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Applying for Social Security Benefits
having TM, ADEM or NMO
You can find the basics on how to apply at the Social
Security Administration (SSA) website at:
https://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/
You will need to call for an initial appointment at 1-800-772-1213, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday.� Most of these initial
appointments are phone interviews. You can request an in person interview but
this can take longer to set up. At this point start gathering your paperwork
together. The social security website above has a good list.
You will be mailed an application to fill out.
This application is long so don�t get discouraged. �Once you have applied and sent in your
paperwork you will be assigned a disability determination worker in your area
and the process begins.
Important Tips:
 The
social security 1-800 number is least busy first thing in the morning. You
should always expect some hold time, but the mornings may only be a few minutes
while the afternoons can be much longer.
Make sure you either have or order an original copy of your birth certificate as you start the process. You will need this document.
You
will be asked to sign releases for the SSA to request your medical records.
Sign the releases but realize it will take a lot longer if your disability
determination worker requests the records for you. Call your physician(s)
offices and find out how to request your records yourself (or have a family
member or friend help you). It may be a hassle to get all your records yourself
but it saves valuable time.
Once
you have your medical records, make a couple of copies! You can send a copy in
with your SSA application but know that some of the records may be lost and you
may have to resend them. Just be prepared for that and expect to have to resend
some or all of them to your disability determination worker.
Give
detailed information on your application. Don�t be afraid to write too much.
Ask
SSA for the phone number to your area disability determination office or look
it up in the phone book. Then, start calling the office after your application
has been sent in to find out if your case has been assigned. Keep in touch with
your disability determination worker. Make sure they have everything they need
to process your case.
It
is difficult, but not impossible, for other people to talk to SSA and
disability determination workers on your behalf. Ask about the acceptance of
written consent if you feel you will need help with the process from someone
else.
The
disability process can take a long time; oftentimes, up to a year or longer.
Applications are often denied. You need
to appeal the denials. Many cases are denied twice and get to the stage of
having a hearing before they are approved.
Finally, and most important, get your
Senator or Representative involved in your case. Don�t wait to do this.� Getting their involvement at the beginning
of your case is most effective. Call and ask to speak with whoever their local
office has assisting people in your area. They will most likely need a letter
from you asking for their help and getting your consent for them to advocate on
your behalf. Make sure to include information on how your disability is affecting
you and how the time waiting for a decision on your disability application will
impact you financially.� A letter from
your physician is also helpful at this time. A short letter from your physician
explaining your condition and how it will impact you in the long term can help
a lot.
If you have TM, ADEM or NMO and need
additional information or have questions you can contact Cossy Hough at cossyh@yahoo.com or by phone at (512)
420-0904 (weekends are the best time to call). Comments or questions can be posted in the TM Socail Security Forum.
Links to Additional Information:
updated 1/2007
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