Posted by Barb D. on May 22, 1999 at 14:05:15:
In Reply to: New to Website, 18 year veteren of Cluster posted by Bobby Gilliam on May 21, 1999 at 20:12:26:
The message you got was probably because EVERYONE was on here and it was just loaded up. I get that sometimes. Just wait awhile and then come back. Usually it's ok then.
I posted something earlier about disability, but don't think it took (due to overload). Yes you can apply for disability IF your doctor says you are disabled (and who among us chronic ones isn't).
My advice (and I went through this when my husband had a stroke).
1. Write your congressman (you can follow up with a call, but they like EVERYTHING in writing)and let him know that you are applying.
2. Contact the SSA and ask for the forms (a book of paperwork).
Send a copy of everything you fill out for SSA to your Congressman (and keep a copy, you'll need it later)
3. You can do the initial interview over the phone. Ask about it. Beats going to their office.
4. Call or write your Congressman just to make sure he's doing something. (Mine (or rather his assistant) called the SSA at least once a week and I got hubby's through the first time - WITHOUT a lawyer).
5. BE PATIENT! It takes about 6 months and LOTS of paperwork before you're through. Most of it is BS, but fill in all the blanks even if you have to make up something. They like blanks filled in.
Good luck, if I can help, let me know.
Hugs BD