Has anyone here ever filed for disability for your spouse or child?

[cybilx10]

Hubby and I are seriously contemplating on filing for disability for him. He has had 3 major back surgeries and is now in line for a neck fusion and the doctor said that is upper spine is starting to deteriorate. I just dont think working is an option for him anymore. I mean, it is doing more hard than good.
But I have googled and read, and it all seems so foreign to me on what my first thing is to do or what not to do.
Can any of you give me any tips on where I should start?

[mom2lucas]

I'm interested in this topic as well. We've not taken the step to file yet, but I feel it's not far down the road for DH.

[rbunnymom]

I have not personally done this but do know of two who have both in their 40's, both with health issues severe enough that in my opinion should have gotten it without an issue but that was not the case. The decision was that they both were too young and could possibly improve in health so were denied the first time around. It took almost 3 years for the one to get it and the other is still fighting 3 years later. From what I know it is best to get an attorney who takes the case on contingency so you have a better chance. Also, document everything!

[cheynesnana]

I agree with rbunny... definitely get an attorney.. find one that doesn't get paid until you get approved.. my roomate just got it this year and the attorney took his pay out of the back pay they owed him so we didn't have to worry about it.

[Jen1]

cybilx10/mom2lucas
Do you guys mean social secuity disability?

If so, I can PM you the info how to apply/info related to it.

I've never applied, but at one point had considered it after a car accident. I remember the process was long and painful in itself. You will probbaly need some sort of legal advice, but as leasr you'll be able to check on info related to it n the meantime.... LMK

[mom2lucas]

My FIL filed for disability with an attorney. He was approved in 8 months, and they did take it out of backpay instead of an upfront fee. My understanding was that there was a max amount the attorney could take from the backpay. I wonder if any attorneys around me would take on a man in his late 20's? I know that's young to be considering disability, but it is a real possibility for DH at this point in time.

[cheynesnana]

Yep.. there is a max percentage they can take out of the pay... I'll try and find his award letter..

[shelleyf]

I know people who have filed for it and it is a lot of work. The papers are a huge stack and takes hours to fill out. Then you have to get a lawyer that only gets paid if you win. It took all of them an average of 2-3 years to get approved. They were all turned down the first time so you have to apply again. You have to go to their Disability Doctors and get tests on all sorts of things, very extensive I was told. Lots of paperwork proof on why you need disability. When you get approved you will get a big lump sum check for all the months you have waited for the money so if it took 3 years you get a check for 3 years worth minus lawyer fees. The people I know get between $600-800 a month. I don't know how they determine how much per person but that is the average. I will be praying for all of you.

[cybilx10]

Yes, SSI benefits is what I am looking into, unless there is something different out there.

[Agape Love]

Typically, one applies by getting the paperwork via the SS Adm office or online now. One is often turned down twice in a row, even if several doctors from multiple specialities are in agreement, though your case can vary. On the third attempt, retain a lawyer, who gets a set fee from the back pay rewarded. I think it's like 15-20%. This info can be found on the SSA website.

The sooner one applies, the better. A piece of advice.......document, document, document. Be ready to answer questions from "how many hours can you sit/stand..etc... to undergoing a psychological inteview depending on the diagnosis. It can be arduous and taxing, because so many have defrauded the system, and now according to the business articles online, applications have increased in this economy, esp in certain geographical areas.

One of gal pals from church worked in the local offices and would vent about the dr's offices being slow to send med records to them. That's why I say keep documentation that you can submit. The overall process usually takes a year, so if your doctor recommends you apply, don't wait.