Question:
At 12:08 AM 3/27/96 GMT, you wrote: >Hi, >This is my first posting, so I hope it comes through. I have >just been approved for SSDI and SSI on my first try with very >little hassle. snip
Ann, Welcome. I am glad you decided to post to us. This is a good idea. I had not thought about because I have not worked in a long time and am an at home mom at the moment so I do not think I am eligible for Social Security benefits, but I can see the advantages in other areas for having copies of your records handy. We have moved and changed doctors several times in the last 12 years and it would be nice to have them right up front instead of waiting for the new doctor to receive them. Thanks for posting the hint. I hope we see more from you in the future. Take care. CL Spuhler _________________________ | ~ ^ ^ | Cheryl and Dana Spuhler | ~ ()() /( | spuh…@bright.net | ~ / / | / ( | Beware of Dragon | ~00/ | |___/ ( | | ^^ | ( | |____________________(___|
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Hi, I’ve come across a bunch of postings about my post on getting my med. records, as I inadvertently posted to about 5 groups. Most say it’s silly to pay for your records, and I agree. When I used to have a private practice MD, he would just xerox them for me for nothing. I noticed that my HMO now doesn’t even allow MD’s to have xerox machines on their floor. To run off copies of anything they have to go to the basement, too time consuming for even the nurse. I think they really want a handle on who’s getting what. I am so fatigued all the time, I just don’t have it in me to fight this and so far have only spent $38.00 for all records because they give a certain amt. free. Of course this $.50 charge is specifically designed to discourage patients from getting their records. It IS in writing though, this charge, in the HMO’s handbook. I did have fun last month when I requested copies of slides of a biopsy I had. They asked me the purpose and I told them I was making earrings out of them. I finally got them but, boy what brouhaha I went through. And they couldn’t charge for that, it wasn’t in the contract! And no, the originals of med records do belong to the facility, we can only get copies and I believe this is federal. Ann
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But remember you can’t hire an attorney until your first application is turned down. Also attornies are limited to 25% of the back payment. In article <4ini8s$…@newsbf02.news.aol.com>, jo…@aol.com (Jooss) wrote: >Also get an attorney that specializes in Disability cases – they are not >allowed to charge you unless they win your case and then the judge sets >what percent of your award they receive. I am now on
disability but doubt – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I could have gotten through all the filings and other junk involved >without my attorney. He and I’m sure others in the field also know who to >deal with and who to avoid. Good luck. Jo…@aol.com >Jo…@aol.com
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jbubl…@execpc.com (Jim Bublitz) wrote:
Dear Jim, I can’t answer all your questions because they depend on your individual situation. I can give you some ideas about where to start. >1) Assuming that I have a very good income right now, what is the >maximum that social security would pay me on a monthly basis (family >of 4).
Your family size doesn’t matter. Social Security can give you an estimate of what your monthly benefit would be. It is based on your prior earnings. >2) In addition to my current day job I teach at a local college at >night 2 nights a week. Would I have to give up this income if I were >on disability? Am I allowed to make any additional money without >loosing my disability income? Also, can my wife work for additional >income ?
Do you have any other disability insurance other than social security? If so, get that policy out and read it carefully. If you don’t have a copy get your personnel department to give you one. They will tell you if you can be covered for "full" and/or "partial" disability. For many policies — but not all — you only have to be unable to do your current job description. You can make additional money if your disability insurance allows "partial disability". Mine pays half of the benefit until I reach 80% of my former salary. Then I am no longer partially disabled. This will be spelled out in your policy. Social security is different. You must be totally unable to work at any job that you are reasonably prepared for by education and experience. There is no partial disability, but there are ways to earn some – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->3) What other kinds of benefits am I eligible for when I am on social >security (through the governement) ? >4) How do I go about getting ss disability ? (Who do I have to prove >my disability to ? and how do I get started? ) >Thanks a lot, >Jim Bublitz >Jim Bublitz – Brookfield, WI - (414) 782-5282 >email: jbubl…@execpc.com
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> Hope this helps someone. Ann
Welcome to the ‘group’ Ann. I think any factual advice helps. 
((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))) B.J. M.S.- THE DISEASE OF USED TO BE. *HUGS* For those looking for first-hand accounts of experiences with MS, try: http://stripe.colorado.edu/~leonarm/ms and don’t forget to leave your experiences too! Take charge of your health-care, you are the boss and you are the one the meds./treatments affect.
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -g…@gholt.top.monad.net wrote: > > >2) In addition to my current day job I teach at a local college at > > >night 2 nights a week. Would I have to give up this income if I were > > >on disability? Am I allowed to make any additional money without > > >loosing my disability income? > > I’m not positive but I doubt it since the definition is ‘total & > > permanent. > I have been doing a little research myself and it is my understanding that, in > addition to SSDI, you may ‘earn’ $500 a month…$960 a month if considered > blind. Hope this helps! > Karlyn > Yes, you’re absolutely correct about the $500. My boyfriend/co-worker is
on SSDI, so can only make $500/mo. The Federal contract we have that pays his salary didn’t have enough to pay him full time with benefits, so he had to stay on SSDI to keep what little medical coverage it offers. You can get the Social Security booklet about working while disabled from the SS link on our home page at http://www.idir.net/~adabbs. Good luck! Fibrohuggles to ya! Sharon — Please come visit my web site at http://www.idir.net/~emeralds You’ll be glad you did! Drop me a line when you’re there.
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At 12:08 AM 3/27/96 GMT, Ann Rothwell wrote: >Hi, >the records are centralized, though >it’s 50 cents a page. > Ann
I wouldn’t pay didly. They are your records(leagely), paid for already. Refuse to pay it and if they hassel you tell them you want the originals and if they want to keep a copy then they’ll have to run off thier own. :) Gary
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> >2) In addition to my current day job I teach at a local college at
> >night 2 nights a week. Would I have to give up this income if I were
> >on disability? Am I allowed to make any additional money without
> >loosing my disability income?
> I’m not positive but I doubt it since the definition is ‘total &
> permanent.
I have been doing a little research myself and it is my understanding that, in addition to SSDI, you may ‘earn’ $500 a month…$960 a month if considered blind. Hope this helps! Karlyn
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Hi, This is my first posting, so I hope it comes through. I have just been approved for SSDI and SSI on my first try with very little hassle. It has been approved verbally but they won’t quote me a $amount per phone and I have to wait for the award letter. What I have done, as there are so many piddly insurances to file (like a covercheck acct, etc.) is I send in a written request for my medical records about every 8 weeks, which is about how long they take to get them to you anyway. I am with an HMO, which helps,because the records are centralized, though it’s 50 cents a page. I get EVERYTHING, including even IV records while hospitalized(like they really care how much you peed!) So, I always have EVERYTHING on hand, and SS didn’t even contact my doctors or wait on their forms, because I bombarded them with facts from the beginning. I am also an RN, so I kind of know what they want and am insistent on getting my records, though they (med. record techs) don’t make it a secret that they think I’m a jerk. Also I filled out the original application with excruciating detail and was told this really helped. Hope this helps someone. Ann
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jbubl…@execpc.com (Jim Bublitz) wrote:
(snip) >1) Assuming that I have a very good income right now, what is the >maximum that social security would pay me on a monthly basis (family >of 4).
Not enough! I believe that the cap is about $1,100/mo., but I could be wrong. They can tell you exactly what you would be elligible for by your returning a short form to them. Frankly, I’ve never seen anyone get anywhere near that much. Some people wait too long after stopping work, and your elligibility is tied to your earnings during the last 10 quarters. >2) In addition to my current day job I teach at a local college at >night 2 nights a week. Would I have to give up this income if I were >on disability? Am I allowed to make any additional money without >loosing my disability income? Also, can my wife work for additional >income ?
Total earned income can not exceed $500/mo. If it does, than you are not considered totally disabled, which is what this program is for. They will check your tax filings and bank records (they do spot checks), and not only will they terminate you from the program, they will sue you to recover any benefits paid while you were earning over the limit. >3) What other kinds of benefits am I eligible for when I am on social >security (through the governement) ?
You would probably be elligible for SSI and Food Stamps, but they don’t amount to much. You would also be elligible for Medicare after two years, when they review your case. >4) How do I go about getting ss disability ? (Who do I have to prove >my disability to ? and how do I get started? )
It all starts with a phone call to the SSA. You will have mountains of paperwork to fill out, and to get your docs to fill out. You usually also have to be evaluated by their docs. Most people get turned down on the initial application, then appeal. The process can easily take two years, but it varies greatly depending on the office you are working with. Don’t let it get you discouraged though. If you truelly can’t work, it is the best option open to you. If you can work part-time, and earn more than the $1,100/mo, then just do that and forget about SSD. Maybe, some day, the government will get around to protecting our health insurance benefits. That’s usually the deciding factor. Many people can’t do without the medicare coverage, even though they could earn more than SSD will pay. They just can’t afford private health insurance. Good Luck! Walt Hanks ———————————————– walt_ha…@byu.edu Health Education: Bringing perspective, vision, and individual empowerment to Healthcare. ———————————————–
Response:
Dorsett Bennett responds: Hello: In truth there is nothing to prevent you from hiring an attorney from BEFORE you are turned down for the first time, the problem is that most attorneys do not want to handle the case until you have been denied on the initial application, or some even until denial on reconsideration. I do know of an attorney in New York City who handles cases from the VERY beginning, and so makes sure that everything is done correctly. He does have his clients sign an agreement to pay more than the 25%, and they are happy to do so because their cases usually get resolved very quickly. I have never followed that procedure myself. This lawyer was a speaker at the National Organization of Social Security Representatives Fall confernce held last October in Phoenix. Dorsett Bennett – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->But remember you can’t hire an attorney until your first >application is turned down. Also attornies are limited to >25% of the back payment. >In article <4ini8s$…@newsbf02.news.aol.com>, >jo…@aol.com (Jooss) wrote: >>Also get an attorney that specializes in Disability cases >- they are not >>allowed to charge you unless they win your case and then >the judge sets >>what percent of your award they receive. I am now on >disability but doubt >>I could have gotten through all the filings and other junk >involved >>without my attorney. He and I’m sure others in the field >also know who to >>deal with and who to avoid. Good luck. Jo…@aol.com >>Jo…@aol.com
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> Most problems with disability cases is that Doctors and Hospitals very often >don’t >respond, and when they do they send incomplete records or just notes.
The reviewer does not have the ‘responsibility’ to make sure that they get the records. So if they do not get important information, they will just render their decision on what they did actually recieve. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> When you apply to the SSA you should get the Tel# of the state office that >will do >the Medical review on your case and the name of the person that is assigned to >it. > Call once every 8-10 days or so to see if the info has arrived and how >complete it >is. > Ask her/him to call if they need anything, and still call to check up on a >regular >basis. If the record’s are not complete ask them to hold off on a determination >until >you can get the proper records to them. You may have to get the records your >self and >send them. Give them any tel#’s you have for the doc’s and hospital’s. > Keep on top of it!!
Agreed. > XEROX EVERYTHING YOU SEND!! EVERTHING!! Even the post marks on envelopes you >get AND >send. Most Post Offices have copiers in them and will hand stamp your out going >mail
<snip> I send all important documentation certified mail. My experience with SSA is that they base deadlines on THEIR reciept, not the mailing. So it helps to have a certificate that they got it. > As for attorney’s they do go by percentage so the longer it takes the more >they make. >Don’t think they will get involved for a few hundred buck’s when they see a few >thousand down the road.
On Social Security cases a lawyer is paid 25% of the back payments, unless a different fee arrangement is made AND approved by the SSA. Dorsett Bennett
Response:
I believe your local SS office could best answer those questions, esp. those concerning your benefits, since I think it’s tied into your salary in particular quarters prior to going on ‘Dis. They probably have a pamphlet describing answers to these questions, since they’re probably pretty common ones.
Response:
Jooss wrote: > Also get an attorney that specializes in Disability cases – they are not > allowed to charge you unless they win your case and then the judge sets > what percent of your award they receive. I am now on disability but doubt > I could have gotten through all the filings and other junk involved > without my attorney. He and I’m sure others in the field also know who to > deal with and who to avoid. Good luck. Jo…@aol.com > Jo…@aol.com
Most problems with disability cases is that Doctors and Hospitals very often don’t respond, and when they do they send incomplete records or just notes. When you apply to the SSA you should get the Tel# of the state office that will do the Medical review on your case and the name of the person that is assigned to it. Call once every 8-10 days or so to see if the info has arrived and how complete it is. Ask her/him to call if they need anything, and still call to check up on a regular basis. If the record’s are not complete ask them to hold off on a determination until you can get the proper records to them. You may have to get the records your self and send them. Give them any tel#’s you have for the doc’s and hospital’s. Keep on top of it!!! XEROX EVERYTHING YOU SEND!! EVERTHING!! Even the post marks on envelopes you get AND send. Most Post Offices have copiers in them and will hand stamp your out going mail and let you copy it there before you send it. They make their determination on info at hand, so if it’s not there it can’t be looked at and considered. As for attorney’s they do go by percentage so the longer it takes the more they make. Don’t think they will get involved for a few hundred buck’s when they see a few thousand down the road. And I don’t mean to slight attorney’s, it’s a very honorable and needed profession. If you do your home work pryor to the determination you won’t need one. DaveC
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jbubl…@execpc.com (Jim Bublitz) wrote: >Hi: >I have been battling with a whole bunch of serious joint and bone >problems and although I am a successfull software consultant, I may >now be reaching the end of the line for my working career due to pain. >I have always worked so I dont know anything about disability >coverage, could anyone answer any of the following questions: >1) Assuming that I have a very good income right now, what is the >maximum that social security would pay me on a monthly basis (family >of 4).
Believe me, NOT ENOUGH!!! >2) In addition to my current day job I teach at a local college at >night 2 nights a week. Would I have to give up this income if I were >on disability? Am I allowed to make any additional money without >loosing my disability income? Also, can my wife work for additional >income ?
Technically, you can still make a small income yourself, even if you are on disability. I am not certain of the amount. It has been a while since I have checked. However, if you still have this other job when you apply for disability – GOOD LUCK!!! I am only 26 yrs. old and have been on soc. security disability for about four years now. HOWEVER – my husband and I went bankrupt with at least $50,000.00 of unpaid medical bills before I was awarded it. It took over two years and a lawyer ended up getting a sizable portion of my back benefits. I was very sick from Systemic Lupus with central nervous system involvement. I had almost no short-term memory, had difficulty walking, talking, could not drive, was very disoriented as a general rule and eventually began having siezures that did not respond properly to anti-convulsants. I was hopsitilized over a dozen times in one year. However, until I got my hearing in front of a judge, our wonderful government still insisted that I could hold a job. They did not consider me to be disabled. About your wife, as far as I know, her work record will not affect your application. YOUR benefits from Social Security are based on YOUR work record. I was lucky. I had worked the bare minimum of quarters to qualify for SS Dissability when I becam so ill. >3) What other kinds of benefits am I eligible for when I am on social >security (through the governement) ?
After you are on disability for two years, whatever your age, you do qualify for Medicare. However – keep in mind that prescriptions ARE NOT COVERED!!! I hope you have other insurance that you can depend on. >4) How do I go about getting ss disability ? (Who do I have to prove >my disability to ? and how do I get started? )
Call the 1-800 Social Security number listed in the phone book and ask for an application to be sent to you. Fill it out as detailed as you possibly can. Do not leave ANYTHING out. Be METICULOUS! Your doctors will have to fill out paperwork for you and submit copies of your medical records, including lab test results and any documentation of hospitialization. If you do get turned down, DO NOT HESITATE, to appeal the decision. And be prepared to keep appealing. I have heard that the majority of applicants who do make it before an actual judge, do get approved. Good Luck, S. Krantz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Thanks a lot, >Jim Bublitz >Jim Bublitz – Brookfield, WI - (414) 782-5282 >email: jbubl…@execpc.com
Response:
On 20 Mar 1996 02:05:41 GMT, Rita Underwood <rst…@cdc3.cdc.net> wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->jbubl…@execpc.com (Jim Bublitz) wrote: >>Hi: >>I have been battling with a whole bunch of serious joint and bone >>problems and although I am a successfull software consultant, I may >>now be reaching the end of the line for my working career due to pain. >>I have always worked so I dont know anything about disability >>coverage, could anyone answer any of the following questions: >>1) Assuming that I have a very good income right now, what is the >>maximum that social security would pay me on a monthly basis (family >>of 4). >Disability income is dependant on your previous earnings. You can get a >form from your SS office and send off for an estimated amount. I don’t >think your dependants are figured into that amount. You may be able to >get additional services such as SSI or AFDC depending on your total >income and dependants.
call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for form SSA-7004 (request for earnings and benefit estimate statement) or http://www.ssa.gov – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->First check with your SS office, they can tell you the exact steps. And >don’t hesitate to get an attorney if you run into trouble, most people >are denied several times before they get it thru. Most attorneys will >get a portion of your back pay, as most work on contigency basis, but >alot of people feel it was worth it to help get it pushed through. >Good Luck!
Response:
Jim Bublitz wrote:> > 1) Assuming that I have a very good income right now, what is the > maximum that social security would pay me on a monthly basis (family > of 4).
??? Varies > 2 Am I allowed to make any additional money without > loosing my disability income? Also, can my wife work for additional > income ?
$500 per month is the max you could earn while collecting disability, which isn’t very much. Your wife can earn as much as she can get. > 3) What other kinds of benefits am I eligible for when I am on social > security (through the governement) ?
Afetr 2 years you can get medicare. By the sounds of your work description I don’t think you would be able to get any of the low income type benefits. > 4) How do I go about getting ss disability ? (Who do I have to prove > my disability to ? and how do I get started? )
Check out the social security home page: www.ssa.gov Good luck, Dick
Response:
Hi: I have been battling with a whole bunch of serious joint and bone problems and although I am a successfull software consultant, I may now be reaching the end of the line for my working career due to pain. I have always worked so I dont know anything about disability coverage, could anyone answer any of the following questions: 1) Assuming that I have a very good income right now, what is the maximum that social security would pay me on a monthly basis (family of 4). 2) In addition to my current day job I teach at a local college at night 2 nights a week. Would I have to give up this income if I were on disability? Am I allowed to make any additional money without loosing my disability income? Also, can my wife work for additional income ? 3) What other kinds of benefits am I eligible for when I am on social security (through the governement) ? 4) How do I go about getting ss disability ? (Who do I have to prove my disability to ? and how do I get started? ) Thanks a lot, Jim Bublitz Jim Bublitz – Brookfield, WI - (414) 782-5282 email: jbubl…@execpc.com
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Jim- if you need that kind of info (SSA benefits, disability filing, etc.) call Dennis Rager. Dennis is a liver transplant recipient who now operates a consulting firm for people who need this kind of advice. He is formerly chairman of the Patient Affairs Committee at UNOS, and is a good guy. Tell him that Bill Lawrence suggested that you call. Good luck. William G. Lawrence, J.D. Director of Patient Affairs, UNOS Wlaw9…@aol.com Have YOU discussed donation with family and friends????
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Also get an attorney that specializes in Disability cases – they are not allowed to charge you unless they win your case and then the judge sets what percent of your award they receive. I am now on disability but doubt I could have gotten through all the filings and other junk involved without my attorney. He and I’m sure others in the field also know who to deal with and who to avoid. Good luck. Jo…@aol.com Jo…@aol.com
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>1) Assuming that I have a very good income right now, what is the >maximum that social security would pay me on a monthly basis (family >of 4).
The amount of your benefits will depend on the amount you have paid in over the years. Go down to your local Social Security Office and fill out and mail the form they have which will tell you your estimated benefits. It takes about 6 weeks to get back. If you need the information sooner, talk to a representative. >2) In addition to my current day job I teach at a local college at >night 2 nights a week. Would I have to give up this income if I were >on disability? Am I allowed to make any additional money without >loosing my disability income? Also, can my wife work for additional >income ?
You cannot get Social Security disability income if you are still gainfully employed and earning $500.00 per month or more. >3) What other kinds of benefits am I eligible for when I am on social >security (through the governement) ?
If you obtain Social Securtiy Disability benefits, you will get a Medicare card, just like people who retire because of age. In many states, if your Disability benefits are so low as to allow you to qualify for at least $1.00 of SSI benefits, then you could recieve a Medicaid card. >4) How do I go about getting ss disability ? (Who do I have to prove >my disability to ? and how do I get started? )
You need to file a claim with the local Social Security Office. They will then process it to the Disability Determinations Unit in your state which renders the decision. If denied (as many are) you go for reconsideration level in that same office, if denied again, you ask for an Administrative Law Hearing. Most people who are granted, are granted within those three levels. There is a fourth Administrative Level (Appeals Council), before potentionaly filing the Federal Court. Don’t be intimidated! It is a time consuming pain in the rear, but it is not as complicated as you might think. DO NOT go into a third level (Hearing) without a lawyer. Dorsett Bennett – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
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jbubl…@execpc.com (Jim Bublitz) wrote: >Hi: >I have been battling with a whole bunch of serious joint and bone >problems and although I am a successfull software consultant, I may >now be reaching the end of the line for my working career due to pain. >I have always worked so I dont know anything about disability >coverage, could anyone answer any of the following questions: >1) Assuming that I have a very good income right now, what is the >maximum that social security would pay me on a monthly basis (family >of 4).
Disability income is dependant on your previous earnings. You can get a form from your SS office and send off for an estimated amount. I don’t think your dependants are figured into that amount. You may be able to get additional services such as SSI or AFDC depending on your total income and dependants. First check with your SS office, they can tell you the exact steps. And don’t hesitate to get an attorney if you run into trouble, most people are denied several times before they get it thru. Most attorneys will get a portion of your back pay, as most work on contigency basis, but alot of people feel it was worth it to help get it pushed through. Good Luck!
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In <4imgs9$…@daily-planet.execpc.com> jbubl…@execpc.com (Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Bublitz) writes: >Hi: >I have been battling with a whole bunch of serious joint and bone >problems and although I am a successfull software consultant, I may >now be reaching the end of the line for my working career due to pain. >I have always worked so I dont know anything about disability >coverage, could anyone answer any of the following questions: >1) Assuming that I have a very good income right now, what is the >maximum that social security would pay me on a monthly basis (family >of 4). >175% of your PIA, which is based on your average (inflation adjusted)
social security earnings. It changes too often but I seem to recall the maximum PIA as around $1400/month – family max would be ~ $2,400. >2) In addition to my current day job I teach at a local college at >night 2 nights a week. Would I have to give up this income if I were >on disability? Am I allowed to make any additional money without >loosing my disability income?
I’m not positive but I doubt it since the definition is ‘total & permanent. Also, can my wife work for additional >income ? >Yes, and since you have (presumably dependent) 2 kids, you could still
receive family maximum. (175%) >3) What other kinds of benefits am I eligible for when I am on social >security (through the governement) ?
If you’re a vet, see the VA. Most of the others are income based. >4) How do I go about getting ss disability ? (Who do I have to prove >my disability to ? and how do I get started? ) > Social Security agency. Nearest office should be listed in the ‘blue
pages’ in your phone book or under’ Social Security Administration’ in white pages. Good luck
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