Have you applied for or been denied social security or disability income?
If you are living with axial spondyloarthritis, you may be eligible for disability or social security. What has your experience been like applying for disability? Have you received denials? Who has helped you in navigating SSDI or denials?
Can you apply for SS Disability if you are currently working full-time? It's tough to work each day with this disease, not knowing how it is going to manifest from day to day. However, I have to have a source of income, so I can't just quit my job to find out if I will be approved or not.
This is a tricky question. Here is a link that may help you. https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/blog/stay-afloat-before-receiving-benefits I would suggest getting a disability lawyer to help you.
Sorry to hear that you are having a tough time with AS and working. Warmly, Rebecca
I been on sick leave for the past 2 years and a half. I tried applying for disability, but got rejected right away. I am from Montreal and it's very hard to get accepted here. They told me because of my age and also because it's not considered a permanent disability. They told me I can reapply, but I honestly am afraid of the answer I will receive. It puts you down, as the income won't even be enough even if I got disability.
Sending my best wishes,
Nicky
I was rejected last year for disability allowance, not because I didn't qualify but because I had lived out of the country for the previous two years. I am currently in the process of applying again now I have been back long enough, so fingers crossed it goes well this time!
James (Community Member)
Hi James
I hadn't realised that was a thing. Fingers crossed for you too.
By the way, I'm not sure if this will help, but there's a support web site - Benfits and Work - which I have accessed a couple of times. Here's the link, should you (and others) be interested.
benefitsandwork.co.ukHi
I didn't realise it was a thing either! I had to drag myself into a centre on crutches for an assessment and fill out all the paper work only to be told after that I didn't qualify!
Thank you so much for sharing this with me, I will definitely give it a look at to see if I can avoid a second dissapointment!
Thanks again,
James (Community Member)
Following
This is a step I plan to take in the next year - applying for social security/disability. As I come to terms accepting my AS illness and becoming fully aware that it is not an illness that I will eventually overcome, I debate daily on applying for benefits. I hear of the horror stories of denial after denial and at times feel that I am not that bad or "that bad off physically," but in reality I could use the help. I do plan on using a lawyer when I do apply - anyone have experience with a lawyer or firm specializing in SSD? What are some tips that will keep me from having this turn into a horrifyingly-long undertaking and experience?
Well - I took the step and have filed with the help of my medical insurance company. They have a benefits program that helps me with the process with no fee charged - I am lucky. I am struggling with terrible fatigue and horrendous full body pain lately and this program has been a Godsend. So much paperwork! , we're thinking of you! Fingers crossed that the turnaround is quick and doesn't require any appeal. Please keep us posted as to how it's going? Interested in hearing what community members have to share to your question above. -Matt (Community Manager)