How Can I Stay Afloat While Waiting for Social Security Disability Benefits?

I got denied in Jan and filed an appeal in Jan. I've worked since I was 18. I'm 43 now. This past Sept, I had to go on FMLA because of my back and I suffer from major depressive disorder, panic attacks and anxiety disorder. Had surgery in Oct, for 1 wk, I was not in pain. I was thanking God. The next Monday, I turned over in the bed and felt a pop in my back. I was in excruciating pain. Neurosurgeon sd the next step would be a spinal fusion, but he didn't recommend it for me due to my mental state. Thankfully, my dad has helped me, but he is on social security and VA benefits. It's a struggle. I did get on food stamps or I think it's called SNAP. Blessed with that. I have always PD my bills on time. I even called my creditors to explain my situation. 1 is working with me. I recd a civil summons last night from 1. I called my disability attorney and my state rep this morning. I had to leave msgs. I'm praying for some help. Believe me, if I could work, I'd be back in a second. I've had so called friends and family say I was lazy. That hurt so bad. My Mom and Twin sister passed a few years ago. Both were homebound and sick. Me and dad worked our schedules around so that one of us would be home to take care of them. It was very stressful, but I don't regret it. I know there are others worse than me, but I wish that these ppl making the decisions, just sat a day in our lives. Let them see what a cancer patient goes thru. What chronic pain does, and what pts mental health status is when dealing with these chronic health problems. God bless everyone that is going thru this. Let's all keep each other in our thoughts and prayers.

Going through a disability claim myself. its tuff getting by money wise. Im using the web site for answers. im in pennsyvania. so laws are different. use the dept of social services. Be strong.

Unfortunately it is a sick little game they play at Social Security office. There are bean counters that day in and day out their job is to figure out how to cut costs.

I, too, have been without an income since 2013. I have gone through my life savings and cashed in my retirement. I have been told that I MIGHT get a court date in December. My house is going into foreclosure. I always played by the rules. I worked in the medical field. I don't understand. I don't know where to turn for help.

I was approved fast do to c.o.p.d and severe back problems and can not work full-time either. Now a month ago I found out have lung cancer and they cut me off told me 4 months out of year I make over 1000.00 that's to much. Nothing like making someone feel like crap after 20 years working. Also. Thanks S.S.D. Good luck

Hey dude im in same dam citution cant work anymore .got 4 serios illiness plus blown out knees i also have applied for ssi disaiabilty.at age of 55 lost my job at walmart 6 and half years .me to cant get help got six brothers all got money 2 are rich dude they dont come by visit mustless call..acctually tried sucide didnt happen anyway ur not by ur self friend .by tha i got a facebook curtis drop a line we talk u want...

I have a best friend who has helped me for the 37 months it took to get a hearing. Had a very favorable hearing per my attorney. I have waited 14 weeks and still notveven a letter from SS. I owe my friend over 30k. The only reason she helped me this long is i MADE IT A POINT to take her to my hearing so she could get the attorney's opinion on whether he thinks the case will be approved. He gave a thumbs up and this put her mind at ease. Waiting 13 weeks for a decision is nerve wracking for both of us. She is out of $ in her 401k and can no longer loan Livingwith her is out of the question. I am moving out of my rental next weekend. I have researched living on the street. Not safe or healthy especially here in Phoenix and its summer time! I always wondered how a person could possibly end up on the street. Now I know. I am physically disabled and have diabetes so i HAVE to eat regular meals. What the hell do i do?? The backpay and monthly checks arent helping me right now! Even if i was able to work it would disqualify me from getting benefits. This system is an absolute disgrace! Me...a street person and its 110 degrees every day. I am becoming despondent and very depressed. The attorney doesnt get a penny till i am approved. They have no answers. What am i supposed to do?...im going to stay within walking distance to the local ER as i am sure i will need help within 2 weeks. I never dreamed in a million years i would be in this situation. !!!

Yes I'm in the same boat .living with a friend now and cant hardly walk been in process for 7 years now

I am so sorry for what you're you going thru. It sounds like this should be coming to a resolved end, soon. Mine took 4 months (which is almost unheard of). I was fortunate enough to have a helpful family. The main light at the end of the tunnel is that your 1st check will be retroactive to the date you 1st applied. If it takes 10months total, you 1st check will be for the entire 10months. So you WILL get a good lump sum at 1st. If you have papers showing the approval, etc., it may help with getting loans (personal or otherwise) because you have credible proof that money IS coming. I dont know if youve talked to your bank (or Co. that holds your mortgage note), but you might try a sit down conversation with them (if you haven't already). Sorry if I'm telling you things you've already done. Tell them your ongoing issues, that you're not trying to hide, you want to be able to pay, etc. This can also be done with utilities, etc. There IS help, it's a matter of finding what resources are available in your area/state. The point of having a sit down meeting (vs. a phone call) is that they have to look you in the eyes, seeing you as a person, not "a caller" or a number. They usually have programs available for situations like this (imagine if everyone who lost a paycheck-to-paycheck job became unable to pay their mortgage). The bank would rather keep you in your house rather than take a losd at foreclosure (my dad was a banker 30+yrs). They may be able to grant a forebearance. The worst communication is no communication, as I know you've already discovered. Being at home, living in fear, is not good for your disability. You may have to fill out lots of paperwork & jump thru red tape & first hoops. But at least you'll have a sense of moving forward & being able to take some control in this unpleasant situation. If none of thus helps, there are always the disability attorneys (as distasteful as that sounds). They wouldnt charge you anything until you get that 1st check (they'd get a % of it). Since you've already done most the work yourself, is appeal for a smaller % than they usually charge. I hope & pray that you find the help & answers you're looking for. I will be praying for you & everything you're going thru.

Wow I'm in the same boat as you Arlene so don't feel bad I've lost everything I had unbelievable house car now furniture couldn't afford to pay storage any longer been applying sense 2013 and I was getting my checks unfortunately I got incarcerated an Lost my benefits I don't no what to do but continue to try and wait sorry for your problems too.

I've been wating for 2 years in a half I owe my family members all my money when I get it I got hit by a car Sept 20015 30 percent in both hands I have f ibromiliga back pain knee pain can't set very long or stand very just had surgery on my foot I agree with what that guy said I have lawyer how would they like it no money for almost 3 years it's a crock