I understand that age is also a factor. Persons under 50 have a much more difficult time getting SSDI. In California the State has doctors that perform the review for the Fed - they contacted me, and I had to send them all of my records. They approved the claim in about 3 weeks. I was very careful to insure that I complied with all of the documentation requirements. I had copies of every scan report, lab tests, pathology reports, etc. There does seem to be much variation in who gets approved and who doesn't. I am sure that the local person has a lot of power in approving the claim.

The basis for the claim was "cancer fatigue", rendering me unable to work and totally disabled.
They have since, sent me vouchers to pay for job re-training.

Some people they appear to "rubber stamp" through and others have to hire a lawyer.

Thanks everyone for all the help!

She emailed me today and her husband is home. She talked to het church (Catholic) and they willbe paying her son's tution for them this upcoming school year. the school is part of the church.

Her sister in law loaned them some money.

So it is looking a little better and she is doing some things now.
I copied all your suggestions and information and have emailied it to her.

Kimberly,

To clarify the social security picture, there is two different parts of social security. The first is disability paid under SSDI, Social Security Disability Insurance. Under this you have to be totally disabled for one year and payment begins with the sixth month. Fatigue from chemo/radiation or the disease itself is enough to qualify. The date is picked by either you or the doctors. I have seen some start with diagnosis and others with the first treatment. In my case, I started when I was first in the hospital to pull some teeth, put in a PEG and mediport. I worked up to the day before so that seemed logical. The benefit amount is determined as if you retired right now, based on what you have paid in through social security taxes. In addition, the spouse usually qualifies for something if there is a 16 year old or younger child in the house and the minor children will qualify for something as well.

SSI, supplemental security income, is a little more difficult to qualify for and is soley based on lower income levels while disabled intended to pay basic food and living costs. I do not think you can own a house or have a certain level of assets but I am not sure.

In addition to these Federal programs, there are state programs that help with medical, etc. They are even more restrictive on money in the bank, home ownership, etc.

There should be a social worker at the cancer center/hospital your friend is at that could help. Under HIPA, they can not discuss anything about the patient or family but that does not mean you can't call and ask them for help for her. They could speak with her and do a quick check list of things she may need but she would have to tell them.

Your friend is so forunate to have you and even that is helping her more than you will ever know. Comfort and love are as important as anything during this horrible disease. Believe it or not, even you are affected, as is the entire circle of family and friends.

Ed

Dear Anita and all,

When my mother was 56 she suffered three heart attacks that resulted in her losing 1/3 of her heart function.

She had been working as a private sitter at a nursing home for several years, and could no longer do her job. No way could she care for her patients like she should.

I went to the local Social Security office and had all the appropriate forms filled out by her doctors for disability. (Not a pleasant thing at all..........I think they would like everything documented in blood!)

After sitting down with the social worker and giving him all the completed forms, the first thing out of his mouth was, "When you receive word that your Mother has been turned down for benefits, please come to me so that I may resubmit the forms." Granted, this was off the record, but he told me that the vast majority of disability claims are automatically denied. It seems that there are so many 'wannabes' out there that this is the state's way of 'weeding out' the flukes. Their reasoning is only those in need will go through with filing the second time.

Yes, Mom was denied instantly, I returned to the social security office, refiled, and she was accepted. She was paid retro from the date of her disability.

We've all seen the so-called disabled on TV bowling and leading an easy life on the tax money we all pay. I guess this is the state's way of having a check-and-balance system in place.

Love,
Mandi