This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

[Caralea]

This is so hard for me to write about. I've been a bit of a work-a-holic and LOVED every career I've ever had all of my life.
Since the episode that pulled the world out from under me a year and a half ago I have not been able to work and am facing the fact that for right now I'm going to have to try and get Social Security Disability payments to survive.

What I am trying to decide is if I should go through the process myself the first time or if I should go ahead and hire a disability attorney right off the bat.

Does anyone else have any experience with this or any feedback?
thank you,
Cara

[Loobie]

I have never applied, but I have heard multiple stories of people who wished they'd have hired an atty. I've also heard it's good to apply once, get turned down, and THEN get an atty. I'm sure there are some better pieces of advice on here, but it all boils down to the consensus seems to be get an attorney.

[Lyon]

.

[Caralea]

Thank you for the feedback. I think this is what I will do. I may talk to the Att one more time and see what the charges would be doing it the first and second time as opposed to just taking it on after the first rejection.

Thank you!

[jimmylegs]

i'll just chime in to second the others after the fact - do get legal help the first time you try!

my friend with epilepsy (consequently having to take time off work for serious injuries, and consequently having lots of trouble keeping a job, unable to drive, and furthermore having a young daughter to support on his own) applied for disability support and got turned down.

i did some online research one day and hooked him up with both an epilepsy group local to him, and some pro bono legal assistance. now he has a bit of connection with others in a similar boat. and he is on track for success now. even with that, he is still on the hook probably until march 2010. then he will find out if the original decision has changed.

JL

[Caralea]

thank you jimmylegs,

ugh...I'm sorry your friend was turned down. It sounds as if he is the classic person that SS insurance is for! It makes you wonder what the heck we've been paying into the system for so long for.
:/
I can look for some pro bono help the first time perhaps. That's a good idea.
When I talked to another attorney in the office yesterday he estimated that the charge would be $6000. :-0 I thought they capped it at around $2000.
thanks!

[skysoldier]

My insurance co. provided me with an att.
I was on workmans compt at the time.