Members most pressing questions that were covered during the conference are below with answers in GREEN
 
1. How to prepare for a SSDI hearing(Marilyn)
Lesson 11 watch the hearing video
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/DisabilityAnswers-hearing.htm

Get orientated Interview (Develop you disability elevator pitch)
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/DisabilityAnswers1.htm

2. Any way to speed up Medicare coverage (Cheryl)
I am waiting on my Disability.  I currently pay $655 a month for an indemnity insurance policy which is killing me and doesn't pay very much .  Should I get on Medicaid and just do a spend down each month to get health benefits?  I can't afford the $655 much  longer and especially until I get Medicare.  Any way to speed up Medicare coverage rather than waiting 24 months?

3. I'm a disabled spouse that does not qualify for SSDI what can I do? (Blaine)
My question about disability is what happens when the spouse becomes disabled thru no fault of her own who was taking care of her disabled husband?? Now she is disabled and does not qualify for any social security benefits or any other disability benefits as well.

Learn If you qualify for SSI ...Assets less than $3000.00 as a family and all the same medical criteria as SSDI

4. Can I work for the family business (James Johnson)
My wife and I are considering starting an Internet business. I am disabled,
use a wheelchair, and can work about 20 hours a week at home. I had a 
work-at-home job (unemployed now) so I've begun the nine months of "make all you can" series.

If we incorporate with my wife as the principle, can we both work the business,  with her paying me a salary of no more than the $980 per month cap? Does SSDI have a problem with someone disabled working for a family business and keeping my salary under the cap? We live in Georgia. Thanks,

Yes ... as long as you meet all the SGA requirements
How To Supplement Your Income Without Reducing Your Monthly Check
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/GetMoreBenefits1.htm

Learn about impairment related work expenses
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/HowToStartABusiness.htm

5. Can I collect on my social security disability, and still file for my deceased
 husbands social security benefits? (DEBBI)

6.  tried every thing to get affordable housing still no success :((Dianne)
What I have heard has been remarkable on your webinares, however not
regarding what my needs are:  I am on disability, not going through what
you have discovered (I wished I had) and advocate am on section 8 housing,

> how can I purchase a home using section 8?
> if need be I will build a home: the requirements
> Self sustaining (it generates what it needs)
> Cost efficient (the utilities issue)
> Green materials:
> I have Lots of allergies (environmental to medical)

I need the above because of the cost of utilities, and being on disability.
The money HAS to stretch. The home I live in has to support me, not me 
supporting it.  It would be very nice for me to be in a community setting, 
for secruity issues, it's that disability thing. Co-housing????

Get House councilors from HUD and CIL
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/Housing.htm

Many are really struggling to find affordable housing is safe neighborhoods  formed a disabled housing discussion group in the community.

The group is a place where you can connect With Others that are looking
 for or found housing share stories, ideas, Get A Helping Hand or offer a 
tip My goal is to help you restore your peace of mind about where you live ... I believe that is something we all deserve?
 
Its F.R.E.E And Easy To Join Go To this web site and select groups then housing:
http://www.hypertracker.com/go/trackmysales/com/bt

I use food stamps, and need to find ways to sustain my health the most cost efficient means as possible.  I am only able to eat about two weeks out of four, because my foods cost more, sometime two to three to four times as much. I have food allergies.

How to eat for less on a disability budget Angel food network, swap, barter http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/blog/

How can I support all of my conditions on the monies I have now?  I need 
therapies, alternative medicines, special programs: physical, diet, well-being, massaging techniques; etc.  To sustain a good quality of life; which IS  SEVERELY LACKING!!!!!!! 

FREE treatment options
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/TreatmentOptions.htm

I am grateful for the level of which I have achieved, and am grateful for the
support I have to come this far. I need to continue the positive health issue curve.

I have gone to the local CIL  (Midland, (1995-1998)I and Flint, MI (199-2001)  many years ago  and both were lacking in support. The Midland one has said:  things have changed (2007-2008), however it is over 30 miles away, 60 miles round trip. You know the budget restraints, etc.

Centers For independent Living
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/Housingcil.htm

I had tried state rehab, it failed me (I had an attack: where my body just shuts down if given too much stress and I don't feel positively supported;  the EMT's had to wheel me out of there threatening me with putting me into a mental institution) and then received a letter two days later from the state rehab stating I was not the kind of client they could support.
These sets of circumstances occurred: 2000.

I tied to talk to the state Rehab (2006) while applying for disability; they said to wait. I have heard, "unofficially" that if I pursue rehab again, my disability will be cut off dollar for dollar and possibly  even more. I will lose what I have now. is this true for Michigan???

I don't want to be a talking head, or be a part of the cackling heads set: 
however, there has been much too much blood sweat and tears of mine and 
others for me to "rock the boat".

Since my head injury (1985), right after my graduation, i also have outstanding student loans. I have been informed if I do nothing for three years, they will be dissolved, is this true?

Yes it has taken me that long because of not having an advocate to champion me. When I finally did have someone to champion me, and to back up what I was saying and for them to come into the Dr.'s exam room to make sure I was getting the necessary treatment. Funny how things change dramatically when there are an extra pair of ears and eyes are there to witness.. This was during the disability process and continues to this day.    I highly recommend everyone to have that second set of eyes and ears, to finally get what they need.  

This is a Friend who does this (she asks for no monetary compensation), but 
soon she will need to concentrate on other things. how do I pay someone to
come with me?  is there such a service? Or will I be in the same boat of telling the docs. my needs and them not hearing??? 

Centers For independent Living
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/Housingcil.htm

I live alone, my family does not live in this state and friends have their own lives', live too far away, etc. I don't go out to eat, it's that afforability issue, I have not seen my grandson but once, I live a very limiting lifestyle, Any place other than doctors, I must rely on the kindness of others, The only adult vacation was of the kindness of a good friend, was taken recently.

I hate limits, and these disabilities have limited me.
In fact that is another issue: I need a companion: a service dog, for my collapsing under stress, for safety issues, etc. I am not able to pay.even the dog food will be an issue; then the maintenance, etc. Again another tool for quality of life is not available.  Who do I talk to?????
   

7. LTD and SSDI payment amounts (josetta)
I am recieving social security disaility and long term disibility from my job.  
Why is the amount of the long term disibility subtracted from what I recieve
from S.S. to make up 60% of what my salary was before I became disabled?

Also how do I know that Social security is paying me at the highest level in
whatever period they choose for my amount of payment.Last year they paid 
me $8000.00 of back payments,then long term disibility took that amount 
as me owing them for over payment.I DON'T GET IT!! I paid into Social Security and entitled to long term disibility. So whats up ? Thank you for any information you can offer

LTD policies are typically written to bridge the gap
see lesson 12 in the Disability Income Mini Course Is Here!!!
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/DisabilityAnswers1.htm

LTD companies are in bed with the Fed See Blog post
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/blog/68/disability-insurance-companies
-causing-social-security-disability-back-log/


8. whether or not i am getting the correct amount? (K. Niemi ) 

Right now, i am on diabled widow social security here in michigan. I get over
600 a month from that. I also get ssi..........$4 dollars a month.

I know someone who just recently got on ssi and is getting over $700 a 
month in Michigan.

What i am wondering is whether or not i am getting the correct amount on
disabled widow social security since i just turned 62 this year. How long 
will it be before i get the higher amount they told me i would get as i get older? 

Every year, i get a slight increase in my disabled widow soc security. At the
same time, every year i lose another dollar on the ssi. It doesnt make sense to me.

The ssi is important since i am eligible for medicaid because i get even a dollar from ssi.  I am also on Medicare since i started getting the disabled widow soc sec back in the 93 when my husband passed away.

Before that, i was on ssi alone.

Also, my late husband was a veteran and they told me there was an 
allotment included in my disabled widow soc sec because of that.

It is very difficult to live on this small amount of money a month since just 
my lot rent is $321 dollars a month..........and i live in a mobile home that
is a 1978 and it is paid for. Then i have to pay the utilities which are over
100 during the warmer months, and sometimes way over 200 in the winter
even keeping the heat way down.

I have an old 87 cadillac (that was my late mother's) that hasnt been
running for months now so i even took the insurance off it since i cant really
afford it anyway.

No, i did not have an attorney that helped me get on social security. Yes, 
i am considered medically to be permantly disabled. I am mostly homebound
and spend most of my time propped up in my bed. I am definitely not able to work.

Part 2
What makes my life more stressful:

l.  social security too low to meet my financial needs.

2. allowance for caregiver expense is ridiculously low

3. prescription co pay.
.....have to not get all scripts filled because i   cant afford the copays.
(havent gotten scripts filled since spring because i owe drug store 70 for copays)

4. Need handy man and/or volunteers to help with things like:
lawnmowing
snow removal
home repairs
winterizing and insulating old home
helping fill out papers/forms
transportation for doctors, groceries, etc.
car repair
nutritional assistance/weight loss (not covered under my insurance)
veterinarian services (indoor cat has fleas)

Although i do have a caregiver ($400 a month), this is for basic 
personal needs. When i had a working lawn mower, i did get my
grandson to come and do that for me. It is a must that things
like this be done because i get violation notices from the trailer
park when it isnt done timely.

How To Maximize your benefits
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/GetMoreBenefits1.htm

SSDI Check increase blog post
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/blog/166/your-social-security
-disability-check-is-getting-an-increase/

Part 2 answer CIL and get tuned in to the community
find both in the members area
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/Members.htm

9. Need Home improvements (Diana L. Higginson)
My most pressing issue is how can I get help in having a ramp built 
at my home, to give me a better access to my home.  Also I need some 
changes in my home, i.e., the bathroom needs some bars in it to help
me get in and out of the bathtub and bars to hold onto once I am in it,
and also a bar to help me get off the toilet.  Also any other changes that
would enhance my living experience in my home.

Modest needs Grant for all under $1000
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/Grants-ModestNeeds.htm

10.  How to survive on SSDI (Pat)
My most important question is that I am a single 61 year old woman
with a substantial about of debt. I need to get on disability because
I have severe fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, but I know
I will not draw enough Even enough to pay my house payment and 
buy my medication and pay my insurance policy, much less have 
enough to live on.

I manage a low income apartment complex and the job is very stressful
with tons of paperwork. What can I do?

The web site below has 6 VERY important preparation steps for 
applying for Disability that will help you maximized your chances 
of winning is the shortest period of time.  Contact me if and when
you are ready to file your application...

http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/Prepareing-to-file-working.htm

11. How to survive the wait (Pat)
The most desperate questions for me are 1) what are we to do to
support our families while we are waiting to get in front of a judge.

Please do not say long term or short term disability from a previous
employer, I was paying into it until the last day I worked but after
separation I have been told I am no longer able to get it.

How To Survive The Wait
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/HowToWin10-surviving.the.wait.htm

2) because my wife makes about $10 to $12 dollars too much a month I am
not entitled to any benefits from the state (Florida). I have been told this 
is only due to the fact that I am 45 years old. that is the only reason I keep
getting turned down.

3) If I can not work (which I physically can not right now) what do I do to
support my family? My kids and wife are the ones being penalized because
I can no longer work, it is not fair. I busted my tail since I have been 15 
years old, paying into a system that refuses to distribute to me what is owed,
with out killing us for it. In the end. disability does not even cover the 
mortgage but they are treating me like I am trying to rob fort Knox. I am
losing my family, my wife is so stressed that she wants a divorce, my kids
are the innocent victims here, so if you have any way of me getting some
kind of money into my home until my benefits start I would be very grateful.
I can't even get counseling for my wife and I because she can not get medical
benefits. Man, I sware I truly believe I have been cursed I am 45 and I might 
as well be dead if I can not help my family. Sorry, Brian I am just at my wits
end. You have been a gleaming light through out this process Thanks. 

If you have been denied benefits and don't think you can survive the wait 
you may be eligible for a Dire need request for a hearing that would Speed 
Up The Approval Process!

http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/HowToWin13-direneed.htm

Review lesson 10 about How to survive the wait Here!!!
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/DisabilityAnswers1.htm

12.  Blast through the disability wall (KIM)
1. I am 36 years old with well documented fibromyalgia and chronic fatique
disorder. However I have been denied twice. Despite the fact that I haven't
worked in two years. And my doctor is totally supporting me to get disability.

2. I have obtained a local lawyer, but they don't contact me very often. 
I have asked them what to do to help my case. How to help me ariculate
what is wrong with me. I don't get much of a response.

3. I suffer from debilitating anxiety attacks for which I am being treated with
xanax and paxil by my family dr. I read in a disability book that specialists are 
great for your case, but not neccesarilly a psychiatrist. Should I be seeing a
psychiatrist to help my case. I also have depression.

4.I went to see a neurologist about my sypmtoms on the advice of my family 
dr. He wanted to do a cat scan and a nerve test. But when the time came for
 the appointments, I didn't have the money for the co-pays. Social Security
 has not once offered to pay for a test for me. Why is that? Is it because I'm
 36 and they know they aren't going to give it to me anyway?
5. I have mailed foreclosure threats to my lawyer to submit to SS to get my 
hearing faster. That was months ago, and I have heard nothing.

lesson 8 make sure your have the right attorney,
The How To WIN Your Social Security Disability Income Mini Course Is Here!!!
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/DisabilityAnswers1.htm

Just because you have an attorney your not off the hook, to maximize your
chances of winning check out these management tips....

http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/blog/123/social-security-disability
-representatives-management-and-attention-getting-tips/

13. Can't afford meds - treatment ( Becky)
How do you get approve when you can't afford meds or going to the doctor.
every 3-4 months i get sick then i am fired or laid off because of attendence,
so what do you do in that situation.

http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/TreatmentOptions.htm

14. California's Social Security people.  (Linda)
The main question I have is what to do about the "run around" I am getting
from California's Social Security people.  I applied in May 07 and was rejected
for similar reasons to what Met Life told me. (sedentary position which my 
doctor advised totally against).   I later "heard" that they never even look at
your medical records the first time. 
The second time was May 08 and I included a couple of doctor letters.  The 
SS office sent me for a mental evaluation in mid September and said it was
not necessary for the medical (osteoarthritis in hands, neck and back, 
fibromyalgia, epilepsy) because they had my medical records.  I wonder if thatmeans they rejected my medical and wanted to give me a last chance for the mental disability.  That was about 15 minutes where I was not asked any very probing questions, more a status of do I know who's the president of the U.S., how do you spell "world", what year is  it and how do I handle stress.  

I have called the person in charge of all this and on my last call to her she did not even ask for my social security number (which I had given to the person who transferred me to her) but she told me that the case was still up for review.

I had been told earlier by someone else on the 800 line that my request was
over 120 days and should have had a determination.  Anyway, she told me
that the 120 days was meaningless and it was still under evaluation and she
could not give me a date when it would be determined.  Even though I will be getting my regular social security for age 62 this month, it is about 400 dollarsless than the disability  (770 per month) and does not, of course include back payment.

What to do?  I don't want to get nasty by asking for a supervisor or complaining to higher ups about how long this is taking.  Should I be looking for an attorney? 

Also, if someone is applying for a disability determination, how can they work if the social security people will say "you are not disabled since you can work?" How do I survive until this is all worked out?

http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/blog/158/approved-for-social-security-
disability-in-just-2-months-thanks/

> medical exam tips 
don't go alone,, have some one document, record, video your review so you can make sure the report that SSA gest is consist with the exam.... gotta hold em  accountable

if you're taking pain meds ... some suggest to skip them for that day let them see you hurt .....

15.  Grants and medigap (john)
1. What are the qualifications for a grant over $1000.00 and what can it be used for?

2. I have a Medicare Advantaged plan called United Insurance Evercare Plan. 
The agent who sold it to me didn't tell me I'd hit a gap where after $2500.00
in prescription charges paid by Evercare I then have to pay $4000.00 out of pocket before 100% of my drugs are covered. I will never be able to pay out $40000.00 out of pocket, can't afford to; so how do I pay for my drugs?

Grants
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/Grants.htm

16.  Benefit review it like the are on a witch hunt? Raven Grey
I have been on disability for approximately 15yrs. I am currently being
"reviewed" but this review seems almost as if I am applying for the first time.
I know my initial approval was for psychiatric reasons even though it should 
have been for physical but, you know the gov't. This was when things such 
as Fibromyalgia were unheard of or not even believed of at the time. I AM 
Bi-Polar but do not see a psychiatrist for it. My regular doctor gives me my
meds for it. In the toen I currently live in, the bus system is such that I 
would have to walk a minimum of either 4 blocks to the bus stop (and back)
to get to a shrink or walk a minimum of 6 blocks from the bus stop (and back) to the shrink. I am not physically capable of doing this because of my other disabilities.

I was diagnosed with Fibro in 2000, though I'd had it since 1992. Currently
it seems that I also have either Lupus (SLE) or some other auto-immune 
connective tissue disease  as well as Degenerative Disc and Degenerative
Joint Disease in my lumbar spine, with nerve involvement. Now the Examiner
handling my review wants me to see one of their PhD.'s with only 9 days notice.

My Primary care doc is more that willing to write a letter of reccomendation
on my behalf as far as my physical issues but what do I do about this 
evaluation on the 12th? As it is I have severe insomnia and what my PCP 
feels is a form of Narcolepsy.

It cant be proven with a sleep study because they wont take me due to 
y other health issues. What do I do because I feel like they are on a witch
hunt? I cant afford to lose my Disability and SSI /Medicare/Medicaid. Without
them I cant get my meds that keep me even slightly mobile on most days. 
Not to mention the meds I take for my Bi-Polar.

Raven Grey

> benefit review tips .. SSDI mini course fro a brush up on qualifications

17.  discriminated against  (David Hayden)
What do you do when your discriminated against because of your disability???
This is a letter I sent to the EEOC.

To whom it may concern:

I have worked for Gardner Trucking since March 2007 and have had days off 
due to my disability. These days off where approved by my former supervisor.

In July 2008 I needed some time off due to my illness, my supervisor handled  all my paper work. I went to check in at Gardner Trucking on Oct. 25 2008 and was told by Keri head of human resources that I was terminated. I explained to her that my paper work was turned in by Art Arzola who was my immediate supervisor she explained that Art was terminated and so was I. I explained to  her that I have previously taken days off due to my disability and it was never  a problem with my supervisor since I was a floater. Mike Turner who is now the supervisor agreed to take me back, but Keri said no because I was disabled;  even though I qualify under D.O.T. to be there.

I David would like to file a discrimination charge against Gardner Trucking and Keri.


18. making money from home and not messing up my benefits (Perva) (Jerry)
A.  I would like to talk to you about making money from home and not messing up my disability benefits. I am getting disability now but i want to do something that will increase my income.

Thanks for your time,
Perva


B. Are there grants to help with a home purchase? What is the cap for income for two people and should you include your pension and disability as in my case?

God Bless,
Jerry Hammond

19. will I lose my benefits if I sell my house (Sandi W)
i Brian -

Wondering if there are any guidelines, as far as Disability Requirements, if
you sell your house? Like do you have to report that as income and are you penalized?

I believe according to IRS - you have a certain amount of time to use that $$ for another home purchase.

 . 

{end of the conference}