 |
Social Security Disability-- Getting by While You Wait
Author: Becca  | Posted: 14-05-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 11 | Rating: (181)  (?) 
If you have applied for Social Security Disability or SSI, you probably realize that you're in for a long wait. It is unfortunate that those who need assistance the most--disabled Americans--are left without help while they endure the long disability application process. The good news is that there are several resources and tips that can help you get by while you wait.
The first resource, and the best, is friends and relatives. These are the people who know you well, understand your situation and disabled condition, and are hopefully willing to help where needed. It is best to check with them once you have applied for disability, but before you need help. Let them know how long the anticipated wait will be, and tell them that you are doing your best to survive financially. Then ask if you can count on them for support if anything should happen. They may be willing to help to a certain point, and then you will know where you stand.
If you are having difficulty paying your doctor bills, DO NOT STOP YOUR DOCTOR VISITS. Your disability claim depends heavily on those medical records. Instead, look into state health assistance, or attend free health clinics at the County Health Department building if applicable. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of a payment plan, or see if general brand medications are acceptable instead of name brands. If you have outstanding hospital bills, negotiate with the billing department. Inform them that you are applying for disability or SSI and see if they will accept a reduced amount or postpone collections for awhile. They are often willing to work with disabled patients who have no other options.
Your state should also have resources that can help. Among these are General Assistance, which will basically loan you the amoung you need to get by until you are approved, and then you will pay them back. Similar to this is Social Security's Interim plan. Although Interim is usually considered a last resort, and few disability applicants are approved, it can be a helpful resource. Put simply, Social Security allows the state to loan you funds which they withhold when you are approved. If you are denied, however, be aware that you must pay that money back yourself. The Interim program should be considered a last resort for that reason.
If your financial situation is such that 1) you are about to become homeless, 2) you cannot afford medications that you need to sustain life, or 3) your physical condition becomes life-threating, you may qualify for a dire-need situation, which will expedite your disability decision. If any of the above apply, contact Social Security. They will require proof of your situation. If you are about to lose electricity or have a combination of related problems, contact Social Security and ask if your specific situation would help you qualify for dire need.
However you decide to get by, please DO NOT use fast loan services. These companies charge incredibly high interest rates and are rigid in collecting those fees. They almost always leave recipients in worse condition than before. Even disability recipients have been scammed into handing over their disability checks to these quick loan companies. Avoid them at all cost.
Wherever you are in the disability process, best of luck.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/disabilities-articles/social-security-disability-getting-by-while-you-wait-413416.html
About the Author:Becca has been involved in the Social Security disability world since 1995 and enjoys watching it change lives for the better.
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Applying for Social Security Disability: Before, During, and After
By: Becca | 07/05/2008 | Disabilities
Tips on preparing to apply for disability, what to do while you wait, and how to keep your benefits once you are approved.
Applying for Social Security Disability--what not to Do
By: Becca | 02/04/2008 | Disabilities
Three common mistakes in applying for Social Security disability that cost you valuable time and get you denied--and how to avoid them.
Choosing a Social Security Disability Attorney--5 Tips
By: Becca | 29/01/2008 | Law
5 Tips on what to look for in a disability lawyer to maximize your chances of success.
How Do I Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits? 5 Steps to Success
By: Becca | 27/11/2007 | Finance
Five steps to applying for Social Security disability benefits and going through the process, including advice about legal representation.
Debt Settlement: Debt Relief for the Elderly and the Disabled
By: Robert Zangrilli | 17/12/2006 | Finance
Debt settlement, also known as debt negotiation or debt reduction, is a relatively new way for dealing with your debt problems. In a debt settlement program, by negotiating with a creditor, a client can reduce their debt by as much as 50 percent and be debt free in as little as 12 to 30 months. Since elderly and disabled consumers have non-garnishable wages, they are ideal candidates for debt settlement.
Other Segments to Law Enforcement
By: James Hunt | 14/01/2006 | Law
Law enforcement is a very broad area and it encompasses many things. People make the misconception that law enforcement simply means police...
By: | 31/12/1969 |
Who Should Prepare the Fiance Visa Paperwork
By: John Kunkle | 26/10/2006 | Marriage
There are a number of different ways to complete the paperwork for the K-1 Fiancé Visa or the K-3 Spousal Visa: complete the paperwork by yourself, use a service, or hire an attorney.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Social security payments
By: Mrs.D | 13-07-2008
how much social security payment for a disabled child?
My Disability Income is being threatened by Florida Courts in a divorce action
By: au82tiger | 12-07-2008
It appears that my soon to be Ex-Wife's attorneys will be asking the court in Florida to require me to pay her alimony. My only source of income is my 100% VA Disability, and Combat Related Special Compesaton (CRSC). She is a full time employee and has a $72,000 401K. I have no financial reserves at all. She is not disabled and has no physical problems. We have been married for less than 10 years and have no children. I have been told that my VA Disability & CRSC are not assignable. My Credit Union is in Texas. I have no financial resources in Florida. Is there any way that my soon to be Ex-Wife and her legal team can garnish my out of state Credit Union account? She wil be moving to Oklahoma after the divorce. Thanks in advance.
Base Hospital
By: grapoo | 11-07-2008
I was sent to a Base Hospital in/near Manila, Philippinesmade up of large tents, my memory says July/August 1945.Can not remember its name--Can anyone remember?
Maximum back payment awarded for social security
By: jeanryan06 | 07-07-2008
what is the maximum retroactive security security retroactive lump sum awarded
any doctors in putnam/dutchess county that treat adults with Cerepral palsy ?
By: vp | 07-07-2008
Are there any NY state doctors dutchess , putnam county who specialize in treating of adults with Cerebral Palsy
Do you lose disability insurance when you get ...
By: gapeach | 06-07-2008
do you lose disability insurance when you get married?
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Disabilities Articles
Bedtime Routines: Yes, You and Your Child Can Get a Good Night’s Sleep
By: Susan Giurleo | 19/07/2008
One of the most important routines to establish, especially for kids with ADHD and autism spectrum disorders, is the bedtime routine. A tired child can look like a more hyper and active child, and the more tired he gets, the harder it is to get to sleep.
Elevators for the Home Can be Expensive, But There is an Alternative
By: Stone Dupree | 19/07/2008
Elevators for the home are great for the disabled. But, there is a cheaper alternative.
Dyslexia Training
By: TravisOl | 14/07/2008
Dyslexia can be genetic or acquired one, "dysphonetic" (or auditory) and "dyseidetic" (or visual) dyslexia. Nowadays is important to know symptoms, forms and treatment of dyslexia. It is very significant to help children and people affected by this disease. They need our hand and support. If you aim to keep up-to- date with the information on dyslexia training methods, current practice and reports, follow here.
Veterans Hit Unexpected Jackpot This Summer
By: Alison Beckwith | 11/07/2008
Families in your city find hidden money to care for veteran loved ones through new assistance program
Fosamax – the Trusted Remedy for Strengthening of Bone
By: Article Manager | 11/07/2008
Fosamax is a medication used for rebuilding and fortifying weak bones and helpful in treating diseases like Paget and osteoporosis. It is a FDA approved medicine and can be used to eradicate bone problems. This medicine should be used as directed by the physician and taken for the period as prescribed by the doctor. Fosamax is recommended with only plain water in empty stomach and one should be in upright condition for 30 minutes to avoid any stomach and esophagus problem.
Wheelchair Ramps: a Great Advantage for Wheelchair Users
By: anthonyrobbins | 09/07/2008
Wheelchair ramps can be permanent, semi-permanent or portable. The ramp should be able to accommodate both small and big wheelchairs and have a good load bearing capacity. Customized vehicle ramps can be built to suit to the vehicle you are using.
Wheelchair Lifts for Home Use
By: anthonyrobbins | 09/07/2008
Wheelchair lifts provide the physically disabled easy access to different areas in their home or place of business. They are flexible and can be easily installed inside or outside your home.
Stair Lifts: Increased Mobility and Independence
By: anthonyrobbins | 09/07/2008
Stair lifts, the right solutions for home accessibility, can help your loved ones take up the stairs up and down safely and effortlessly. These lifts can also be fitted to the steps outside your home for easy access to the garden or the entrance door.
|
|
Health 
