Half approved

[confused1]

I got a letter today that may -- or may not -- be good news. It said that I have met the medical requirements for SS disability. But then went on to say that I have to meet "nonmedical requirements" and that that decision hasn't been made yet. The letter strictly instructed me not to make any phone calls or request any information until I get notification of whether these "other" requirements have been met or not. After that, I can appeal if I'm turned down on the basis of the nonmedical requirements.

What's that mean?

I want to have some hope that this is good news, but I can't even find any information to suggest what these "nonmedical requirements" might be.

Anybody got an idea?

Thanks, (hopefully)
Sunny

[Scarlet Wolf]

Hi Sunny style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif ,

The only thing that comes to my mind when thinking about your question are the issues regarding your age and length of time worked. Perhaps someone else will come along with more information for you, but in the meantime, I've cut and pasted some information from The Social Security Administration's website for you. I hope this helps and I wish you much luck in getting your full approval asap!

For full article: http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify2.htm

<span style="color:#000099">How Much Work Do You Need?
Updated January 05, 2005

In addition to meeting our definition of disability, you must have worked long enough--and recently enough--under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits.

Social Security work credits are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to four credits each year.

The amount needed for a credit changes from year to year. In 2005, for example, you earn one credit for each $920 of wages or self-employment income. When you've earned $3,680, you've earned your four credits for the year.

The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

IMPORTANT: Remember that whatever your age is, you must have earned the required number of work credits within a certain period ending with the time you become disabled. Your Social Security Statement shows whether you meet the work requirement at the time it was prepared. If you stop working under Social Security after the date of the Statement, you may not continue to meet the disability work requirement in the future. </span>

(((Sunny))), Good luck, the disability approval process is extremely stressful so please take extra care of yourself while you are going through this.

Hugs,
Scarlet Wolf style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cloud9.gif

[confused1]

Scarlett,

Thanks. I hope everything works out. This would be life saving. I can't even begin to explain the stresses hitting me right now, many of them of my own making. I'm screwing up so much I can't seem to put my shoes on without making a mess that goes on for days.

I will worry nonstop until I have that next letter.

Sunny

[alobreto]

Oh, my, Sunny!
I think you've been provided excellent information, and directly from the source.

I'm not sure what nonmedical requirements are, so can't be of much help. Just know that I'm thinking of you while you wait for the definitive answer.
Best personal regards,
Angela style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[mamascan1]

(((((Sunny))))),
Hey girl, you are half the way there! As the others mentioned I believe the non-med is the work credits you have. I don't know much more than that. I do remember when I first applied the local SS office checked to make sure I had enough credits when I started my case.

Wish you the very best of luck sweetie! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cloud9.gif I know how much this could mean for you.

Hugs,

Michelle style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[jude mack]

Hi Sunny

Good luck with Social Security benefits, I hope they don't make you wait too long for an answer.

Take Care
Jude style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[flowergarden]

Sunny, at least you are part way there. But I"m sorry you have hit a bump in the SSDI road. It's rarely smooth.

I fully understand the part you mentioned about getting oneself in more and more difficulties. I seem to be doing that so much lately. I almost need someone to live with me to help with some of the basics now, like how to get places, how to do ADL's, etc.

I'm sorry again. I"m waiting to hear good news soon. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[dudley]

Hi Sunny,

I think what they are talking about is do you have enough work credits as described by Scarlet Wolf. If you do then it should be a breeze.

I received a letter from NY-I live in NJ-stating that they had my file and that I was not to contact anybody till I heard from them about my claim. It did not have a clause in it like yours did. I was on pins and needles. Next thing I know I get a letter from NJ stating I was to show up for a meeting at the local office. I went. They wanted to know stuff like had I worked since filing the claim, was I out of the country for any extended stay, had I recovered from my illness, etc. I said no to theses questions and then they told me I was approved and I would have a formal document within in 2 weeks.

Never did here from NY. I think they were just trying to make my last nerve crack.

Good luck and chill out,

Elaine

[confused1]

Thanks for all the good wishes and Scarlett for the incredible info.

I am afraid of the whole work credit thing. When I first applied they checked to see if I had enough and it was very, very close. I took off to be with my boys when they were young and apparently my self-employment (for which, btw, I paid those stupidly high self-employment fees into SS) doesn't count toward those credits. If they bump me on a month or two of work credit, I will be bound to get a lawyer and contest the whole thing. I think.

But in the meantime I'm keeping my fingers crossed and trying to be positive without getting my hopes up. As my husband says: don't count your checks before they're cashed.

Sunny

[flowergarden]

Sunny, on my SS statement, my self-employment taxes counted toward my credits. At least I THINK they did. ( I never know with my memory. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wacko.gif) style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[raggedyann1]

Sunny,

The number of credits that are recent that are part of the requirement are based on your date of disability not this years date. I don't understand about self-employment unless you were under teh minimum dollars for some quarters. My husbands self employement counts on his soc sec statement that we receive.

So if you were making good money and self-employed they better darn well count those quarters.

Praying you will hear from them soon.

Take care,
Karen

[dudley]

Hi

yes as stated above the social security fees you paid do count. You would be wise to get all the taxes togehter, SS payments etc. know instead of the last minute. If you are anything like me it will take days to find.

You know the web sites to figure out you quraters. If you have enough then don't worry.

Wishing you the best of luck

Elaine

[Pickles]

HI

It took me more than 2 years to get it but I worked 30 years. Don't know why it also tells you "not to call anyone" I never saw that on a letter.

Just wanted to wish you luck.. I have been off for a while, my computer got struck by lightning and hasn't been working since August. I'm now on the library computer, I did get a new one but don't have it working yet.

I hope you get good news soon. Hang in there...I know it is frustrating and hard to do. I hope you have a great support system from family and friends.