SSDI question

[Bummer Knees]

What the first attorney advices does not sound correct, the 2nd attorney I believe is giving correct information.

Your friend needs to read the SSA web site and learn about the programs.

I agree, it does seem sometimes those that need help most have the most difficult time receiving the help they need.

[queenbee]

Three years ago when I was injured and fired I got an unemployment award letter but I am unable to collect it until I am able to at least apply for work.

[Still in Limbo]

I Believe the Main Key Here is that If You are Receiving Unemployment, then You are Agreeing with Your State that You are Actively Seeking Employment, and They are Subsidizing Your Income with Unemployment until You do Find Work. SSDI is a Federal Program set up to Aid Individuals that are Unable to Work Based on Health Issues, whether They be a Workers Injury, or any Other Medical Condition that would Stop Them from Obtaining Gainful Employment. The Ticket to Work Program is for Individuals that may have Improved Medically while on SSDI, and want to try and Work Again. I was 43 when I Applied for SSDI with Medical Records that Included Only My workplace Injury, and slight Hypertension. I was and still Receive TTD Payments from w/c, and I was Approved in 3mos./3wks. without an Attorney. I am now 47, and came up for Review by SSDI, and I Received a Letter Recently Stating that They are not going to Review My Case at This Time, meaning I am Still Considered Disabled, and Unavailable for Gainful Employment. So it's not a Matter of going without any Type of Payment for 12 Months before You can Apply, it's the Unemployment that is Stopping Your Friend, because They are Agreeing to Actively Seek Employment while Receiving the UE Benefits! I Hope this has Helped, and I Believe The Attorney Involved is on the Right Track!!

[UndercovrAngel]

If your friend hasn't worked or collected unemployment for almost a year, and his Dr's are saying that he is disabled and can no longer work, there should be no reason (other than SSDI deciding that he isn't 100% disabled) that he shouldn't qualify for SSDI. It's not that a person has to be disabled and unable to work for 12 months prior to applying...but that they are expected to be disabled for 12 months or longer when they apply.

I was taken off work August 26, 08 due to a WC injury. I applied for SSDI on June 16, 2009 after being told my chances of finding a job that was below sedentary in nature were slim to none and slim was sliding out the door as I finished my SSDI application. I do have other medical / health issues besides my now settled WC claim that played a big part in the SSDI decision. I was approved for SSDI 77 days after my application was submitted, and about 13 days after my 1 year anniversary of being out of work due to my WC injury.

Tell your friend that he needs to go ahead with the hearing/application process. After all, there is a chance that he may be denied regardless of what his medical records can provide in the way of him being fully disabled. And if denied, he wouldn't have to start over from the beginning...he would just need to start the appeal process.

Angel ^j^