Should I call, need advice

[boxman55]

It has been four months exactly since I received a letter from the State of WI Dept. of Health and Family Services stating they are reviewing my disability claim for ESRD. I have not received anything or heard from them since. I've have been told it could take up to six months to finish the process so should I wait or bug them to see what's up...Boxman

[Joe Paul]

I would call, let them know you need an answer.

[paris]

Call them.  It couldn't hurt.  Light a fire under them.

[NVRWKN]

Give them a call. It took me almost two years. Also contact your congressman. I did and it seemed to speed things up.  Good Luck!       

[CW]

Boxman I work for  a large social service agency and we administer the medicaid component (called medi-cal) of healthcare as well as a plethora of other services for the people in our county. We may serve a different purpose than your dept of HFS but we are a large public system also.

My advice is this... always stay in their face and ask for an explanation about everything and do it in writing and by calling. Find out who is responsible for your case and get an address and a number and after you call .. WRITE also!

You do have a right to know the status of your benefits it is a matter that has a great impact on your well being. They are not doing you a favor by giving you info about your benefits - they would not be employed if people like you did not come in for benefits.

[livecam]

Just do it for the peace of mind it will give you.  When it comes to your health and income you can't let yourself be left in limbo.  The same applies to your transplant center when listed.  Keeping in touch lets them know you are serious and doesn't hurt your outlook on things either.

[okarol]

I agree that you should follow up your call with a letter. Many agencies are required to act on written correspondence in a specific time period. Be sure to include your SS number and dates of previous contact. Give all your contact info. If it were me I would mail it with a signature required on delivery as this will give you proof of making contact. Good luck!

[boxman55]

Thanks CW and everyone else for your imput. I have called and only could leaves a message so far. That was yesterday. I will try again today...Box

[boxman55]

Well I got a hold of someone at the State office and they told me a decision on my account was made on 10/24/07 and sent back to Social Sec. She said I would have to get the results from them. She could not tell me if I was approved. I asked her why I never received any mailing and she had no clue. So next phone call was to Social Security, I was on hold for less then 2 minutes and then Alicia picked up. She said I have been approved and can expect my February '08 check on March 19th. I then asked her why no notification and she showed none was ever sent and didn't know why but, is going to get it out today. All right then, I feel better, checks in the mail...Box

FYI it took 5-1/2 months for the first check to be mailed.

[Joe Paul]

WOW, thats great Box 

[Sunny]

Sounds like good news for you and I'm glad you called to get the status. Bureaucracy can be so slow sometimes.

[okarol]

Jenna's first check was slow to arrive, however I believe it was retroactive to her disability date so she got more than one month's amount.

[Sluff]

tell them you'll send big bad Sluff if you don't get answers..ha ha ha ..I'd call. 

[paris]

Boxman, I am so glad you got the right answer.  Mine went through without a hitch and before the first payment came, I got a check for backpay.  They back dated my disability to when I was eligable, which was more than a year before I applied.   I am glad the check is in the mail    It is good when the system works

[CW]

Great Box!

I am not surprised by any of the news you got. I am surprised that you got someone from Soc Sec on the phone in under 3 minutes  they drive me friggin batty  . Well it seems you are lucky and it took me six months to get any benefits from the SSDI program back in 98 when I was first diagnosed. I did not know to bug their ass's back then. It is a huge system with undertrained workers and a lot of clients I am surprised they get anything done.

Good job! they count on most people not asking about their benefits - don't be one of those .

CW