Going on disability

[frankswife]

Hello, all! I was wondering how it works to go on disability. Frank is not yet on dialysis, but he works overnights at a very physical job and I can see how worn down he is really getting. I would like to have him home where I can care for him, but we absolutely cannot survive on just my salary. Luckily though I carry our health insurance. Anyway, I hear horror stories about the process for SSD. I hear you are ALWAYS turned down the first time and that the process can take three years. Are you automatically considered disabled once you are on dialysis? He would have to quit to apply, right? I take it that wouldnt look too good. I just dont know what to do, if anything, and would appreciate any advice.

[paris]

I was approved pre dialysis.  There are papers for the doctors to fill out and they ask for a description of your job. (be very detailed).     I was approved in 3 months.  And the first check I received was a large back pay check.  They determined that I had been disabled long before I applied.  They can only go back one year for back pay, but that was an incredible surprise and we really needed it.    About 4 months after applying and being approved, I got my first disability check.    Kidney failure has a special claus in the disability requirements and is usually an automatic approval.     

I don't have any horror stories.  Mine all went smoothly.   I did mine completely online and it was easy.  I think online is less confusing for everyone.  Everything is spelled out and right there for you.

Now, my sister applied for disability for her arthritis, fibro but immediately got turned down.  She hired a lawyer and finally got it approved.   You shouldn't have any of that with kidney failure.    Good luck --- keep us updated.   

[msrosefromms]

I also applied for disability. I did not get it until I started  dialysis. I started
PD training in Sept and got my first check in Oct. I was approved but needed to start dialysis. I understand with Hemo, it doesn't start until the 3rd month.







EDITED: Fixed spacing in post- kitkatz, Moderator

[wrandym]

I was denied disability because I am working full time.  I applied after my 2nd bout with pneumonia in 6 months...I now feel like I will be working until I drop

[glitter]

Sometimes when you have ESRD you are approved on the first try- my husband was.

[MightyMike]

I was denied disability because I am working full time.  I applied after my 2nd bout with pneumonia in 6 months...I now feel like I will be working until I drop

I believe you have to go on disability first through FMLA (family medical leave act) for 3 months considered short term then if your going to continue to long term you can file for SSDI then if your approved you get your first check 5 months from the time you filed.  That's the way it worked for me I guess they don't want to approve if it might be a short term situation but is anything short term when you have ESRD. 

[Annig83]

Talk to his doctor and there should be paperwork to fill out.  My process was started pre-diaylsis, but I had been hospitalized previously so everything was set in motion.  You should be able to talk directly to a social worker from SSD.  If your husband stops working completely, he should get SSD immediately.  I got mine in a month's time.  I am not sure that each state is different?  I live in Indiana.

[frankswife]

He has been approved, it only took one month to get the approval. However, we have to wait til March to get any money since you have a 5 month waiting period. Does anybody know if it's different state by state?

[sullidog]

I'm on disability through intermittent FMLA but I'm also blind so I have different SSDI rules, so I have a double wamy, good luck! yes and when his case is up for review you gotta be very detailed cause they are funny like that.

[neil]

It seems in US it is sometimes fairly easy to get State disability help In the UK its very hard Ive been trying for a year and received no help from our Social Services so much for famous Natiional Health !

[CebuShan]

I was originally told that ESRD is NOT a disability!! Had to fight them to get them to admit that their own paperwork said that it was!  I was denied again because they said I didn't make enough money; then I was denied because my husband made $100 too much!  My husband & I had to legally separate for me to get any kind of assistance! I hated having to apply but the medical bills were sinking us.

[neil]

It seems a bit easier in the US Ive been on dialysis for 10 months in UK and have received nothing So much for the welfare state in UK

[Ricksters]

I applied for SSD in June when I stopped working....Got my approval letter the beginning of December, and my first check (for December) the end of January.

Ricki