I Got Disability Support!

By Steff Di Pardo

2 min read

I have something very exciting to share! After 6 whole years of applying, getting denied, appealing, and getting denied again, I’ve finally been accepted for disability support! It was a hard 6 years emotionally and physically, but now I feel like I can finally breathe.

The process

I started applying for disability support back in 2017, even before I had an official diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. I got help from my family doctor and we filled out the forms to the best of our ability, only to get denied.

The appeal process is easy, you just write a letter telling the unit that you think they made a mistake, and they overlook it. Once again though, denied.

I applied a second time about a year or so later, once I got the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. The exact same thing happened, I was denied initially and then again after my appeal.

I decided to take a break from applying. What people don’t see is how emotionally taxing the whole process is. To have to answer question after question about your abilities and write a letter about what you can’t do can be exhausting. You can’t just sit down and finish it in one sitting. At least I couldn’t.

Then I was sent a letter a month or so later denying that I even had a condition that’s considered a disability. When I appealed the same thing was said. “You are not considered to be a person with a disability.” The words stung. Reading them doesn’t get easier after the second or third time, either.

Back in 2021, I finally decided to apply for disability support again. My doctor and I sat down and filled out the forms with as much information as we possibly could. I felt confident about this time, we really gave it our all.

Denied. Three times. I appealed, but once again, was denied.

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What I did next

I had heard from others in the community that getting a lawyer was what got them the support they needed. I decided to contact a local community legal service, as I can’t afford a lawyer. I can’t really afford anything as I haven’t had a job in 6 years due to AS.

The community legal service took me in right away and said they would try their best to win me the case.

I worked with them over the course of a year and a half, as the process in my province takes a long time to get through. We decided to appeal to the tribunal, which meant I would have a trial on Zoom.

Over the year and a half I spoke to them sporadically, but towards the end of 2022 is when things started to get in motion.

Winning the case

I got all of my doctors to send in reports of my conditions stating how they affect me and my everyday life. This is what won me the case.

I didn’t end up making it to the trial date. I got a call about a week and a half before the date from my lawyer. She told me that the unit had changed its mind about my case. I was seen as a person with a disability! Finally!

How I feel now

I feel so relieved that I was finally accepted. I can get medications covered, physical therapy, dental coverage, and more. I feel like I can finally kickstart my life again.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The AxialSpondyloarthritis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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LisaMichelle1092 Member
Congrats! I went through something similar though it only took 4 years before I received my fully favorable letter. It's really important for people to understand that for most applicants, especially if you are under 50, you will automatically be denied twice: once with your initial claim, once when you appeal. It's vital to get legal aide. There are tons of law firms that deal with disability regularly that won't charge you if they don't win your case. And if you do win, they take a state regulated amount of the back pay, or settlement, you will be awarded. Once you are denied, contact an attorney or work with legal aide. They can file your appeal. It can take a long time before you are in front of the administrative judge but hang in there. Your legal rep will walk you through the hearing. Anyway, so thrilled for you. When I got my letter and opened it I started shaking. Then I woke my family up, they are in a different time zone, at 6:00am and we all celebrated. It's definitely a journey.
James Hollens Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention username="Steff Di Pardo" user-id="2109129"/> This is such amazing news, congratulations on getting accepted! I bet it was such an enormous relief after trying for so long! After I was rejected I definitely needed a break from applying too as it really is a taxing ordeal. Although I have definitely had a long enough break and should get onto applying again! Getting your doctors to fill out forms sounds like a great idea, is this part of the process where you are or is this something you went out and did to try and help the application? Wishing you well, James (Community Member)
1. Steff Di Pardo Contributor
 <inline-mention username="James Hollens" user-id="2107776"/> Here in Canada you have to get your doctor to fill out forms for you! Definitely reapply when you feel comfortable - it really is so emotionally taxing to go through. Thank you! 😀
Lawrence Rick Phillips Moderator & Contributor
Congratulations, I know that removes a load.
Auldyn Matthews Moderator & Contributor
Oh I am so relieved to be reading this article! What a wonderful moment for you! I hope this brings you some comfort, both physically and mentally, in life!
1. Doreen H Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Steff Di Pardo" user-id="2109129"/> We're all so thrilled for you! Thanks for sharing this journey with us. ~Doreen (Team Member)
2. Steff Di Pardo Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Doreen.Hribar" user-id="2383959"/> Thank you so much!

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