Guest Post: Molly Clarke on SSI & SSDI

In light of the recently proposed changes to the social security disabilities criteria for lung diseases and thus CF, I welcomed Molly's words in hopes to gather more information for myself and hopefully allow my readers to gain more knowledge. I've personally gone thru the process of qualifying for SSI and SSDI, so I understand how overwhelming the process the can seem. Having someone you know by name during the process rather than whomever ends up on the other end of the phone call can make this process slightly less daunting.

Below is Molly's contribution to Illness Inspired Words and the first guest blogger post to date!! Find out what Molly has to say.......

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Receiving Disability Benefits When Living With Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is often diagnosed at an early age and, although it affects children, symptoms typically worsen over time and cause more severe impairment later on in life. As your cystic fibrosis progresses, you may find that you are no longer able to work. At that point, lack of income and discontinued health insurance may cause significant financial stress.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that certain health conditions and disabilities make it impossible for people to continue to work. For this reason, the SSA offers Social Security Disability benefits to provide financial support to sick or disabled individuals who are unable to earn a living.

If you are interested in learning more about Social Security Disability benefits, the following article will give you a brief overview of the system and will provide you with a basic understanding of everything you need to begin the application process.

Social Security Disability Benefit Programs

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides two different types of disability assistance. The first type is called Social Security Disability Insurance—or SSDI. SSDI is funded by Social Security income taxes that are paid into the system by workers across the country. Eligibility for SSDI is determined by an applicant’s work history. The SSA assigns a certain number of “work credits” to each applicant to determine whether or not they qualify for SSDI. Learn more about SSDI and work credits here: http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/ssdi/qualify-for-ssdi.

The second type of disability assistance is known as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This program provides financial assistance to elderly or disabled individuals who have very little income.  To qualify for SSI, only an individual’s finances are analyzed.  Young applicants or applicants who have little work history often turn to SSI if they do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. Learn more about qualifying for SSI here: http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/ssi/qualify-for-ssi.

It is important to note that in some circumstances, applicants may be eligible to receive both SSI and SSDI.

Qualifying for Disability Benefits

In addition to meeting the technical requirements mentioned above, you must also be able to prove to the SSA that your cystic fibrosis symptoms are severe enough to keep you from working.

To determine whether or not an applicant medically qualifies for disability benefits, the SSA consults an official manual of disabling conditions known as the blue book. 

Cystic fibrosis is listed is listed under section 3.04 of the blue book. According to this listing, you must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for benefits from either program:

·       Trouble Breathing – Breathing tests must show that you are experiencing significant difficulty breathing for someone of your height.

·       Lung Problems – Cystic fibrosis has caused you to repeatedly cough up blood, or has resulted in recurrent episodes of pneumonia, bronchitis, or respiratory failure that require medical treatment.

·       Chronic Infections – At least every six months you experience lung infections that require antibacterial medical attention.

If you do not meet any of the specific qualifications listed in the Blue Book, you can still be approved for disability benefits if you provide medical evidence that demonstrates that cystic fibrosis significantly limits your ability to function.

The Application Process

To begin the application process you can visit the SSA’s website or make an appointment to fill out the necessary paperwork in person at your local Social Security office.

It is important to note that you will need to submit many different types of records along with your application. These records include accurate financial information, a history of your treatments and hospitalizations, lab reports and examination findings, letters of recommendation from your physicians, as well as any other relevant documentation. The more thorough and prepared you are before submitting your application, the higher your chances will be of receiving an approval.

Even if you meet all of the medical and technical eligibility criteria, the application process can be a long and challenging experience. In fact, the SSA rejects the majority of the applications they receive each year.  If you are feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by the application procedures, it may be in your best interest to work with a qualified Social Security Disability attorney. He or she will have a thorough understanding of the application process and will make sure that your application contains all the necessary information.

Remember, even if your initial application is denied, it is important that you don’t give up on your pursuit of disability benefits. Although the application process is often difficult, Social Security Disability benefits exist to help you. Once you are awarded benefits, you will be able to focus on your health, rather than your financial struggles.

For more information about Social Security Disability benefits, visit Social Security Disability Help or contact Molly Clarke at mac@ssd-help.org.

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I always welcome questions and will offer as much advise from my personal journey with SSI & SSDI as I can, but for legal or technical questions you really should reach out to Molly. She'll know how to steer you in the right direction to get the help you need.

~Doodlin'