Hi everyone,
I posted a reply to a message I saw from Tami about waiting for SSD benefits but I never recieved a reply, so I went ahead and tossed up this new topic in relation to SSD Benefits. Currently, like Tami, too am waiting for the decision of whether or not I can recieve SSD / qualify for it. I've not recieved a yes or a no yet. My stepmom was disabled for 6 years and just returned to work, and she was turned down the first time and had to appeal it, so I'm somewhat familiar with the possibility of this happening the first time I apply. As to the rest of my story/situation, I'll try to make this short and sweet, but I need to explain my situation. I'm trying to avoid writing a novel. Believe me, just as it makes ya'll fall asleep reading it, I nod off more than you do just writing it! LOL
SO, I applied for SSD benefits / Started the application process in the middle of April 08'(this year). This was the soonest I could do it because even though I've not worked since Feb of 07, I have received compensation via the Calif. Temporary Disability program via the Employment Department. I qualified for through the employment as it gets based off of your previous year or so's salary and situation too, and fortunately I qualified for the max amount of benefits. You are able to collect these benefits until you either go back to work, 1 year has passed, or you've exhausted the total amount available, which is usually 1 years worth. At this point, when you can't collect anymore and you are still unable to work, this is when they send you a form stating you completed collecting temp. benefits from them and can no longer do so, as well as that you are still unable to work. At this point, I became eligable then to apply for SSD benefits.
Like I said, in April, I started the online application process, and I've submitted the required info, and paperwork. I've also gone to the field office to give them more things in person to help speed things up. I've also received and completed 3 packets of info related to my ability to function on a day to day basis. I also had to have another person fill one out about me as well. Anyway, I also gave them a release for all my medical records for the multiple doctors I've seen, or am currently under care of, for RSD/CRPS, and a few other issues as well. At this point I didn't hear anything until the beginning of July, when I was requested to goto a clinic to receive a mental and physical examination. Unfortunately the clinic rescheduled on me 5 times so far. I've let my case worker know every time too. Last week I finally got my physical exam done, and today I go in for my mental exam. I asked my case worker why this was necessary and she said it was mandatory and standard procedure. I see that they like to triple and quadruple check everything...
FINALLLY...... My question is:
1.) How many more steps is there going to be before they make a determination??? I know each case is different, but given all of the packets of info submitted, the medical records, and soon to be completed both physical and mental exam records, I hope they can then make a decision!!! Don't you???? I'm just starting to worry and get a little bit inpatient as I've not had any income since the beginning to mid April and it's got real old already.... I hope this won't be another 5 months of waiting!!! Is this realistic of me to think that after all of this they have enough to make a determination???
I guess I"m just naturally frustrated over the "hurry up and wait" cycle the that govt. is so great at playing as a result of being sick like this. Thank you in advance for any replies related to my situation / questions. Take care everyone!
~Phil |
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