Getting help from congressman

[CaliforniaMum]

I was wondering how many of you who have applied for Social Security asked for help from your local Congressman? I have read from others that this was successful for them and I wanted to give it a try. After looking at many congressman websites, they do provide this service free to you as part of their duties. I figure it can't hurt.
What do you think?

[twopack]

Are you thinking of applying for SSDI or SSA?  I really don't know much at all about this process except I plan to stay away from it as long as possible.  I can still work part-time and that enables me to carry better health insurance, carry short and long term disability, get my Copaxone with much less hassle than through a government program, pays my bills better, and is good for my mental health.

I know I am fortunate to be able to still work and have a spouse also contributing to our household income.  I pray that continues until I can slip into the Medicare club (if it isn't disbanded in the next eight years or so).  I feel for those of you who are unable to work at all, especially at young ages.

I would try to get your hands on the article Quix posted about.  One of our members made a generous offer to scan the MSQR article and sent it privately to anyone who asked.  I took her up on the offer so I have the info when/if it is needed.  It was quite informative.

Good luck to you.  Oh yeah, I've usually known people to ask for help from their Representative or Congressman only when they've run into the immoveable wall of government bureaucracy.  I think they let other lawyers facilitate things up to that point.

Mary

[Spendosaurus_Rex]

I work for a US Congressman and Yes, a Congressman's office can help.  And yes - it is free to you - it is part of their job to "help cut the red tape" when dealing with Federal Agencies.  

[deborah0904]

I am glad this was in the forum today.  I just learned yesterday that ss denied my claim for disability.  I'm on disability and get paid through my former employer and am glad for that.  

[CaliforniaMum]

Thank you thank you thank you.
This is all great information. I believe it cant hurt to ask for some assistance in this. I just think it is crazy that the ssa makes a standard to turn down 90% of it's cases the first time around as a practice.
I remember when my sister lost her arm in a car accident and the doctors reattached it to her stomach for several months  and finally got the arm attached properly within a year. She doesnt have full function and it doesnt look so great but at least she has an arm.  She too was denied the first time around. Now she has been off it for many many years and working a typing job of all things!
I just need a little help until I get my body back. Thank you all for your replies.

[grannyhotwheels]

When I received my Disability I had not been diagnosed yet.  This made it very hard to get but by starting with a family friend who happens to be our County Commissioner I finally got it any way.

He contacted our State Representative and then I'm not sure where it went from that point but I do know within 2 months I was granted my disability.  I had been turned down several times before we contacted him.

So, by that, I'm a firm believer that our State Officials can help us if they want to.  I wish you the best of luck in getting yours and I would suggest that you contact as many Public Officials as you can.

I'll be praying,
Carol

[Lulu54]

I just saw the latest edition of MS Quarterly Review this week and their cover story is about successful SSDI applications.  It was a very informative read.

There doesn't seem to be an online edition to refer to - when I get a few spare minutes and it is not so late I will start a new thread with some of the information.

BTW - you can get the MSQR free- when you sign up for NARCOMS through the Consortium of MS Care centers OR go the unitedspinal.org and sign up through this great group .

my best,
Lulu

[essdipity]

Actually I have heard of this helping, but only when you have waited an excessively long time and have not heard back. A congressman's staff people will then inquire for you, and that tends to get things rolling. I don't think they will try to influence the outcome, as that could mean big trouble.

Hope others respond here.

ess