should I apply for Social Security Disability?

[st. clare]

I have been out of work 6 months or so now. Injury is work related but claim denied currently because they cannot decide if injury is work related or related to pre-existing conditions contributing. Physician documentation says work related, but have to wait and let an AME decision be made in 4 months. Was seen by physician this week still remain temporary totally disabled no work. Will be unable to work nearly 9-10 months by the time AME appt arrives and however; long after that for his decision. Should I/Do I qualify to apply for Social Security Disability benefits? I have enough work years needed to qualify, I am just wondering if I should apply or should I wait for the AME decision first? Until the WC insurance accepts my claim, my condition is not going to improve because no proper treatment is being authorized, just get narcotic pain pills and muscle relaxers. Pain mgt specialist has not done anything yet as they are waiting for authorization for epidural injections. so I can see being unable to work indefinitely at this point. so again should I apply for Social Security Disability?

[queenbee]

I applied for ssi and ssdi after 8 months of being out of work. I knew I would be out at least 12 months because surgeries were being fought over. That was 2 years ago this August past. Have a hearing scheduled in December with an alj judge finally.
If you know you are going to be out at least 12 months then go appy- you will have a wait

[Still in Limbo]

It wouldn't Hurt to Apply, if You get Denied at Least You have the First Part Done, and the Rest are just Appeals. As far as Your w/c Case, if You have an Attorney, They should be able to get an Emergency, or Expedited Hearing for You, sometimes Attorney's need a Push to get Going!! If You are not Represented by Counsel, You May want to Consider Retaining an Attorney that Deals in w/c. W/C is Proactive, You have to Learn Your State's Rules and Regs., stay on Top of any Changes, or have an Attorney that You Trust to be doing that for You! There are way too Many Twists and Turns if a Claim becomes Complicated for an Average Individual to Navigate!! My Very Best, and Please Keep Us Informed!!

[nyyank09]

I would make sure your doctor is on board first.

[linkedin-wcclaimsguy]

There is no harm in applying. This is a very slow process and you will likely get rejected the first time.

Since you said AME, I assume you are in California. You should check to see if you are eligible for EDD.
http://www.edd.ca.gov/disability/disabil...urance.htm

[sontaysyw]

If you are in CA.i would go for ssd first,it is a lot quicker and your supposed to get your first check in 14 days.Since your Dr. already has you ttd it shouldn't be a problem.All DR.does is sign a paper stating your disabled.Good luck.

[linkedin-wcclaimsguy]

Sorry, but he last post is incorrect. The quickest I have ever seen anyone approved for SSDI is 6 months. To get approved on the first try, you have to meet the grids exactly. (There are grids they use to evaluate eligibility...based on age, restrictions, occupation...if you are under 50, much harder to get approved).

I'm used to seeing EDD liens in CA, so I know it is much easier to get approved for than than SSDI...if you are eligible.

[Still in Limbo]

I Believe SSD and SSDI are 2 Different Entities. SSD is State Run, and SSDI is Federal. It May be Called SSA in Some States. it has to do a lot with Your Income, and the Natural Eligibility Requirements. I was 43 when I Applied for SSDI, and was Approved in 3mos./3wks. without an Attorney, and My Only Underlying Medical Condition was Slight Hypertension. I Think it just Depends on the Case Load of the Individual Areas We Apply in, and how Backed Up They are. My Lower back Condition is a Failed Back Surgery L5/S1 Microdiscectomy/Laminectomy, and My Lower Back Filled with Scar Tissue, and Encapsulates a Crushed S1 Nerve Root. My Best on Your Application, and Have a Great Day!!

P.S.- Here in Pa., when I Applied for SSDI, I was Automatically Applied for SSD, but was Turned Down on that due to Income Requirements.

[UndercovrAngel]

Still in Limbo Wrote:I Believe SSD and SSDI are 2 Different Entities. SSD is State Run, and SSDI is Federal. It May be Called SSA in Some States. it has to do a lot with Your Income, and the Natural Eligibility Requirements. I was 43 when I Applied for SSDI, and was Approved in 3mos./3wks. without an Attorney, and My Only Underlying Medical Condition was Slight Hypertension. I Think it just Depends on the Case Load of the Individual Areas We Apply in, and how Backed Up They are. My Lower back Condition is a Failed Back Surgery L5/S1 Microdiscectomy/Laminectomy, and My Lower Back Filled with Scar Tissue, and Encapsulates a Crushed S1 Nerve Root. My Best on Your Application, and Have a Great Day!!

P.S.- Here in Pa., when I Applied for SSDI, I was Automatically Approved for SSD, but was Turned Down on that due to Income Requirements.

You are correct on the fact that SSA/I and SSDI are two different entities Still. SSA/I is based upon income, while SSDI is based upon disability. However, they are both run by Social Security. And there are income guidelines for SSA/I that they must go by. To get SSA/SSI one can't have any income over $526 a month. Also, nationwide, one cannot have an income greater than $226 a month (as an adult) to qualify for medicaid, unless they also qualify for SSA/SSI.

I was approved for SSDI in 77 days from the time I applied. I didn't qualify for SSI/A as I receive to much from SSDI. And I don't qualify for medicaid as my income is above the income cut off, so now must wait till I qualify for medicare before I can start seeing a physician on a reguar basis again for all my medical problems.

Angel ^j^

[st. clare]

Yes I am in California: thanks for all the great replies. I will try and sort it all out and see what I may qualify for.