For those with SSDI

Jeana

New member
I keep reading about CFers who were approved very quickly for SSDI and others who had a very long wait.  Can anyone give me input about what kinds of things healthwise (or otherwise) that lead to a quicker approval of your SSDI application?   Obviously FEV1, but what else?  Thanks in advance!  You guys are the best source of info a gal with CF could ever have!
 

Jeana

New member
I keep reading about CFers who were approved very quickly for SSDI and others who had a very long wait. Can anyone give me input about what kinds of things healthwise (or otherwise) that lead to a quicker approval of your SSDI application? Obviously FEV1, but what else? Thanks in advance! You guys are the best source of info a gal with CF could ever have!
 

Jeana

New member
I keep reading about CFers who were approved very quickly for SSDI and others who had a very long wait. Can anyone give me input about what kinds of things healthwise (or otherwise) that lead to a quicker approval of your SSDI application? Obviously FEV1, but what else? Thanks in advance! You guys are the best source of info a gal with CF could ever have!<BR>
 

Jeana

New member
Another question-- Is the amount of money you get from SSDI based on your previous salary?  Based on geography?  A set amount?
 

Jeana

New member
Another question-- Is the amount of money you get from SSDI based on your previous salary? Based on geography? A set amount?
 

Jeana

New member
<BR>Another question-- Is the amount of money you get from SSDI based on your previous salary? Based on geography? A set amount?
 

LouLou

New member
hire Julie. it will be one of the best decisions you ever made. I gave her a $400 donation because her advice was invaluable but technically her services are free. I was approved in 6wks. I did not qualify based on FEV1 but rather on frequent exacerbations/interventions and nebulized medication use.

Get familiar with the impairment listings for SSDI and CF if you haven't already. Also work on creating "My Day" that explains what is entailed in your day worst case scenerio for cf lately. Take your ideal weekend day as though you are taking care of yourself the way you really should be, doctors orders and the way that makes you feel best, not when you are going to work. You'll be amazed how much time is sucked up by cf and so will they! Don't forget to include all the cleaning/sterilizing, pill organization/ordering, bookkeeping, phone calls, etc. Only provide info from last year. And make a spreadsheet that outlines what meds/interventions you've had to take to stay well as the relate to the impairment listings. Make it easy to understand in a snapshot and only include medical records that support your case. Circle things in the records. Do not add stuff about your boys. If it's there downplay it. Like when you write out your day include very little about the boys. Downplay your responsibility with them.

The amount you will get is based on the amount you have averaged over the last 10 years (40 credits). I think its about 1/2 the amt and then about 1/4 for each kid. Cerrtainly not chump change :)

Since you live in AL and haven't been contributing to SS though is the system really the same I wonder. Didn't you say you have been contributing to a teacher fund? Does SS review their disability cases...I guess I'm just wondering why you are asking these questions. It will only cover people who have been contributing I believe.
 

LouLou

New member
hire Julie. it will be one of the best decisions you ever made. I gave her a $400 donation because her advice was invaluable but technically her services are free. I was approved in 6wks. I did not qualify based on FEV1 but rather on frequent exacerbations/interventions and nebulized medication use.

Get familiar with the impairment listings for SSDI and CF if you haven't already. Also work on creating "My Day" that explains what is entailed in your day worst case scenerio for cf lately. Take your ideal weekend day as though you are taking care of yourself the way you really should be, doctors orders and the way that makes you feel best, not when you are going to work. You'll be amazed how much time is sucked up by cf and so will they! Don't forget to include all the cleaning/sterilizing, pill organization/ordering, bookkeeping, phone calls, etc. Only provide info from last year. And make a spreadsheet that outlines what meds/interventions you've had to take to stay well as the relate to the impairment listings. Make it easy to understand in a snapshot and only include medical records that support your case. Circle things in the records. Do not add stuff about your boys. If it's there downplay it. Like when you write out your day include very little about the boys. Downplay your responsibility with them.

The amount you will get is based on the amount you have averaged over the last 10 years (40 credits). I think its about 1/2 the amt and then about 1/4 for each kid. Cerrtainly not chump change :)

Since you live in AL and haven't been contributing to SS though is the system really the same I wonder. Didn't you say you have been contributing to a teacher fund? Does SS review their disability cases...I guess I'm just wondering why you are asking these questions. It will only cover people who have been contributing I believe.
 

LouLou

New member
hire Julie. it will be one of the best decisions you ever made. I gave her a $400 donation because her advice was invaluable but technically her services are free. I was approved in 6wks. I did not qualify based on FEV1 but rather on frequent exacerbations/interventions and nebulized medication use.
<br />
<br />Get familiar with the impairment listings for SSDI and CF if you haven't already. Also work on creating "My Day" that explains what is entailed in your day worst case scenerio for cf lately. Take your ideal weekend day as though you are taking care of yourself the way you really should be, doctors orders and the way that makes you feel best, not when you are going to work. You'll be amazed how much time is sucked up by cf and so will they! Don't forget to include all the cleaning/sterilizing, pill organization/ordering, bookkeeping, phone calls, etc. Only provide info from last year. And make a spreadsheet that outlines what meds/interventions you've had to take to stay well as the relate to the impairment listings. Make it easy to understand in a snapshot and only include medical records that support your case. Circle things in the records. Do not add stuff about your boys. If it's there downplay it. Like when you write out your day include very little about the boys. Downplay your responsibility with them.
<br />
<br />The amount you will get is based on the amount you have averaged over the last 10 years (40 credits). I think its about 1/2 the amt and then about 1/4 for each kid. Cerrtainly not chump change :)
<br />
<br />Since you live in AL and haven't been contributing to SS though is the system really the same I wonder. Didn't you say you have been contributing to a teacher fund? Does SS review their disability cases...I guess I'm just wondering why you are asking these questions. It will only cover people who have been contributing I believe.
 

Jeana

New member
<P>Even though I might not actually receive  SSDI, I believe the application process is probably similar for the AK teacher retirement system and if I have everything prepared in advance and thorough, then I am hoping that process will go quickly and smoothly and I will not have to appeal their decision.  I am actually more worried about the retirement system I have to go through, since they don't have listed requirements that guarantee the acceptance of my application.  I don't want to quit my job and then have them say I don't meet their requirements--since they don't post them online like SSDI does.</P>
<P> </P>
<P>Anyway, thank you so much for all of that good advice.  I also want to be prepared when I talk to my doctor and clinic about this, since I will have to get a physician's documentation as well as a letter from my employer stating that I can no longer perform the functions of my job.  I think this may be harder than SSDI, since I am going in and doing my job, but it is in detriment to my health.</P>
 

Jeana

New member
<P>Even though I might not actually receive SSDI, I believe the application process is probably similar for the AK teacher retirement system and if I have everything prepared in advance and thorough, then I am hoping that process will go quickly and smoothly and I will not have to appeal their decision. I am actually more worried about the retirement system I have to go through, since they don't have listed requirements that guarantee the acceptance of my application. I don't want to quit my job and then have them say I don't meet their requirements--since they don't post them online like SSDI does.</P>
<P></P>
<P>Anyway, thank you so much for all of that good advice. I also want to be prepared when I talk to my doctor and clinic about this, since I will have to get a physician's documentation as well as a letter from my employer stating that I can no longer perform the functions of my job. I think this may be harder than SSDI, since I am going in and doing my job, but it is in detriment to my health.</P>
 

Jeana

New member
<P><BR>Even though I might not actually receive SSDI, I believe the application process is probably similar for the AK teacher retirement system and if I have everything prepared in advance and thorough, then I am hoping that process will go quickly and smoothly and I will not have to appeal their decision. I am actually more worried about the retirement system I have to go through, since they don't have listed requirements that guarantee the acceptance of my application. I don't want to quit my job and then have them say I don't meet their requirements--since they don't post them online like SSDI does.</P>
<P></P>
<P>Anyway, thank you so much for all of that good advice. I also want to be prepared when I talk to my doctor and clinic about this, since I will have to get a physician's documentation as well as a letter from my employer stating that I can no longer perform the functions of my job. I think this may be harder than SSDI, since I am going in and doing my job, but it is in detriment to my health.</P>
 

julie

New member
based on my own experiences with a number of cases, I believe it depends on two factors, one of which you unfortunately have NO control over. The first is the way you word your application so it is very clear that you meet the impairment criteria, or your combination of ailments is such that you "equal" the impairment criteria.

The second, and one out of our control, is the level of intelligence of the person reviewing your application. I've honestly had several clear cut, meet the criteria with out a doubt applications and they get denied. Then I've had some where I've told my client, "this is going to be a tough one, an uphill battle, but I'm confident you WILL get benefits", and they get approved immediately.

But wording the application correctly, and being very familiar with the impairment listings is the MOST important thing you can do.

Yes, SSDI is based off your earnings history, it has nothing to do with geographical location
 

julie

New member
based on my own experiences with a number of cases, I believe it depends on two factors, one of which you unfortunately have NO control over. The first is the way you word your application so it is very clear that you meet the impairment criteria, or your combination of ailments is such that you "equal" the impairment criteria.

The second, and one out of our control, is the level of intelligence of the person reviewing your application. I've honestly had several clear cut, meet the criteria with out a doubt applications and they get denied. Then I've had some where I've told my client, "this is going to be a tough one, an uphill battle, but I'm confident you WILL get benefits", and they get approved immediately.

But wording the application correctly, and being very familiar with the impairment listings is the MOST important thing you can do.

Yes, SSDI is based off your earnings history, it has nothing to do with geographical location
 

julie

New member
based on my own experiences with a number of cases, I believe it depends on two factors, one of which you unfortunately have NO control over. The first is the way you word your application so it is very clear that you meet the impairment criteria, or your combination of ailments is such that you "equal" the impairment criteria.
<br />
<br />The second, and one out of our control, is the level of intelligence of the person reviewing your application. I've honestly had several clear cut, meet the criteria with out a doubt applications and they get denied. Then I've had some where I've told my client, "this is going to be a tough one, an uphill battle, but I'm confident you WILL get benefits", and they get approved immediately.
<br />
<br />But wording the application correctly, and being very familiar with the impairment listings is the MOST important thing you can do.
<br />
<br />Yes, SSDI is based off your earnings history, it has nothing to do with geographical location
 
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