Food stamps and help from a family member. My first SSDI check should be here Fri. so thank the Lord!
But, sorry about the rant about myself! I'm glad to hear SS has medical appts. scheduled for you. Yes, tell them ALL; every complaint, ache, problem. My case turned in a positive light quickly after that part.
I will keep you in my prayers. This process can be frustrating and loaded with anxiety. I'm glad to hear you have some help financially right now. I know; it's difficult but think things will improve for you. Remember, we care and are here for ya! ;)
Blessings sent your way,
Melinda
Melinda thank you so much.
God Bless You
susanep :)
Hope and pray you will get some help soon :-*
My prayers are with you!
You are very welcome. ;) My continued prayers are coming your way. Remember to keep fighting for what you deserve.
It will get better!
Blessings,
Melinda
Get on the net and look for stuff you might be able to get,, even if its food stamps,, its there for people like you,, people who have through no fault of there own fell on hard times,, When I more or less quit my job,, I applied for unemployment,, my employer didnt contest it and I was able to get it till SSDI came through,,
Its a shame that people like us have enough to worry about and then get hit with financial stuff,, I have a brother and sister who could care less if they have money,, they just dont care,, and it shows,, she has to hide when rent a center comes knocking,, my brother has no gas or water at his house and they have a baby living there with 3 pit bulls, they get there share of the public dole,, I swear i;m the only one that trys to stay 3 months ahead on the mortgage,, (just in case),, I am not much of a optimist,, but I think for you,, things will get better,, now,, with the holidays coming up,, its going to get a lot more stressfull,, commercials,, commercials,, commercials,, spend spend spend,, dont fal for the trap,, put the tree up,, light some candles,, and just enjoy the holiday,, I gave up long ago trying to find that perfect gift for everyone and paying for it the rest of the year,, all my family wants anyway is for me to get just a little bit better,, we dont hold out hope for a full recovery,, just enough t make life tolerable,,
YES I have a pretty small tree up and lit. I am enjoying the holidays. I am crafting some things for the family also. Happy Holidays Everyone.
susanep :)
Often psychiatrists can quantify and document such conditions as cognitive fog, fatigue, memory issues, and depression. Some people are on disability entirely based upon disabling depression. For myself fatigue alone makes it difficult to focus for more than a few hours without going to bed. Having someone document this could help prove your case.
I also put up a small tree with lights. I took me two days and my husband's help, but we got it done! ;) We are enjoying the simple things, and trying to feel blessed for what we do have and what I am able to accomplish.
I've never been a big holiday spender, but even more in the last few years, the simple things have definately become the most important. We have lost family members, finances and health, but we are still here and fighting. Yes, I get down and bummed out sometimes with what I can't do but I try my best to remember that I really do have a lot to be thankful for: a loving husband, good family, and a few good and understanding friends. Got a warm roof over my head, and something nutritious to eat.
Hope you all have a good weekend.
Melinda
YES! YES! To thanksgivings for a loving husband, children, & other family. They are my lifeline. I'm learning more & more to treasure them as precious jewels in my life. No Christmas up yet, but plan to get started tomorrow. Our son will be home from college next weekend, so we'll wait to put the tree up then. Looking forward to simple together times with family this Christmas.
Hope each of you find family/friends to enjoy simple together times with.
How much money can you save up to live off of while you are awaiting social security disability? I think I read somewhere you can only have up to $2k in assets or your claim would be denied. Kinda makes it hard to save up so you can live off something while awaiting 2 years or however long it takes to get approved.
I think there are conditions like Sjogren's where it is like walking around with a broken leg. Sure you can walk around, but eventually you have to stop. So, you should try and save up what you can till you know you have to stop as you can see it coming.
jasonsmith,
I saw this as your first post, so...welcome to Sjogren's World! ;) I think you will find lots of information here and support.
It's a wealth of information.
In regard to your question,
There are 2 separate programs:
One is for SS Disability, which is based only on disability with no income/ asset limits. So, someone can be quite well-off financially and it have nothing to do with their claim for disability being approved or denied.
The 2nd program is SS Supplemental Income or SSI and IS affected by someone's financial assets. This is the part where that comes into play. Someone cannot have or own more than $2,000 in assets as an individual (or $3,000 as a couple) to be approved for SSI. They also would need to be slated to receive less than $624 per month for disability benefits to be eligible.
SSI is for those who are low-income to help offset their other costs of living.
p.s. Usually one applies for both programs together if there's any question of receiving SSI along with Disability. Great info. about this on the Social Security website. But, hope this helps! If someone can save before they know they will need to apply for disability, that sounds like a good idea.
Take care,
Melinda
Quote from: Meld256 on December 08, 2010, 03:07:32 AM
jasonsmith,
I saw this as your first post, so...welcome to Sjogren's World! ;) I think you will find lots of information here and support.
It's a wealth of information.
In regard to your question,
There are 2 separate programs:
One is for SS Disability, which is based only on disability with no income/ asset limits. So, someone can be quite well-off financially and it have nothing to do with their claim for disability being approved or denied.
The 2nd program is SS Supplemental Income or SSI and IS affected by someone's financial assets. This is the part where that comes into play. Someone cannot have or own more than $2,000 in assets as an individual (or $3,000 as a couple) to be approved for SSI. They also would need to be slated to receive less than $624 per month for disability benefits to be eligible.
SSI is for those who are low-income to help offset their other costs of living.
p.s. Usually one applies for both programs together if there's any question of receiving SSI along with Disability. Great info. about this on the Social Security website. But, hope this helps! If someone can save before they know they will need to apply for disability, that sounds like a good idea.
Take care,
Melinda
Thanks. It sure is hard to type as I can't see what I'm typing since the page keeps scrolling back up on me after every letter I type. I guess the post is too long and it keeps wanting to scroll up everytime I type a letter. Yes, I was referring to full disability. ie, you can't work anymore. And had read of a $2k limit you can have in assets. Which would make it hard to live on for 2 years like that. But looks like that was about the SSI.
Social Security is so hard to get. I have been at it since May and I s/w the lawyer the other day and they had a decission on 12/18/10 but the Fed review board pulled it for review. Just my luck. I still don't know if I have been approved or not. I should here something within 10 days. Wish me luck.
Sending love and prayers your way, susanep.
harlin
I've read in order to get approved within a 90 day period that they "say" it takes. That you have to have really good documentation upfront. ie. they don't have to ask for it later. And it usually has to be something obvious, ie. blindness, or some other serious disease that is widely accepted as being disabling.
harlin,
I want to send you some encouragement! ;) I also began my SSDI "journey" in May and was approved Nov. 1.
I was also in the awful waiting period for a week or two where I heard that it most likelywas approved, but my case was sent to a federal review board, too. That may be quite common. It took about 10 days until I received my award letter from SS letting me know of the offical approval. So...it may be a very positive thing that your case went to a review!
Sending you blessings and prayers for a quick answer.
susanep,
Hope your week is going well. May I ask what crafting you're doing?
Take care,
Melinda
I am not sure how old you are but it you don't make disability and you reach 62, at least apply for regular social security at that time. I am going to do that next summer. I am thinking about you. Hugs, Redetha...give me an email when you can.
Hi Everyone- I am sorry to not get back with you until today. Just a few hours ago I regained my phone and internet service. It and TV both had been cut due to lack of funds.
Not complaining, just explaining. Mostly I missed terribly all of you here.
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. Well, here is what ended up happening. After being turned down on disability one day, we knew we couldn't last any longer without some money. We told them to go ahead and drop any further attempts at my pension disability, and just put in for my regular retirement disability through my school.
They didn't want to do that, said that we could appeal them also, and that a doctor had sent in some extra couple of papers, and that might do it. I didn't know what new info could make any difference so I went ahead and wrote a letter to be faxed to them to discontinue the former.
Miracles do happen!! They left a message on our few minutes left on a cell phone. To make a long story shorter. The morning they received my letter to stop any further disability retirement attempts the same morning they received a letter saying I was approved for the retirement disability. :o
We didn't know what to think. All I know is that I told God it was ok the night before.
The 600 dollars is less though anyway, after they take out for the government. so it's still less, but also would have the 500 amount been more like 400 something after taxes.
Nevertheless, we at least are not in the penniless situation as before. They also paid me for the previous months since August. So that is how we caught up on House, and utilities back on, a big pharmacy bill paid, and a couple of Christmas Presents, but not many. My Christmas present is being back on line.
We have also had snow, ice, freezing rain, sleet, in East Tennessee.
Thanks Everyone and Merry Christmas
susanep :)
A Christmas Miracle! That's wonderful news, Susan. so happy that your application for disability was approved. I know it wasn't any easy decision for you, leaving your teaching career, but this confirms that your decision was the right one.
I'm so happy it worked out! Glad to see ya back! Merry christmas!:-)
Sha
Is this disability you got through your job/private insurance, or is it regular SSDI?
I get a letter every year telling me how much I'd get a month if I got disability from the government. And wondered how accurate that amount is they say I'd get in that letter every year.
Jason, I think that amount would be pretty accurate if a person has been working all along and had enough time in the system.
Oh Susan, You are not of little faith, my girl. Praise the Lord for getting the disability approved. Now you have an idea of what you have and what you need. Hopefully, you can maintain and the county will continue to help you out.
YOu have been through so much and have worked so hard and so faithfully at the school. I hope and pray that you can enjoy the internet, a warm home with TV, your husband and your 4 dogs.
Spring is a long way off but Spring brings hope and hopefully you can do a little tutoring at home to bring in a little cash. Even a 100$ a month extra can make a difference. Hang in there girl. Irish ;D
Quote from: eyeamdry on December 17, 2010, 08:42:06 PM
Jason, I think that amount would be pretty accurate if a person has been working all along and had enough time in the system.
Yeah, the system goes by credits. And the credits needed depends on your age. The older you are, the more credits you need. But I believe you should be good if you've worked at least 10 years.
Yes this disability was from a small pension due to working as a teacher for 15 years not the state social security disability. They also would send me out yearly how much I would get for different years worked etc.
Hopefully, this will help me make it through the long process to getting state social security disability. Weather here has kept us from making any of our appointments for their doctors over this past week. We did notify them though to let them know so they can reschedule.
I plan to call to get more info (evidence) to send them on past health now that I can do that. I may end up waiting a long time too, but I am going to flood them with stuff.
All of you here have helped to keep me going. I hope I can give back and help others here in some small way.
Thank You
susanep
susanep,
I just got to read your post. What a wonderful Christmas present/ miracle you received! I'm so glad for you. And glad you're back! ;)
That kind of news can really keep us going. God bless you.
Merry Christmas! Melinda
p.s. jasonsmith,
Yes, I can say that those statements received from SS dept. are accurate. I just got mine approved and it was to the dollar amount exactly of what the statement printed I would receive under "if you are become disabled now".
Take care and have a great holiday,
Melinda
Susanep
I just read your post and miracles do happen! I am living proof of that also. My LTD came thru yesterday.
Still waiting on my SSD.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. It is going to be a better year for all of us. I pray and believe that it will be better!
Love, harlin
I don't think people think about this until it happens to them. Susan-- I know what you mean. I am going back to teach in a high school despite the fact that I was so sick for years. Now I'm worried that my stomach has gone south again-- that is worrisome because as a teacher, I can't leave the classroom to go to the bathroom. Even that thought has me scared. But I'm hoping that I can make enough $$ and aquire enough salary that when I do have to apply for disability, that I can survive off it.
I will pray that this will come through for you. And in time, that you don't suffer too much in trying to make these bills. I agree with navydad, though-- you've got to get out there and find everything that you are entitled to. It is a shame that it costs money for this process. >:(
Congrats on getting your teacher pension. Baby steps, but they all help. Do work with your doctors to get them "on board" to write up the right things in your med records. I hope all goes well.
And a good holiday to you. This time of the year can be rough, but at least you've got some good news.
Quote from: susanep on December 17, 2010, 10:14:16 PM
Yes this disability was from a small pension due to working as a teacher for 15 years not the state social security disability. They also would send me out yearly how much I would get for different years worked etc.
Hopefully, this will help me make it through the long process to getting state social security disability. Weather here has kept us from making any of our appointments for their doctors over this past week. We did notify them though to let them know so they can reschedule.
I plan to call to get more info (evidence) to send them on past health now that I can do that. I may end up waiting a long time too, but I am going to flood them with stuff.
All of you here have helped to keep me going. I hope I can give back and help others here in some small way.
Thank You
susanep
Thank you all and God Bless You.
Merry Christmas
susanep :)
Best wished to you Susan and may you thrive with the decrease in stress. You have struggled and now you deserve a peaceful, restful time. Thinking of you and sending best wished for 2011 too XX Ailsa
Thank you harrigan :)
MERRY CHRISTMAS
susanep