My Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

[Cheezoholic]

18. Thank you. As someone who just was approved for SSDI after 3 years I can empathize. Donation done!

I initially applied 2022. I didn't get my first denial until last August, filed for reconsideration and when FatAss got elected I had all but given up. Surprisingly my case flew through the second round and I was approved 2 weeks ago. I have spoken to many at SS and Medicare and also the local office and both national FFSA and the local FFSA. I don't want to give anyone false hope because yes it can be hard and drive your anxiety level through the roof (I had a second heart attack during the process!) BUT I know, personally from speaking with these people, that FatAss has lit a fire and these people are working their freaking asses off right now to do everything they can to get people the ever so important assistance that they not only need but DESERVE!!

And I want to add, even though I knew this going in, the amount of money you get on disability is a shame. Very, and I mean very few people will get a living wage. I will be getting less than a full time Taco Bell worker per year. It's a pathetic amount of money for people with severe disabilities like myself who can't work along with disability. And if you combine that with the fact that if you have to wait over 2 years like I did you suddenly have to wade the through the insanity of Medicare because they will put you directly into the Medicare program after 24 months of eligible benefits no matter your age unless you currently have employer insurance or a pension insurance to carry you to 65 or like me 67 (I am speaking of SSDI only). I had no idea. I thought I had until 67, 4 more years, to worry about Medicare. As such I've put myself through a crash course navigating the Medicare, and Medicare assistance if income asset eligible, jungle. As relieved as I was when I got the approval letter my anxiety level once again is through the roof (don't think my ticker could take number 3!!) again especially as I navigate the part D drug options as I'm on some very expensive heart formulary's that I now have to have my Dr's try and get approved. Like 5k a month expensive without insurance and my life expectancy could be shortened even more with out them. If I can't get assistance my Medicare costs will eat up half my check.

BUT besides all of that let me EMPHASIZE this AGAIN and AGAIN. There is HELP for ALL of this I just discovered this week. DONT let it get to you like it did me. YOU WILL HAVE OPTIONS!!! I want this post to be informative and to prepare Jim and anyone else no matter there circumstance. NOBODY prepared me, not my attorney and certainly not my procrastinating self.

Good luck to you Jim and DON'T GIVE UP JIM!! Don't let denial letters or on the very very off chance you get a poor interviewer don't let them get you down. Take every appeal avenue available to you possible. MAKE YOUR ATTORNEY WORK FOR THAT MONEY THEY WILL GET!!! Many dont do anything, like mine, unless it goes to a judge. Once again EVERYONE I've worked with who are under IMMENSE stress from this fucked up administration are seriously working double time to help people.

I hope this doesn't deter you I'm just being very honest. The process actually took me longer before FatAss and his cronies. It seemed like once they starting threatening all these workers the ones who stayed said, pardon my sailor talk, FUCK YOU!!

Seriously I wish you the best of luck and if you have any questions at all, as ignorant as I am about this I am quickly learning, I will be more than happy to do what i can to answer them and help. I'm sure you have all the help you need but hey, you can necer have enough.

Sorry for the long reply but Jim's medical issues and the pain he's going through I can totally sympathisize.

GOOD LUCK TO YOY JIM AND HANG IN THERE!!!!!!!
Peace and Carrots