I took Social Security at 63 because I would have such bad intestinal pains that it would keep me from doing my job well and cause me to call in or leave work early. I've been to the emergency room a few times, and the results were another operation which all the different doctors frowned upon, watch what I eat, drink a lot of water, and take it easy. So I decided that I would just work part-time after I turned 63. I wanted to work a few more years to get more SS benefits. The pains I would get started around 2012 and became more long-lasting, sometimes about 12 hours or so. The pains would linger slightly for a few more days. So in 2016, I went on SS and only worked about 10 to 15 hours a week. I stopped going to doctors after my last colonoscopy in 2015 because, as always, everything looked good, except for the bills I would receive which I am still paying. So I applied for SS disability in October of 2016 because since I stopped working, I was feeling much better. I still get the pains but not near as much as I used to when I worked, and they don't last for more than a few hours when they do come. SS denied me stating I could still do my work and my colostomy should have nothing to do with it. That is true, but it's the aftereffect of losing body parts due to my colostomy that I feel has caused me these pains and made it hard and stressful to work. I am in the automotive industry, so lifting and moving heavy parts and getting in awkward positions is a daily thing, but according to SS, I can do that! So my question is, has anyone had this same situation? I haven't seen a doctor since 2015 about my pains, and SS wants medical proof which all I can give them is past history. So I have a review before some kind of SS disability judge to make a decision. All I have right now is my word and a bunch of unpaid doctor bills I have accumulated from all of this. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks, Bob.
There are law firms that specialize in getting SSI benefits. Google one in your area.
Bob, I was in the auto business for 30 years, 15 of it after my original surgery for colon cancer. I developed a large hernia from all that lifting that you mention. I put it off but eventually had to have the hernia repaired. My doc had a talk with me after surgery and said, "You are going to have to change your lifestyle. You can't continue doing what you're doing or you will be right back in here." Anyhow, I asked if he would support a disability claim. He said absolutely! You are going to have to go see a doctor who is familiar with your history and have a heart-to-heart talk with him. SS isn't going to approve a disability claim without a doctor referral. They are bureaucrats, not medical folks. See a doctor and get his help, file a claim, and see what happens. If it isn't approved, you will have to hire a lawyer. They work for free unless your claim is successful. The fee is rather hefty if you win, but I don't see any other option if you want to remain healthy. Best of luck. MMsh
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They always deny you at first.
Always.
Like chet8625 said, get a lawyer who specializes in it.
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After consulting with a handful of lawyers, I decided to apply on my own. I had documentation from my GP and surgeon that stated I wasn't able to continue with my occupation. I had over a dozen surgeries in 3 years. I was approved in less than 3 months. In doing my research with lawyers, it is my opinion that some of them take the case and delay as long as possible. The attorney that represents you with SSD receives 25 percent of your first check that is paid directly to them before you see a penny. I was considered disabled for the 2 previous years before I applied, so my first check was retro. Do the math. I would also investigate your local state law to see if you can get state disability while you go through the process.
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Thank you everyone for all the info, and for taking the time to respond. I did check with a lawyer and without any medical documentation, they said no. The only documentation I have is from hospital stays in 2014 and for now that's what I'm gonna shoot for. Thanks again everyone, Bob
Have you tried legal aid? I am 64 and also developed 2 hernias and a prolapse. I wish I was told about wearing a support belt and how common these complications are. I also was thinking of applying because I had to take my social security early and cannot work out of the house. The only thing I can really do is something like research, cloud work, phone or email work.
I heard they usually deny almost everyone the first time. I am not sure, but I don't know if legal aid would want a cut, but it's worth a try. You can apply for SSI and Disability both because you may qualify for regular disability until 65 years.
Definitely do not do heavy lifting. Good luck!
I totally understand when I went through this to get SSDI. It pays more than SSI and plus the benefit is better when you need more supplies than what SSI/Medicare would allow. For me, I had to prove no income for 1 year and it would be permanent. I had to go to the local rehab place to see if I could get into college to be retrained since I always did manual labor and heavy lifting. They have tests that are designed to find a hidden talent.
I didn't do the lawyer thing because I wasn't going to give them all that money, because I went into major debt to my mom and dad for that year of no work and them having to pay for all my trips to doctors' appointments and help feed me. So, I had to move back in with dear old mom and dad and lose everything I worked for just to get help. It wasn't easy, lots of paperwork and hoop jumping, denied 2 times and waiting on the 3rd took a year and a half of time before I got my SSDI. So, you will get mad as a hornet and pissed off at them because of the bs they want to know.
Hi
Had a sister in Wellsville. Now she is back in AZ, as am I after 22 years in the PNW. I don't do much anymore - read, write, politically active snowflake.
Ford F65
If you are of age (minimum 62), you can file for regular Social Security. It will be at a reduced rate because you are filing early, but if you file for SSDI (disability), you will receive the same amount as early filing, and that will become your SS if you are still collecting at 66. Been there, done that. The biggest problem I see is you are not eligible for Medicare until 65, and insurance is costly. Your disability lawyer cannot help you because he is bound by the laws, and a doctor is absolutely the only way a disability claim will be approved. Check to see what you'd collect now on SS and SSDI before you make the decision to file at all. You can also collect SSI and work part-time without penalty (income up to $19,000/year). Disability is not necessarily the best solution and could well be the same as your SS if you file early, but disability does NOT allow you to work and claim income.
PEACE
Dadnabbit
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I agree! Get an attorney! If you get approved, SSA will back pay you from your original application date. At any rate, you should be able to qualify for Social Security because of your age soon, right?
Good luck
E & I
Ford65
Something no one has mentioned. If you have limited or no income, hospital bills can be forgiven. DO NOT allow your parents to pay your debt. Contact the financial offices where your services were performed. They will want proof of lost income and a financial statement that reports your expenses. EVERY HOSPITAL in the USA that receives ANY government funding (and they pretty much all do unless they are private) is OBLIGATED to forgive a percentage of their gross income in charity relief forgiving outstanding debt. Contact the financial offices of the places---all of them---that provided any services to you. TALK TO THEM.
PEACE
Dadnabbit
There are social security disability lawyers everywhere who will not take your case unless they think they can win. And you only have to pay them if you win. They will give you free consultation to give you an idea if you can win. You will always get rejected when first applying. I did after wrecking my motorcycle, breaking my back in 3 places, and causing spinal cord damage. I also broke 11 ribs and collapsed one lung. I partially collapsed the other lung. I had to have a tracheotomy and live with a machine breathing for me for a month and a half in ICU. Then another month and a half on a regular floor. I couldn't move a toe for over a month. There is so much I'm sure I have left stuff out. 9 months later, I still can barely walk. I spend 21 or so hours of the day in bed and I was denied disability. If they don't think I fit the need for it, I would like to know who would. But I got one of those lawyers and they took me immediately. They told me they always deny you at first, but if you fight, you may have a chance.