[madubois63]

Lani - Thanks for posting Gina's earlier post. It was very interesting to read (but very sad too). I really think Gina got screwed and should have discussed this with an attorney (even after the fact).

To everyone else, Gina's experience is not the norm and it should not deter you from applying and getting the benefits that you have paid for and deserve. Not everyone needs an attorney to apply for benefits and not everyone gets denied immediately. Read the information on the website - google Social Security Disability benefits. Just like your disease, research and know what you are doing!!

If you read my earlier post, I did mention keeping my part-time income limited. I, like Gina, learned that one the hard way. One day, out of the blue, I got a letter requesting I repay several months of benefits because I made too much at my part-time job (yeah - like I was dripping in diamonds). I did not use an attorney, but filed forms on my own. I was able to have the decision reversed and did not have to pay the few thousand dollars that they wanted because of financial hardship.

Social Security does have programs that help you re-enter the workforce. You have to discuss this with someone and set up a plan. If you go back to work, work for a while, and then have an unfortunate relapse, benefits can be reactivated immediately so that there is no lapse of income.

Social Security does send forms out every few years to check on eligibility. I believe it's 7 years, but I could be wrong. I don't really know what makes one persons experience easier than another's. My experience is that it isn't enough to live on and it can be confusing and frustrating, but it is better than nothing...