I have my telephone interview tomorrow to apply for Social Security Disability. They sent me a paper to have filled out & said the call would take an hour. Does anyone know what all they'll ask in an hour? Any help would be appreciated. I'm nervous about saying or doing something that would mess up my chances of getting it. When I applied for my long term disability through work they asked questions that I wasn't prepared for. Can you dress yourself? Do you fix your own meals? The answers had to be yes or know. None of the somedays are better than others, most days buttons are too painful but I can put on sweats, and most days I can't fix a big meal, but I can put something in the microwave or fix a sandwhich (unless the mayo jar lid is too tight, LOL). Oh, and my favorite what do you do everyday? I really would have liked some time to think about my answers, exp. since there are no typical days for us. They wouldn't accept those answers. I'm thinking I'll be denied my LTD. Any suggestions or advise would be appreciated. I know what you are saying. My doctor asked me several times on Friday how I am functioning at home and at work. For the first time, someone was acknowledging that I was not doing so well... but I told him I was fine. That day I was basically functioning. The day before, I needed help to brush my teeth and get dressed for work. I was always taught by my mother and father to never ever complain.That people don't want to know what is bothering you. They instilled a fear in me that nobody wants to know about your health concerns... and as a result, when I go to the doctor, I never say what is really bothering me. Being unprepaired for questions is the worst. I wish I could help you. Good luck in the interview. I know someone here will have the words and wisdom to help.
Good luck on your interview. Roxanne
Hi,
I can only share my experience with you...I did not have a telepone interview, however, I have experience. There are three primary things they are looking for.
1. absolutely unable to work...that holds for 1 year to the date. Just have that in the back of your mind.
2. What I didn't know which I know now is that any blood work that backs up your claim of your RA is very important and might quicken that year I talk about above. The one that really helped me was my RA factor (normal is 160 over I forget and mine was 360 over). Also a high Sed Rate.
3. The last important must is a letter from your Dr. stating "you are 100% unable to get substantial or gainful employment." The Dr's are aware of what they have to write.
I'm sad to say that all the other paper work is pretty much to keep put you off. They refused me three times which is there practice on most SS cases. They work with the lawyers...I learned after I lost the lawyer money that I didn't need lawyer...He almost blew my case!!!. What I needed was that blood work as they cannot deny it!!! Best of luck to you and I hope this helps. Sara:)
I was approved on my first application very rapidly without a lawyer. being prepared for my interview, being very honest about my limitations and support of my Dr. were crucial. You need to put aside your pride and be very honest about your pain and limitations.
hey Hutch, did you have to already have been out of work for one year when you applied?Thanks for everyones imput. Wish me well. I applied about a month after being out of work and was approved about 2 months later. Even though I was approved, There is still a 5 month waiting period from the time you left work before benefits will begin. When I called soc security national hotline they told me I should wait a year or I would just get refused without even asking what was wrong with me. I thought this answer was unsatisfactory, so I called local office and set up an interview to apply for benefits in person at my local office and had no problems and felt they treated me well.Here is a link to Social Security which should help you prepare...
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/disability_starter_ kits_adult_eng.htm
Ok, the phone interview's over. Humm, no too sure how it went. I couldn't understand her accent very well. She leaves nearby and go figure - has RA too, and goes to the same Dr. as me. (She told me his name and asked if that's who I go to). She told me she's been on Embral for a year and I should try it. When she asked my condition & I told her RA she said "oh, I have that too, it hurts" . I thought OH BOY. She also kept putting words in my mouth. When she asked a question she barely let me explain anything before she moved on the the next question. I know they have space limits for their answers but, I think I should have been able to answer in more than 4 words. I was told it takes 3-5 months for a descission but usually more like 5. I'm normally a 1/2 glass full type of person, but today I've become a glass 1/2 empty person. LOL
Thanks for everyones imput! I was more prepared than she was.
I am a licensed esthetician. I can't even do leg waxing anymore. I mentioned it to my RA doc and he seemed unconcerned. I too take the 3 hour naps and have been very worried about working. How do I get my doc to see my side of things?kim, I've told my Dr for years about being tired, usually my biggest complaint. I had a reaction to Remicade in January - that's what he was hoping would do the trick for me - know such luck. I was in one of the worst flares ever and the fatigue was out of control. When I saw him I point blank told him, I can't do this anymore. I want more from life than to work and sleep, and thats all I have right now is work because when I'm not working I'm sleeping so I can get up & work again. During that time I also had severe bilateral carpal tunnel. He sent me for nuero. test for my hands & to an orthopedic surgeon. He also agreed to put me off work for 12 weeks - what my short term disability allowed.
When I went back to follow up I told him life was much better and for the first time in years I felt alive. I explained about my naps during the day and that I was'nt as fatigued because I could stop doing whatever was tiring me out, rest and then go back to it. He agreed that my RA was severe enough for me to get disablilty and put me off work long term.
Hope my situation helps you figure out what may work for you and your Dr. Good luck!
Kim,
I hate it when doctors don't seem to comprehend what not being able to work means. I had that happen to me early on. The problem at the time was also my hands and I was fighting to get to a neurologist. I explained to him that I couldn't work without my hands. As he was quickly stepping outside the door, he said, "Well, anybody could say that." Like that helped anything.
I swear this particular doctor and his partners would have let me die. They didn't even consider that I had an illness. The head of the group actually sat across from me, without even examining me and said it was in my head. At the time, my eyes were severely inflamed.
I won't even touch a primary care physcian now, especially ones that handle HMOs a lot. I know that's probably not the best approach. But the specialist and their staffs are so much more professional.
Keep going in and seeing your doctor. You think him that either he needs to find a way to improve your situation or put you on disability. If he is still non-responsive, then go get a second opinion and maybe some better care.
I don't know what some doctors let it get to this point. But now is the them to really bug the hell out of them. It is your life after all. You have to fight for it.