Phone interview for SSI in three hours ...

[Akoto]

Anyone on SSI (Supplemental Security Income) have tips for me? ;) I have all of my papers together and a good understanding of my problem, but advice never hurts.

It sucks having to apply for this at only 23 years of age, but I don't have a choice anymore. Chronic pain sucks.

I know I'll be denied on the first try (seems most are), but if this if my first shot, I still plan to make it a good one!

[moriah]

1. Lighting a candle for you, if you don't mind!

Only advice I can give, not having been on SSI, is just be honest. They probably deal with a lot of people who aren't, and if you're honest and straightforward with them they'll be able to tell.

That attitude has helped me in other interviews with the Feds, my ex-husband was from Germany. We were both nervous during his immigration interview. I just talked to the guy naturally, had all my paperwork in my arms. Found out he hated New York City after having worked there awhile, I said I was a country girl and I couldn't imagine that big of a city, and said the largest city I'd been to was Dallas to visit a friend.

Hubby spoke up only at that point, and said "So how is Jeremy doing?"

"Last I heard he's doing well, still working at Dell, and Christina's still going to art school...."

He stamped our papers right then.

Don't suck up, don't pretend to be worse than you are, just be honest. I'm sure others have better advice, but that's all I can give. Oh, and don't take your pain medicine before the interview, better to have pain in your voice than sound foggy.

[kath]

2. What's most important is how your condition affects daily *functioning*

Some things can be allowed just on the basis of diagnosis alone. If you don't qualify on the basis of diagnosis, it's your ability to function that matters. *With recommended medical treatment* you have to be unable to function well enough to work for 12 continuous months (or be *expected* to be unable to work for 12 months)

Records and/or a statement from your doctor(s) that indicate what you can and can't do are the most useful information in determining your case. The doc should be as specific and detailed as possible as to what your limitations are. You should be specific about this in your interview as well.

See the links on the bottom of this page for the "Physical RFC (Residual Functional Capacity)" and "Mental RFC" forms -- these are similar to what the disability adjudicators use, and contain the sort of *functional* information that is needed. http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/
Also Google for SSI "listing of impairments" to find the specific listings (organized by organ system) to see if you meet a listing based on diagnosis. {on edit, here its is: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm }

Sorry - gotta run, so can't find more right now. Good luck.

[Akoto]

3. Hi, thanks ...

I don't know if diagnosis alone will do it. I have a little understood condition that is *somewhat* manageable through physical therapy and medication, but cannot be cured at this time. It causes chronic pain. At the moment, I spend 90% of my time in bed, with the other 10% going to eating and bathing. I can't sit down without triggering heightened pain.

I'm not sure of what my doctor and PT has in the notes, but I am currently under the care of the head of pain management at the University of Miami, as well as an instructor of physical therapy there.

My preparation for this wasn't great, but when money is tight and time is wasting, I at least wanted to get things rolling. I (and my doctor) can definitely tell them that I can't function or work like this!

[kath]

5. Records and letters from the pain management doc and the PT would be very helpful

If you can't even sit without being in severe pain (and this is *with* meds), then that would mean that you are unable to do even sedentary work. Also, if your meds relieve your pain but render you so foggy that you couldn't function (focus, concentration, etc) at a job, then you might be an allowance on that basis.
Have your doc and PT describe your limitations in detail - how you do with and without treatment. This is what will help your case the most.

Good luck! I'm sorry that you are suffering so much, and at such a young age.

[Akoto]

6. Thanks so much again ...

The pain doctor and PT are not going to be here to talk with them (doing a phone interview from home), but will the SSI person contact them to talk?

[kath]

7. They will want written stuff - records of your treatment, but in addition to that letters from each

of them stating just how limited you are in your functioning (and what specific areas of functioning are limited, and how much) are what will be most helpful.
They will look at *all* of that info, plus the notes from your interview, before making a decision.

If you think you might "meet a listing" based on diagnosis, and keeping in mind that the condition must have lasted or be expected to last for a continuous period of 12 months, then a statement (and records) from your doc confirming the diagnosis might be enough. If you don't meet a listing, then they will need as much detail as possible regarding functioning.

Happy to help.

[Akoto]

8. Thanks Kath ...

I don't have any written statements from either of them, so I guess I'm going into this less prepared than I thought. Maybe I'll have a chance to get these things after the interview but before the process finishes.

[kath]

9. You will have plenty of time to get the necessary info from your doc and PT - don't sweat it.

Sounds like you are adequately prepared - the process takes time, and they will want as much info as possible about how you function before making a decision. It doesn't all ride on today's interview, not at all. They don't expect you to have all your records and everything upfront.

you will probably eventually need to complete the Function Report Form ( form SSA-3373-BK) -- see bottom of this page for link: http://www.disabilitydoc.com/disability-application-forms/
Even if you don't need to fill it out, reading it over will indicate what sorts of functional info they're looking for. Be specific -- if you can do a type of activity (such as housework - vacuuming,etc) if you have to, but doing so causes you to be in increased pain for days afterward, say so. If you can dress yourself, but can't put on certain types of clothing because of limited use of your arms or hands, say so.

That whole site looks very helpful - more accurate and well-informed than many of them out there. (the other one I linked to in an earlier post, maybe not so great) Haven't had a lot of time to poke around it, but it looks good. http://www.disabilitydoc.com/about-this-site/

[Akoto]

10. Thanks again. I did the call.

The lady asked twice to reinforce the fact that I am in bed 90% of the time. I didn't get to say a lot, but I gathered that she was just an info taker. Had all of the info she wanted, though!

She said she would forward my case file up to the disability department, and that I should have a decision within four months.

[CC]

4. Take notes on the conversation.

Make sure you write down date/time and who you are talking too. Tell them you are taking notes and make them repeat should you need them too. Also note your answers. It goes a long way if you should have to appeal.


Seems these days it does mean an appeal and even a lawyer. If you are denied do check into lawyers in your area. They are only allowed to collect a certain percentage of your back due disability if they win. Should you be denied then win your appeals they will have to pay you back to the day you applied.


Good luck, I know it has been harder to get under this regime. :hug:

[Roon]

11. Do NOT mention that anyone helps you with expenses/food

eom

[Forkboy]

12. Hope you get it, but I bet they deny you the first two times.

So don't be shocked or too discouraged if they do. The third time you'll need to hire a lawyer, and then people usually get it. There are lawyers who will only take a fee if you win, and the SSI will include retro money going back to the date you first applied once you get it.

Good luck, but ready your patience. It took me over 2 years from the time I applied until I actually got it this past July.