I just can't do the application!

[londonteatime]

Hi all,
I started filling out the SSD applications online. I did the basic one OK but I'm working on the disability statement and it's just so confusing and tricky! Of course, my mental processes aren't what they should be and I'm so afraid that I'm not answering appropriately. It's taking me forever, too.

Since I started it, is it possible to have a lawyer or someone take over filling out the paperwork? I know that everyone here recommended not getting a lawyer involved until later but I just can't do this.

Help!
Julie

[Jigs Wife]

Do you have a close friend or family memeber to help you out? I did my first application online, and it did take forever!!! It seems they ask the same questions over and over....maybe you have someone who can do the typing for you, while you just answer the questions. I wish you luck!

JiGs

[raggedyann1]

Julie,

I think you can do it in bits and pieces also, not have to finish it all at once. Maybe I don't remember right. The key thing is to make a copy of everything you give social security. Do a screen print if needed to keep a copy for yourself.

The idea it get a friend to help out is also excellent. It is very energy sapping to do that paperwork. The lawyer would still have to ask you all the answers so try and find a different way of doing it so you aren't giving away your money on the initial app.

Karen

[flowergarden]

I find it easier to do that kind of paperwork on actual paper. It gives me a chance to think and rethink. That's what I needed to do.

When the company that represents me to the SSA called for interviews, I had to see the paperwork, read it over and over again, and make corrections before I could be sure of my answers.

Perhaps you could print out the forms, fill them out, then copy them to the computer. I would definitely have someone help you, especially if it's someone who will try to understand how you feel.

Good luck. I know how intimidating it is. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/clover.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[dudley]

Hi

I am assuming that you are talking about the initial application. I did have a lawyer do mine. My mind was not it the right place. I even signed blank forms. He told me that he new what he was doing and had been doing it for 30 yrs. I insisted that he send me copies of what was to go to social security--of course he did not. After a month of bugging him I finally got what he sent to social security. Every thing was wrong. all the info about my job history was incorrect. He did not fill anthingout according to instruction---which later did leave to confusion plus he put down that I only spoke spanish. I speak maybe 10 words of spanish. I have always only spoken elnglish.

I did find out that the initial application is not as important as the following documents.

My advice to you is to print it out and fill it in on paper and then input it into the system. Take your time and as suggested have somebody help you. Remeber you can always add to it by referancing another page if you run out of room. If you have questions you can always call SSDI.

Good luck

Elaine

alwayse remeber to keep a copy.

[Erskine]

wow, elaine, you had a horrible experience with your lawyer. i'm sorry. i was referred by someone or other to a lawyer who did everything right. i was denied the first time, then after lots of research on the net, read that your chance of approval on the second and third appeal drops considerably without a lawyer, so i bit the bullet and it was the best decision i ever made. she was absolutely great, and when i stood in front of the judge and had to answer the questions he asked, i realized just what an unbearable burden the preparation had been for me. the fee is limited by federal law, so if you can find someone you can trust, i highly recommend it.

erskine

[Tom]

Hi Julie, style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wavey.gif

It took me 2 weeks to fill out those forms, they sent them to me. I started with the easy questions and kept going back as I thought of more things to add. Making a copy is very important because they will always compare to the answers you put down. I forgot to do that of course! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hissy1.gif Since it's been a year and a half since I did the first one, I will state on the next one that some things have probably changed since it's been so long style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif .

The other thing is to fill it out like it's a really bad day. You are proving that you need to be on disability. We tend to down play our condition but this isn't the time for that. Read through old posts and helpfull links. There are lot of them that will help you understand what you need to do. Good luck! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/clover.gif

[dudley]

Julie

Forgot to tell you that I fired the lawyer. We got into a big fight. I told him what an arrogant, incompatant attorney he was etc. I don't think he liked that.

I filled out all paper work after the initial application. I took my time.
Currently doing the reveiw not many hugh questions but it is taking me forever because my train of thought is gone and hands hurt. I can't spell alot of words-I am using small ones. I don't care if there a little misspledd just so they can read them and I can get my point across

Elaine

[lazylegs]

Hi Julie,
My husband and I took 3 weeks doing the application on line. I would look at a question and take a couple of days joting down notes before coming up with my final answer. If I had done it all at once I am sure I would have left out many important facts. We took screen shots to have as a record. It seems like they are reasking questions. Basically they are checking to see consistency. After the initial forms they mailed forms for me and a person close to me to fill out. They were details about how I functioned daily. Since I had the screen shots it made it easier to make sure I had included everything I had said previously. Include every symptom no matter how small. Lay it on thick. Go into as much detail as possible about the accomodations you have had to make in your daily life. I had forgotten all the things I used to do and the changes I had to make. Family, friends and coworkers helped remind me.
Wishing you acceptance on the first try,
Lazylegs

[londonteatime]

lazylegs,
That sounds like what I'm doing. I can handle doing just a little bit every day. The layers of it are so tiring and confusing! For instance, I had a back surgery done five years ago and I can't remember the details like the dates of the surgeon visits or the exact hospitalization dates. One of my diagnoses is degenerative disk disease so I guess I need to refresh my memory.

Should I be going to every single doctor, PT, and clinic I've seen in the past several years and get my med. records? If they want details like that, I guess I'll have to, sigh.

I have SO MANY diagnoses and that's part of the confusion but every one of them is important -- I have RA and Lupus, IBD, degenerative disk disease, spinal spondylitis, arrythmia and high blood pressure, FM, sacroiliitis, OA of the knees, bursitis of the hips, elbows and shoulders. But it is flat-out impossible to explain how all of these affect me every day in the teeny, tiny spaces they provide to write in!

Elaine,
I'm glad you got rid of a lousy lawyer -- are you looking for a new one now? Will this delay your case? Fingers crossed for you!!!!!

Julie

[Jigs Wife]

Julie,
At the end of the application, I believe, it asks for you to give them permission to get all of your medical records. All you have to do is indicate all the doctors names and address. Hang in there girl! I wish I could help you somehow......but you do have my support!

Best Wishes!
JiGs

[raggedyann1]

Julie,

I agree that you don't have to go get all the medical records but I do suggest that 4 weeks after you turn in your application you call and see if they have responded to soc sec request for medical records. It is also advisable to have a complete set of your medical records for yourself. This can be done in writing and slowly over time. They need a request with your signature to send yo copies of your records. Some of them will charge you and some won't.

Hang in there and you will find the end.

Take care,
Karen