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Sjogrens Topics => Living With Sjogren's => Topic started by: Billydude on November 19, 2008, 10:05:05 AM

Title: Great News!!!!
Post by: Billydude on November 19, 2008, 10:05:05 AM
I just received a phone call this morning from Social Security and they have approved my SSDI claim first time around.   I am so relieved I can't tell you!!!!!!!      I had been feeling a bit depressed but I think this will make an impact on that.
If I can recommend anything to anyone on this is to use a law firm from the get go.   I'm told that social security takes these cases more seriously because they know a law firm won't take you on unless they are sure they have a case that can be won.   I used www.disabilitygroup.com
Steve
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Victoria05202000 on November 19, 2008, 10:37:45 AM
Congratulations!  That is great news for you.  I am glad to see it was approved the first time around!

Vicky
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Scottietottie on November 19, 2008, 10:52:33 AM
Hi Steve  :)

Good news indeed! That will be a weight off your mind - and no wait!  ;)

Take care - Scottie  :)
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Bonnie on November 19, 2008, 10:54:08 AM
Congratulations I am happy for you :)

Take care
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Katybarstool on November 19, 2008, 12:22:35 PM
Steve

I am so pleased for you. Well done. That must be such a relief for you. I hope it helps with the depression.

Kathyx
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Collie on November 19, 2008, 12:27:46 PM
Congratulations, not too many get approved the first time around. And ,to get approved just before the holiday, even a better blessing.

Collie
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: lynnmarie219 on November 19, 2008, 12:44:47 PM
Hi Steve!


A BIG Congrats to you! I'm sure glad that you got this the first time around. What a great thing to be thankful for just in time for the holidays!



(http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/happy096.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org)
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: DesignerS on November 19, 2008, 01:15:26 PM
Steve,

I am thrilled for you!  What wonderful news.  I hope this takes a big load off from you and helps with the depression.  Keep going forward.

Designer
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Chana M on November 19, 2008, 01:46:55 PM
Hi Steve!

That's wonderful news and great timing for you.  Enjoy the victory!

Chana x
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Pooh on November 19, 2008, 04:18:29 PM
WOOHOO!!!!!

Steve,
This is wonderful news.  Rest easy now and be happy.  Maybe with the stress and anxiety over you will start to feel better. 

Again, congratulations.

Pooh
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Reenie on November 19, 2008, 04:24:53 PM
Congratulations, Steve!!  I am so happy to hear this great news! 

Reenie

HIP HIP HOORAY!
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(Obviously, I don't have this Marquee thing mastered quite yet--LOL!)
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: genko_b on November 19, 2008, 05:09:41 PM
Congratulations, Steve! That should help a lot. It is so nice to feel validated, isn't it?

Genko
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: eyeamdry on November 19, 2008, 05:24:51 PM
I saw the thread title and knew what it was about.  Then my computer locked up and I couldn't read it.  Congrats big time and may your heart be lighter.  This affirmation (and money) can alone make you feel better.  Lucy
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Billydude on November 19, 2008, 05:35:53 PM
Thanks everyone.   What a load off my mind.  I'm sure the anxiety of waiting and wondering was contributing to my major flares and depression.   I'm sure it will help with the way I feel.
Steve
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Tinker on November 19, 2008, 05:40:10 PM
Congrats, Steve!!

So glad you got the SSDI.

My daughter has RA and didn't want to split the $$ with the attorney so she tried once on her own and lost.  The second time she tried and the case worker helped her fill out the form.

She GOT it and it cost her nothing.  The check is only about $560/mo. but it helps. 
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Billydude on November 19, 2008, 06:39:17 PM
Yes,  every bit helps.  Mine will be about 1500.00 a month but thats a good amount since my house is paid for.  That will just about cover all my bills and expenses plus I'll have a big retroactive check since they are going back to Jan 2007 as my start date of disability.   The law firm will get about 5K from that check but its well worth it to me.   Espeically as someone who deals with anxiety I didn't need the extra stress of trying to do the paperwork and stuff myself.
Steve
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: irish on November 19, 2008, 09:49:26 PM
Steve, I knew what it was when I saw your thread. This is a great day for you. It will free your mind from so much worry. Like they say, one doesn't get rich on the SSD but it sure helps. Mine is not that much money but I still am glad to have it.

It is a bummer to pay the lawyer that much, but like you said the stress is just the pits. I know that I spent a lot of time on my application and got it on the first try, however, as I sat at my computer I would feel like crying. I could only think that to be ill, have brain fog and then HAVE TO DO THIS********PAPERWORK!!!!! Good luck to you. Irish ;D
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: kimbo on November 19, 2008, 10:03:36 PM
Oh  Billiedude,

I am so happy for you.  I feel the load is lifted off of you.  I hope you feel better I have worried and then prayed.

kimbo
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Sandra on November 20, 2008, 11:20:39 AM
hey great news Billydude, kind of takes the pressure off! Now you get to take care of you, how great is that. Congrats! Sandra
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: eyeamdry on November 20, 2008, 11:38:37 AM
I'll bet your feet are not touching the ground yet!!!!!!!!!!  I think the atty fee is well worth what you've "earned." 
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Billydude on November 20, 2008, 09:22:57 PM
I think I was so excited to learn this yesterday that I must have spent all my mental currency because today I'm wiped and brain fogged out.   I've already had two naps today and I'm still tired.
Steve
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: salsen on November 20, 2008, 11:04:33 PM
HIP HIP HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  What a great early Christmas present.  I'm glad the wait is over for you. 
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Joe S. on November 21, 2008, 04:04:27 AM
Great news, I wish mine would come in. The paper work is the worst thing you can imagine doing when you have brain fog! The process takes forever.
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Billydude on November 21, 2008, 11:29:30 AM
Joe,  thats why I had a law firm do it.  I knew I couldn't "deal" with it.
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Fairy on November 22, 2008, 09:53:58 AM
Great news for you! I was approved the first time too. I took 10 weeks, and they called me on the phone and told me. I was so happy. My mom is on SSDI also, (genetics) and she helped me with the paperwork. It makes you feel that at least you are contributing to your household, what a great feeling.

Fairy
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Billydude on November 22, 2008, 09:12:19 PM
10 weeks wow that is fast.  Mine took about 5 months.
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: pudmott on November 23, 2008, 03:36:08 AM
Hey Billydude,
Congratulations my friend. What a weight off your mind.

A nice thanksgiving present for you.

I'm really happy for you buddy

Pud
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Patze on November 23, 2008, 05:15:09 AM
Hi Steve,

Let me also wade into this and send you lots of congratulations!!!!  It's good to see the system can still work for those who need it!  Shoot, if this brain fog continues, I may be applying for it soon myself.

Have a great thanksgiving!!!


Patze
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: MusicGuy on November 23, 2008, 06:51:51 PM
Very good Steve!
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: JannaLee on November 23, 2008, 07:08:47 PM
It nice to see the sun shine on you again, dear Steve!

Feeling your relief from worry and depression!

Janna
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Seeker on November 23, 2008, 07:33:14 PM
That's great news BillyDude.  I am glad the system worked for you.  It Shows there is light at the end of the tunnel for others that are in the same situation.

Seeker
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: paperdoll on February 07, 2009, 01:55:22 PM
Steve,

You have been such a support through the boards.
Thanks for sharing so much.
You've lifted me up.
I had my last SSDI interview THU.

Cheerio,
P.
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Billydude on February 07, 2009, 10:41:06 PM
Good luck Paperdoll.  I can't tell you how having the approval helps in so many ways.  The added stress of worrying about money certainly adds to the health problems.
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: salsen on February 07, 2009, 11:16:43 PM
Congratulations!  I was lucky to be approved in the first round too.  What a help and huge relief.  I am glad you will be getting the assistance you need. 
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: ktfabian on February 08, 2009, 02:04:36 AM
I hope your review went well Paperdoll-

I applied back in 1994 after my 3rd back surgery and a very unsuccessful attempt to return to work.  I still got turned down three times and the "independent" doctor who did my review before we were to go before a judge said there really was no reason I couldn't work.  The judge reviewed the file before we went to court and ruled right away, without even holding the hearing, stating for the record that he felt there was no way the independent doctor's report could be deemed credible given the preponderance of evidence in my medical records to the opposite of his report.  I always wondered if Social Security ever used that "independent" doctor again.

I have to agree that those monthly checks have made the difference for us keeping our house or losing it, which has been a big load of our minds!  Good luck to you, they'll do the right thing in the end,
Tracy
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: paperdoll on April 08, 2009, 10:28:58 PM
Thanks Tracy and Steve!

I got Medi-cal!  Regular insurance!  I just want to know how it will ultimately effect how I am managed in the system of health care... I wanted to continue seeing a doc that isn't accepting medi-cal but I don't think I can afford to pay them with private health care on the ssi.  They don't deem me permanently disabled and will review me every 2? years?  I am slowly learning - hope I am helping by sharing...
I miss work and the friendships...
So many bills.  Brother the economy is scaring me... like ya couldn't guess ;)

Love and health,
P.
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: jonnell on April 09, 2009, 04:03:26 AM
Congradulations I am also on Social Security for a disability.  Im 38 been on it for 10 years.  You accomplished quite a feat.  They dont like to live away money lol.  Good luck.
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: djean87 on April 09, 2009, 11:54:02 AM
glad to hear you got it!! am still waiting am on second time with attorney this time.the waiting is awful
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: paperdoll on April 21, 2009, 10:58:58 AM
Good luck djean! :)

Jonnell -
And no they don't like to give it away - but I wouldn't be asking if I didn't need it - working was so much better - the self esteem the culture the purpose - just need to re-purpose!

Now with the Medi gotta find new Dr.'s!

:D
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: djean87 on April 22, 2009, 12:11:21 PM
glad to hear your good news.i also just got approved for disability last week after getting an attorney took from august to now.sure will help things Mostly the stress
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Billydude on May 02, 2009, 06:46:03 PM
Thats great to hear djean.
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: djean87 on May 04, 2009, 10:34:02 AM
thats great hope things for you keeps going in the right direction take care
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: paperdoll on July 02, 2009, 04:00:17 PM
Quote from: djean87 on April 09, 2009, 11:54:02 AM
glad to hear you got it!! am still waiting am on second time with attorney this time.the waiting is awful

Dear me... I wish I had used an atty!  Can they tell you why the hold up?
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: sleepy on July 03, 2009, 04:53:07 AM
This gives hope to all of us, thank you for sharing.

Blessings
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: paperdoll on July 03, 2009, 09:53:41 AM
djean

Thank you for shqaring - as this bring even more hope to our peers!!!!!!!!!!!!

yay!

Thank ya kindly Sleepy!
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: Billydude on July 03, 2009, 09:56:20 AM
I've said this many times on different posts.  DON"T TRY TO DO THIS YOURSELF.   Get a disability attorney from the start.   They only take a small percentage of the first award check and they get nothing if you're not approved.   I'm told that social security takes cases from law firms much more seriously because they know that a law firm won't take you on unless they have a case.    Trust me.   Don't try to do this on your own!!!!!
Steve
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: jaygee on July 03, 2009, 12:12:41 PM
I am very pleased for you, and really hope you will feel a little better, now that the stress and waiting game is over.   xx
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: navydad on July 03, 2009, 01:34:13 PM
Quote from: jonnell on April 09, 2009, 04:03:26 AM
Congradulations I am also on Social Security for a disability.  Im 38 been on it for 10 years.  You accomplished quite a feat.  They dont like to live away money lol.  Good luck.
they sure like to give it to the banks though
Title: Re: Great News!!!!
Post by: trector1955 on July 04, 2009, 09:26:59 AM
Hello,
     WOW that is good news. Congratulations. I am still waiting. The Lawyer put in the papers on March 31th 2009. I wish it would hurry up. I am tired of being so broke all the time. It doesn't seem fine. I would rather work. How long did this take you?
Theresa