Have any of you filed for Social Security Disability? I got all the files together months ago, but couldn't get return phone calls to answer questions. I DO know that with a Stage IV diagnosis, one can qualify quickly. But my question lies with Medicare. Does anyone know whether you are accepted for Medicare (which I DON'T want to be for insurance purposes) automatically if you file for and receive disability?

Anyone's experiences with this process would be appreciated.

Love and healing light,

Lisa

I checked with my doc--even though I was stage 4--I was stable and he did not think disability was appropriate and I have continued to work. I think it depends how sick you are not the stage.

Lisa
I was on disability from my company while going through reconstruction, when they found I had mets. My short term disability turned into long term and the ins. company made my apply for Social Security Benefits. They are still being reviewed, and whether or not I receive it will depend on my next scans. I continue to use my personal health ins. If you have any questions, email me. Applications can be done over the web, but you must have a certified birth certificate, wage statements etc to apply...if is a pain in the *@#!!!
Hugs
Sheila

I was dx with stage 4 Jan of 2003 -I went on Family Medical leave Act (by law you have 12 weeks of unpaid leave where your job is protected .During that time I applied for my employers long term disability .(I didnt know if I was going back to work at that point or not).
I was told I would have to also apply for Social Security. So my disabilty rep helped with that.
The application is about 10 pages -very detailed. You have to provide alot-also your Dr.But it is required you apply-mine processed pretty quickly- maybe a month- they co-ordinate with disabilty (if you are receiving any) .The wasy it works for me is that my employers disability decided how much I was entitled to (which was determined by my salary). They sent me that much each month. Then once Social security was approved-you will get a monthly check from them for whatever amount they determine you are eligible for (that is based on your overall employment history over the years).
Also, if you are receiving a disability check too, this may be reduced. Overall you will get the same amount of money each month but it will be split between disabilty and SS- I know that is confusing-but what happens is this: Example:
Disabilty awards you $1200 month- You start getting check each month from disabilty. Then your SS is approved say for $800 per month. They pass that on to your disabilty company who then reduces their benifit to you by $800 and start sending you a check for $400 each month. So you still get your $1200 each month - it just comes from 2 sources. I have my checks deposited automatically in my bank acct which is very helpful. I know this is a long posting but hopefully helpful. Feel free to e mail me if you have any questions. The initial application went well and another thing to keep in mind is that if you are on disability through your employer , their rep can put you in touch with an attorney if you have problems with the application getting approved. I never needed to use mine but it was nice to know they were in the wings. PattyD

Hi,
If I remember correctly - Medicaid is not automatic when applying for disability. There are certain requirements that have to be met. In my case, I was NOT eligible for Medicaid because I had private insurance. Even without that, because my husband is employed and has insurance, that automatically disqualified me. So, the criteria is that you have no insurance available, and even then (if I remember correctly) there is a waiting period. You can call the SS office and ask them any questions. That would be your best source of info.
xxxxxxx's
el

Lisa,

My experience has been different from those who already posted. I applied for social security and was accepted without any difficulty. I am stage 4, 38 years old, but would not consider myself terribly "sick." My doctor let it be my decision whether I could continue working and raise two small children, not his. Once I decided, he just submitted the facts, a copy of my records. After receiving social security for 6 months you are automatically notified that you are eligible for medicare both part A and B. One is for health coverage, the other is for hospitalization. You then must NOTIFY THEM if you would like to deny this benefit. Your hospital coverage remains, but the other can be denied. I denied the coverage and have never had any difficulty. I continue to have coverage through my husbands work. They have continued full benefits without any question. I have had 2 periods of NED since on social security. One lasted 7 months the other is currently at 10 months. This has also not been a problem. My understanding is the coverage will continue unless I have 3 years of "clean scans." I was assigned a case worker when I first appied. She continues with my case as long as I receive benefits. Although I have only utilized her a few times she has always been extremely helpful, sympathetic and easy to get a hold of.

I hope this helps

I drew out my short term disability at work and I did not take out the long term (there was premium for it I had to pay) because I knew it is state manatory that when you sign up for long term disability you have to apply for S.S.D. You have to be out of work for 6 months before you get a check. My short term took me that far. I had no problem getting it and was told with stage 3 or 4 its pretty much automatic-you will get it. Now, the big one is Medicare. You have a 2 year waiting period from the month you receive your first disability check. I was notified shortly after receiving disabilty that I would automaticly get Medicare Part A in 2 years and that was last month. Then, I would have the option to sign up for Part B. I am under my husband's insurance but now he is on S.S.D. so that will run out and Medicare will be next for me in Sept. as that is when his benefits at work will run out. I don't know anything about Medicaid as I will never be able to qualify for that. Part A of Medicare is free (hospital coverage only) and you pay around $60.00 a month for part B. Then, you don't have any drug or dentish coverage and Medicare only pays 80% after $100.00 deductible is met. Really stinks when you think how much our treatments cost. Its better then nothing. I don't know what happens when we go to get Medicare co-insurance to pick the 20% and co pays. I suppose they stick it to us for that. Don't mean to sound negative and I am very fortunate not to have insurance issues but I know lots of our sisters here do and friends of mine nearby that do. Hugs, Sandy

Re: Social Security disability anyone?
 

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Re: Social Security disability anyone?
 

i work for the government and before i could file for my disability retirement i had to file for disability social security. first they try SSI but our household in come was too much for that. I applied for disabilithy social security like had to... and i was approved. I have stage 3C breast cancer. I took all my medical record copies with me and turned it in with my claim. I applied in February and got my first check yesterday. I do not have medicare. i have my blue cross and will keep that until i have to get medicare cause of my age.

Re: Social Security disability anyone?
 

CureToday has an article pertaining to disability application. It pretty much described the process I had followed to get my 'partial' disability approved (denied, get an attorney, denied again, court hearing, approved):

http://www.curetoday.com/index.cfm/f...rticle_id/1462

Re: Social Security disability anyone?