I Miss The Person I Used To Be (Part 2) ...
I posted my original story back in September 2021.
I became so overwhelmed by what all I've been going through (especially navigating the disability application process) that I canceled my membership.
I decided to come back because I think it's important to share my experience with those that may need to navigate that process as well as those that may already be doing so.
I want to state upfront that it was quite a demoralizing and often dehumanizing process. The system is broken and needs to be fixed, but don't let that deter you from applying for the benefits when you need them. Just make sure you have ample evidence to support your claim, and be prepared to be able to prove beyond proof that you really have a qualifying disability.
Applying for employer long-term disability insurance
I had long-term disability (LTD) insurance through my employer. When I could no longer work, I applied for that one first. After jumping through all the hoops in that little dog and pony show, I was approved.
Most LTD plans require you to apply for Social Security Disability once approved and knowing that upfront, I went ahead and applied for the SSDI a few days after applying for the employer's LTD.
I was awarded the employer's LTD around three months after my application, but the SSDI Application process took a year and a half to get through. My claim (as most) was denied on the first try and we had to appeal. I was lucky and got approved for the second go-round. Had I not, it would have proceeded into a third phase which would have required a hearing before a judge.
Working with an attorney
Now, when I stated "we" had to appeal it, I was referring to my Social Security Disability Attorney and myself. I cannot emphasize strongly enough right here the importance of hiring an attorney that is experienced in disability law! The process is not for the faint of heart, and I've got to be honest – I would have given up and quit from the stress of it all had I not had an experienced attorney helping me.
These attorneys require no payment up-front, and they are capped at what they can charge if your claim is successful. 25% of your Lump Sum Back Pay Award with a cap at 6K max! Well worth the gamble, and should you be unfortunate enough to get denied (a very rare occurrence for conditions such as ours), they get absolutely nothing.
Trust me, they won't take on your case if they don't think they can win it, so go ahead and hire you that attorney!
A tip while waiting for SSDI
One more head's up about all this... If you do receive LTD Benefits from an employer's plan while you are waiting for the Social Security process to play out, DO NOT SPEND THAT SSDI LUMP SUM PAYOUT! Most likely you are going to have to pay most (if not all) of it back to your private LTD Insurance carrier. Thankfully, I still had most of mine sitting in my savings account when that bill arrived just two short months after being awarded my SSDI claim.
I'm torn about whether this is fair or not, but it is standard practice and quite legal as well, so me being torn over all that matters not one whit!
What does matter is that it was there when I could no longer work and needed it. Had I not had that coverage, I would have literally been out on the streets!
I hope this information proves helpful. This disease of ours causes so much pain and suffering, and those of us afflicted with it are some of the bravest most courageous people I know...
Love,
Pfrog
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