Social Security & Lupus

Lupus sometimes renders it’s victims unable to work, however, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not always recognize that fact. If Lupus has caused you to no longer be able to sustain work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability.
You can view the Adult Disability Starter Kit for answers to your questions about applying for benefits and a worksheet that will help you gather the needed information. You can then apply for benefits online, or you can make an appointment to apply by phone or in person by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The Lupus Foundation of America and other Lupus organizations have lobbied on behalf of Lupus patients seeking Social Security Disability for many years. Things are better than they were in the past. Getting support, however, can still be an uphill battle!

The creator of this site, Kendra Isola, fought with the SSA for five years and she learned two things that she says every disability applicant should know. First, you need a representative. You can be represented by a lawyer or another organization that represents disability claimants, but you need somebody in your corner that knows the “lingo.” A denial can be based on something as simple as things being worded wrong in the application. Most representatives do not charge an up front fee. You only pay if you win.

Second, you may need help from your Congress people. Kendra endured five denials over five years. She was so fed up that she wrote Senator Tom Harkin about her situation. After review of the case, Senator Harkin’s office made one phone call and Kendra was approved that very day. If you feel you have not been considered fairly, you can write or email your Senators and Representatives to ask for assistance.

Other helpful ideas:

File as soon as you are unable to work, you can only get benefits from your application date.

File all paperwork and requested information in a timely manner.

Have each of your doctors fill out an RFC (Residual Function Capacity) form. An example RFC form can be found here: http://www.legisit.com/forms/SSA-4734-U8.pdf

Have family members write about how your illness affects your daily life.

Get regular, ongoing medical care.

Share all of your symptoms and limitations with your doctors, ask them to record it in your medical record.

Your local Vocational Rehab Office may also be able to help you obtain benefits.

If you are denied file an appeal immediately. It make take several tries before you are approved.

Take all medications as prescribed, keep appointments and follow your doctor's instructions. Non-compliance may be a reason for denial.

Stay friendly with the people working on your case.

Always keep copies of everything you file with the SSA, you never know

Whether you are just starting out with your application or if you have been denied several times, we hope you will learn tips that help you get your application for Social Security approved!


Source: cure4lupus.org

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:xfHs6DRzc2kJ:cure4lupus.org/store/index.php%3Fmain_page%3Dpage%26id%3D30%26chapter%3D6+lupus+ssa&cd=6&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us