Hello, all. I've been in a funk of dreary summer doldrums, missing Scott like mad while trying to take care of financial business. I recently had an experience with social security benefits that might be helpful to some of you.

I had not been contacted by the Social Security Administration about the "one time death benefit" of $255 (big whoop) but I knew I needed to do that at some point anyway (it is money, after all). I had put it off, then a friend of my husband's (who used to work for SS) called to say that I might be able to apply for a "disability after death" claim because from initial diagnosis to death, Scott had tried to work through the radiation and chemo but finally had to go on official leave from his job this past November. It seems that he had what is called an "unsuccessful work attempt" because he didn't work a complete three months for his fall teaching semester, so MAYBE I will get several months' back disability pay from November until May, when he died. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The point, though, is that when I called the 800 number to make the appointment with my local SS office, the person on the phone told me I could not file a "disability after death" claim and pretty much made me feel stupid. So....I still took my husband's friend with me (the one who suggested I could file this claim) and it turns out you CAN do such a thing. It'll be a while before I hear the results, but at least it was worth a shot.

The next big thing I did not know about is that my youngest daugher can receive a check each month until she graduates high school (this check equals half my monthly salary!!). She's now 15. Again, the person on the phone at the SS headquarters pooh-poohed my questioning this because Sierra was his step child, I have a job, and I receive child support on her behalf...but I still brought it up when I went in for my scheduled appointment at the local office. After a lot of paperwork, we were successful with this claim.

I would never have known she could qualify for this benefit had Scott's friend not insisted I try for it. I had to prove that Scott provided for at least 50% of her financial care; I was skeptical that I could prove it although I knew he surely had. So, there's a way the social security officer calculated this using my salary, the child support I receive from my daughter's father (a pathetic amount), the number of people in the household, and then what my husband's salary was. The next thing I know the claims officer is telling me that my daughter will get a monthly check until she graduates high school and will also receive back pay to Scott's death, May, or if the disability claim comes through, back to that date, November.

Can you believe all this? I am so relieved and glad that I took Scott's friend's advice. What really shook me, though, is that there is a three month limit to filing a claim for survivor benefits for a child or step-child. It will be three months tomorrow. Had I not filed when I did, I would have lost tens of thousands of dollars for my youngest daughter (which I can use toward college savings, montly expenses, clothing, etc.).

So, be advised that when you call the 800 number for the Social Security Administration, the person on the phone may not necessarily know all the rules and laws pertaining to filing a claim. And they might make you feel like you are crazy or stupid, but don't let that stop you!

Christine

Christine,
I'm so happy that this has happened for you. It must be so scary for you right now and to have some financial stress removed is a blessing.
I filed for disability online last week. I talked to my doctor about it and he was in agreement that I simply cannot fill the requirements of my job any longer. I think the past year has caught up with me, physically and mentally, and I need a break. I cannot lift and spot the kids like I used to. I don't know if this will work out or not, my doctor feels it's warranted and needed, but I'm hoping. I have four children living at home still so I know they are eligible for some type of benefits also. None of it will be what I make a month but I don't know how long I can continue to make that per month with the physical limitations I now have.
What are others experience with disability? Did it take forever?
I'm so happy you had some good news Christine, take care.
Minnie

Christine
Well done girl, CHRISTINE is back, I'm so pleased for you, Scott would have been so pleased to know that some of the worry of the last few months have been lifted. I cannot make any comment because the system is different in the UK.. BUT the same idiots man the phones, how they hold down their jobs I'll never know.. :rolleyes:
Sunshine... love and hugs
Helen

Minniea,
I filed for SSDI when I was first dx'd and was approved right away (within a few weeks). They gave me a 5-7 year review period and there is a waiting period of 5 months from date of Dx. You may get some money retroactively if they approve your claim since it goes back to the date of Dx or disability. I guess they're not all idiots. Some here have had real problems and in my case it was practically rubber stamped. You will need detailed copies of your medical records, tests, scan reports, etc. Follow all of the guidelines and instructions very carefully.

Christine and Minnie,

I am just coming on my one year anniversary from the first surgery (and disability date). I applied in May and was approved last week. I also am processing disability payments for my boys and my wife will qualify for disability payments because one of the children is under 16 years of age. There are programs available for retraining into different kinds of work that are easier to accomplish than what you were doing. Also, even after returning to the same work or completing training for a different type of work, you can receive the payments for up to 9 months. I researched quite a bit from the social security website and the lady I worked with in-person was very helpful indeed.

I am anticipating a voc rehab program through the state coordinated with social security that will pay to retool me as an Oracle Database Administrator. I had to go through a day of psychological and intellectual testing and they have agreed to put together a package through the local job service group, the rehab group and social security. Be sure and ask about the Ticket to Work process as well, Minnie.

Ed