met with disability attorney

[eye2dry]

hello to everyone

Yesterday I met with a attorney specializing in disability
and workers comp claims.
She asked right off to see my denial letter from SSA. I told her I
hadn't filed yet...I came for a consult.


We talked for 1/2 hour, she was very nice and she gave me a packet
on SSA disability info. The amazing part was she too has RA!
She has had it for 20 plus years, takes injections, has had 2 knee
replacements and said she works for herself b/c she can dictate
her work schedule around her RA.

I will break it down and make it readable on her advice.

* Since I am over 55 years old, it's very possible they could approve
my case first try.

*I have 2 proven "real" disabilities from their criteria

*she suggests I go online and fill out the SSA forms myself
and if I would be denied , then call and schedule an appt with her.

*also I need to have 40 work credits in order to receive benefits
not sure if each state has different levels of needed work credits.

*also d/t my age I am not considered re-trainable in another
field

*also, being a nurse is considered a moderate/severe level
of work activity which is hard with Ra and sjogrens.



So I am going to attempt this myself.

Anyone else my age that has been given the same info?

thanks for any input on this.

shelly

[Joe S.]

Good luck. I hope you get it.

[warmwaters]

I have been told that the age/retrainability aspect is a real thing.  If you 35 and claim you can't ever work again, it's  more expensive for SS, as they will be paying for 30 years. At 55, it's 10 years (roughly), and it would be harder to retrain in a new field. Especially since employers are not likely to hire a newbie in their field who's over 50.  Age discrimination is very common.

So what she says makes sense.

When you are filling out the paper work, be sure to provide details about the impact on your daily life in the places that ask for it.

[Deb 27]

I look forward to hearing you get a yes!! Best of luck and let us know.

   

[Chris]

Good luck!
I got my first denial and sent in an appeal. Attorney will be next step. My age is against me.

[ohiolady]

Good luck!  Hoping you get it on first try.

Anna

[grammad97]

I did the paperwork myself online. It was time consuming but well worth the effort.
I wish you all the best!
My claim was approved first time. I was 54 when I filed.