I've finally been diagnosed as suffering from severe depression for many years. I'm taking several meds to control (or at least trying to control) the depression. Now, each visit with my doctor, he asks me if I've applied for disability.

Does anyone know how I should go about this if I was to apply?

Thanx in advance!

GOD BLESS!!!
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02-25-03, 12:06 PM
Sherasi
Yes, I do.. both of my sons are disabled, and I had to apply for my youngest.

You go to your local Social Security Administration and ask for the forms for getting:

If you have worked in the past: SSA

If you have never worked: SSI

You will need to provide EXTREMELY accurate information. Your doctor will need to listed as a resource of information in the appropriate place because The ADMINISTRATION will send HIM forms to fill out after you turn you forms in.

It may take a long time, you may be refused the first time (many people are) but do not give up and keep applying...

I know a man on dialysis with serious physical disabilities.. in took him 5 years to get on disability (true story) but he did get it and he and his wife and 2 children (of 5 and 6 years old) have a little help with her working income.

Here is a website with additional information.

Good luck.

02-25-03, 06:30 PM
kittypal
Wow, I didn;t know you could get disability for depression. I have severe depression and find it so, so hard to go to work, I don't even like to go to the store. I just got a job and hope to keep it, but those terrible feelings of dread are keeping me awake and filling my thoughts again. If I went to a counselor and tried different meds (have been on Zoloft, did NOT do a thing) I wonder if I would be a canidate until I was totally able to go out without a problem?

02-25-03, 11:24 PM
Sherasi
I am not sure what makes you qualify for disability in terms of what the Administration thinks.. but clinical depression is certainly debilitating.. there is nothing to do but try...

If the physician supports the diagnosis as debilitating.. there is a possibility...

02-26-03, 07:01 PM
Wildflower63
I thought that I would add that for adults to get SSI disability, you can't really have assets. If you do, they expect you to spend that money before you qualify. I think that's how it works anyway.

02-26-03, 10:24 PM
cattywampus
I have been on disability for manic-depression since 1994. Sherasi's information is correct. Social Security has a "list" of afflictions for which they will automatically grant benefits. Mine is on there. I don't know if simple depression is or not, but SS could tell you.

My husband applied in 1994. He was turned down. He appealed. Turned down again. This went on for 7 years, until we finally reached the point where our appeals moved out of SS jurisdiction and into the regular court system. He was immediately granted benefits - with backpay, $65,000. The District Court judge really ripped SS a new one when he heard the story.

You must have your doctor behind you. Some doctors will refuse, some will agree. If your own doctor won't back you, get a new one. If they turn you down, get a lawyer who handles SS disability cases. If you don't get anything neither will the lawyer. This is critical - you will sooner or later need counsel to argue your case.

Good luck!

Catty Cool

02-26-03, 11:19 PM
Sherasi
Sagus and I were actually fortunate (if that is the word to use) that Sylvan, being a child, had obvious and significant disabilities (such as speech and cognitive delays, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, emotional and social delays, and some physical issues as well. Because of these issues, we were rather quickly approved for SSI.. within 3 months. But that is extremely rare and only because of the obvious non-normal attributes he displayed for his age.

02-28-03, 04:18 PM
kittypal
Well, I certainly don't have ANY assets, I live with my father. I would like to be able to get and keep a full-time job, but I always start to freak. Maybe I should see another Dr. and try to get some more help and devote time to being normal and healthy.

02-28-03, 06:44 PM
cattywampus
Wildflower is mistaken, it's welfare that drains your assets. SS doesn't care how many assets you have, because it's based on SS money you paid in while working. You do have to have worked, and your benefits are based on how much you have earned over the years. It's like unemployment that way.

Catty

02-28-03, 11:27 PM
Wildflower63
The reason I said that is because of the abuse I am seeing of the SSI. People that were previous welfare cases that now have to work and jumping on the disability band wagon. They just make a switch to a different program and still don't have to work.

Question: The people I'm talking about are younger people, many welfare recipients that did not have enough in the program to get much of anything back out. How is they are still getting a free ride? Is the check small according to what you have put in and you remain qualified for state benefits? I had a neighbor that was living with a boyfriend that was just as able bodied as anyone. She abused the drugs she got from her psychiatrist. She was previously on welfare with two small children. Now she is getting pretty good SSI checks that don't at all match up with what she should be getting by contribution.

I'm not sure exactly what the rules are and how this switch to programs is occuring. I am only talking about cases of abuse, not someone who really needs help. I don't understand how my neighbor that is getting a pretty decent check every month on a psych disability that didn't really contribute. She told me that you can't have much money. She went on to explain that you live with guys that will give you a nice lifestyle, but don't marry them. It was a bit more than that, but I quit listening somewhere along the line. Is she right?

Yes, you are right Catty. I was referring to Medicare/Medicaid standards. Different animal. I'm a nurse. Sometimes it spills over. Sorry about that!!

03-01-03, 12:04 AM
Sherasi
SSI
Supplemental Security Insurance is based on an individual having a disability that affects their ability to work and the financial need of that person. Someone over 65 years of age can also qualify if they have the financial need.

What is financial need? This is determined by the amount of income and resources (assets) a person has available. SSI provides a monthly check for a disabled person who has little in the way of income and resources and limited or no employment history. To qualify for SSI you may not have more than $2,000 in non-exempt resources (ex. money in bank accounts, cash value of life insurance policies, etc.). Exempt resources include the value of a vehicle and the value of a home (if the person is using it as their primary place of residence). An SSI beneficiary can earn only $65 per month before their cash benefit is affected. Any earnings over the allowed $65 will result in the Social Security Administration recouping one dollar for every two earned from the beneficiaries monthly benefit check.

With SSI the value allowed for a vehicle is $2000. This amount can be waived if it is proven that a more expensive vehicle is needed to keep medical appointments. This can occur if a wheelchair lift or other medically related apparatus for a vehicle is needed to assist the person receiving the benefit. A situation where reliable transportation is needed for medically related appointments requiring a drive of considerable distance can also lead to the $2000 vehicle limit being waived.

Individuals who receive SSI and are homeowners will not have the value of a home held against them if they reside at the property. An example where home ownership becomes an issue is when the SSI recipient is placed in a supported residential program prior to disposing of any owned property. At that point the person does not live at the property and the value of the property will be held as a non-exempt resource. With the non-exempt resource level being only $2,000, they would lose their SSI eligibility until the property is sold and the money from the sale is spent down to the $2,000 limit.

Individuals receiving SSI benefits are also eligible for Medicaid. Earnings do not affect the Medicaid eligibility unless it is at a level that would stop the SSI cash benefit.

SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on a worker’s lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security. This is determined by the amount that has been paid into FICA over the history of employment. Worker's compensation payments and/or public disability benefits (e.g. civil service disability benefits) may reduce the payment amount. Unlike SSI benefits, other income or resources (assets) do not affect SSDI.

SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare after 24 consecutive months of disability. Medicaid can also be obtained for an SSDI beneficiary if needed. This is available as "Aid to the Disabled" (AD) Medicaid. AD Medicaid is often referred to as Medicaid with a spend-down. A spend-down occurs when the amount of a person’s income (including SSDI payments) exceeds the Medicaid income requirements. The person receiving AD Medicaid would need to spend money on medically related expenses every month that is equal to the amount of income they receive over the Medicaid allowable income amount. The beneficiary’s Medicaid will become active only after the spend-down has been met in any given month.

03-01-03, 02:18 AM
Wildflower63
Thanks for that information. At least the subject isn't so confusing anymore!

03-01-03, 10:09 AM
cattywampus
I don't know for sure, but my understanding is that SSI is for the indigent.

One thing I do know is that in order to get SS disability, you must have a doctor who is willing to sign that you are disabled. Many people who look and act perfectly normal are in fact disabled in ways you can't see. People with AIDs. People with severe diabetes. People with mental illnesses. Unless you talk to their doctors you can't know. And SSI can't be worth much, certainly not enough to live on. I was give the choice between SSI and SSD - SSD was more, and it was only $400 and change a month when I signed up. It's sure not worth perpetrating a fraud for!

Catty Cool

03-01-03, 12:29 PM
Sherasi
I don't advocate perpetrating a fraud ANYTIME.. man have you seen some of those penalties?

We get very little monetary income from the SSI... it is based on our income.. so we have less than $200 from both boys together.

BUT, in Pennsylvania (so far) there is a loop hole.. if a person is on SSI, they will have medical coverage (through Medicaid) for the rest of their life regardless of their income. Pennsylvania is the only state in the country that way.

Pennsylvania did that because there were so many people that were on the cusp, on one month off the next month, and you didn't know until 3 months after the fact so all that sorting of when they had to pay and when they didn't was costing more than just keeping the coverage all the time.

Now everyone who qualifies for SSI will have Medicaid regardless of income.

03-01-03, 02:16 PM
cattywampus
Wow, Sher, that is great. Congrats to PA a wonderful (my parents once lived in Lovejoy) and beautiful state. Someday I hope to see it.

Catty Wink

04-10-03, 06:53 PM
one2trust/jittabuggrl
you need to go to your local Department of Social Security Office. apply for both ssi and ssd ( ssi = supplemental security income and ssd = social security disability ) it takes six months for a determination. if denied APPEAL. people are usually denied and then granted on their appeal. and the lawyers whom represent the appeal cases dont get paid unless you win the appeal. and can only accept a small percentage as a one-time payment depending on how much your retro ( back-pay ) innitial check amount is for. when you apply bring proof of your diagnosis and medications. Best Of Luck.

04-29-03, 06:54 PM
cattywampus
My understanding is that you can get SSDI or SSI but not both.

It certainly didn't take me six months to get it. Took me about 2 months. But as I said, my husband waited and fought for 7 years before he got it. Cases are judged on their merits (and then rejected). You may have to appeal for years, but it's worth it in the end.

Catty Cool

05-04-03, 02:56 PM
kittypal
All I want is some help, I can not afford any right now, I need counseling and probably drugs!!!

05-04-03, 03:11 PM
Sherasi
Kittypal,

Do you, in income, qualify for Medical Assistance? If you do, you may be able to use that as a way to pay for help.

05-08-03, 07:13 PM
kittypal
Sher, I have no idea. I have no income at the moment and for the past several years my income has been sporadic, so my net worth isn't much Smile I was wondering about medicad and how to go about finding out if I can get it, at least temporarily until I can work full time or even part time.

05-08-03, 08:34 PM
Sherasi
If you have not had much income you are more than eligible for it.

Go to your local Public Assistance office and apply for Medical Assisance (also known as Medicaid). You might also qualify for food stamps and other services.

05-09-03, 06:49 AM
Wildflower63
Back to the topic of severe depression. I know how you feel. I have been so depressed that I didn't really get out of bed but for a short time. Those are the really bad days. I forget what a good day is.

My doctor told me that the depression gets worse giving in to it. True. On days that I have gotten out because I had to I did feel much more alive. I'm afraid SS might allow you too much rope to sink further.

It's worth a try. If you can get some financial help, get a low stress, low pay job like at WalMart doing something where you will be out and around people. You can't stay in a perpetual state of severe depression without it taking a serious toll on your health. Usually I don't want to eat. Things I used to love don't impress me much anymore. I have no desire to get out of the house a lot of the time. All of these things you do have a choice about. It's tough, real tough. But you have to make a plan to do something every day. You need to eat right. You need exercise especially. You need emotional support, but not enabling.

Good luck to you.

05-09-03, 02:45 PM
kittypal
Thanks guys, on Monday I'll go try, I really need to get out of this rut.

05-21-03, 08:10 PM
DvdGStwrt
SSI/SSA - Really are not worth the effort to get.

When I was having 20+ grand-mal seizures a months and god only knows how many petite mals a day, it still took 22 months, two denials and an appearance in-front of a judge, even with MRI, EEGs, Three Doctors, a Neurologist and even having had a grand mal in the SS office before I was rewarded a small (minimal) amount of monthly stipend.

The System is geared so that you are poor, remain poor, and desire to get off of it once you get it.

For someone diagnosed with depression, dealing with the SS office is not something I would prescribe, I would rather prescribe blood letting to an anemic before telling someone with depression to get on Disability.

Unless you are really unable to work ( I mean the kind of depression where you can't even get out of bed) I would work.

Work is a lot more than just a way to make ends meet (barely) it gives a person something to be proud of, something to have a sense of being and placement in society, and usually is something that gives a person something to A. Talk about as in Talk Shop, or B. Something to talk about as in 'Complain about' - both forms of talk are constructive to mental and emotional health. Trust me, there is a good reason why 'hate your Boss Jokes' are popular - not because all bosses are jerks, but because it gives an out for our emotional build up of steam through out every aspect of our lives.

Though your doctor has given you a nice set of pills, that is usually only a partial answer, and leaves your mind, heart and spirit without any treatment.

Though depression is bad, things like not having a job make it worse. Things come to mind like 'Gee, I'm so worthless I can't even keep a job.' Or later in life, 'I never did anything with my life.'

If you have worked relatively recently, I would check with the Employment Department. I relied on my State Disability check for a while. That was instant (only requiring one doctor to say 'This man is too sick to work' and afforded me the illusion that I was still able to work (A good chunk of my issues during that time stemmed from my inability to hold a job, something about a person break dancing on the job is frowned upon by employers Wink).

The illusions of 'life' we hold near and dear shape and keep our health.

This is why when people 'retire' or are forced into retirement, they are known to give up and fade away.

David

05-22-03, 02:01 AM
Wildflower63
There are a lot of people living the same or above the same standard of living working at a job they hated. I think it would be great not to have to worry about health insurance, food, rent, and all of the other benefit programs SSI recipients are eligible for also.

You get that SSI disability, you are a shoe in for a life of never worrying about money you need to cover your necessities again. To me, that sounds like a dream come true. I can do without superfical things money can buy. I already have every need covered.

So what if you have to sue. These people go to multi doctors until they get an opinion they are looking for, disabled according to SSI standards. It is a short term pain in the butt for a long term live with no worry over needs.

I'm sure that I could find a disorder for me to qualify. Turn me down, I can keep trying til I get it. It is worth it to benefit me. Too many people think the law defines right from wrong. It doesn't. If you don't have any assets anyway, what have you got to lose? Nothing.

The SSI system allows itself to be abused. I would guess that about half the people on there that are not elderly are very able to work.

12-30-03, 12:37 AM
ladykc1997
I have been applying since 95 for SSI, due to bi polar, borderline personality disorder, anxiety attacks, social phobia, PTSD, COPD, and fibromyalgia. Ya know, I STILL get denied, even with statements from 13 doctors? They had closed my case a few months back, and 2 weeks ago, I received a letter from the Commissioner of SSI from my state, and from what I can make of it, someone from the appeals office had read my file, and found where the judge erroneously ruled against me. It's going to Federal Court soon, so hoping against hope that it goes thru this time. It's not so much the money I am looking for, or need. it's the medical benefits, as I can't afford my meds or psychiatric care without a lot of help ( we all know how expensive it can get )

to me, that WOULD be worth it. Just to be able to get my meds and my counseling, so I can have a half way decent life, without feeling so down all the time, and unable to cope with day to day "stuff"

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,