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Apr. 2003 to 
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Social Security and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Applying for Social Security Disability with Multiple Sclerosis Social Security Disability benefits come in two forms: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Income (SSI). These benefit programs were set up by the United States government to provide financial help to those who are no longer able to perform gainful work due to a physical or mental disability. The program is funded by the Social Security tax, which is applied to nearly all's taxable income. By the Social Security Administration's standards, anyone who has worked and likewise paid Social Security taxes for a long enough period that they earned work credits is eligible for SSDI benefits. If you suffer from Multiple Sclerosis and are interested in applying for Social Security Disability, here are some things you should keep in mind. If you believe that you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to your MS, you can submit an application on the internet, via phone, or by visiting your local Social Security Administration office. If you decide to apply in person, you should try and call ahead to make an appointment with a representative so that you receive some guidance in the process. When your application is submitted correctly, you will be notified by the SSA with a decision in roughly three to five months. This decision will either be approving your disability claim; allowing you to collect disability payments, or will be denying your claim; allowing you to appeal the decision or seek other help. Unfortunately, due to the structure of the system the time between applying and receiving notification can be rather long. In addition, the inefficiencies of the system often result in lost paper-work or other delays. A vital step in avoiding this is to include all pertinent information, providing there is no reason for your paper work to be delayed. If you are diagnosed with MS, you will undoubtedly have medical documentation of the diagnosis of your condition. The Social Security Administration maintains a 'Blue Book' of all accepted disabling conditions. For MS, they are going to be looking for the following symptoms and side effects:
If you suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, you have already been diagnosed by a physician. It is vital to include all documentation from your doctor, as the SSA will be looking for this information. In addition, you should be articulately explaining the ways in which your MS prohibits you from doing any kind of gainful work. Furthermore, you must be able to prove that your condition limits you from learning or being trained for another kind of work that may be better suit for you with your disability. In these situations, it is best to be entirely honest, as there is no place for pride in this situation. If you cannot do you work due to your MS, you should admit that you cannot. With that said, if you also believe you do not have the capacity to learn a more suitable work, you should be outright with it. Lying and saying that you can learn another skill or trade for the sake of your ego will only result in your claim being denied, so don't hold back for any reason. Just like with the medical documentation, it is vital to include references from your place of employment that will be able to testify that your work is in fact hindered by your disability. This is another imperative source of information to include. Being awarded Social Security Disability benefits due to your Multiple Sclerosis can be a fight, but it is one worth fighting. Just like anything else you might pursue, the process takes time and for those who deserve it, they will persevere. Just remember to be completely honest about your condition by providing the most accurate information in your application as possible. Keep all of the material organized and readily available in case it becomes misplaced or is needed again for some reason. There are also numerous resources online and professionals who are willing to help you with your case, whether they be disability advocates or Social Security Disability attorneys. In either case, do not hesitate to ask for help with the application process, as everyone knows it is quite difficult. In closing, do not lose sight of the benefits you deserve. It is your right to have the peace of mind of knowing your finances are being partially covered so that you can focus on the well-being of both yourself and your family. This guest article is by John Dowling. Mr. Dowling is the Senior editor of Social Security Disability Help, the web’s ultimate resource for guiding people with disabilities to the benefits they deserve. For more information, feel free to visit Social Security Disability Help at www.socialsecurity-disability.org. Multiple Sclerosis Pages On My Site
A Special Note If You Jumped Into My Site This topic is just a part of my overall website. After you check out this topic, you might like to explore the rest of my site and get to know me better. I recommend that you start with my "Home" Page, then go to the "Front Door", then to "Stuff About Me" and finally, just explore the site. The buttons on the left will take you there. If You Would Like to Link to My Multiple Sclerosis Pages Many webmasters only want people to link to the "primary" page of a website. I have a different view. Because of the importance of Multiple Sclerosis to me I actually encourage other Multiple Sclerosis sites to link directly to my Multiple Sclerosis pages. Click here to find out my special requests for linking to my Multiple Sclerosis pages. Awards The following awards were awarded specifically for the
Directory Links This section of my site (James S. Huggins' Refrigerator Door: Multiple Sclerosis Pages), is listed in the following directories.
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Multiple Sclerosis and My
Life
