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SSD application question – anyone fill one out recently?
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SSD application question – anyone fill one out recently?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › SSD application question – anyone fill one out recently?

  • Post
    • July 28, 2018 at 1:35 am
    gmschmidt
    Participant

      I am no longer working and am filling out an on-line application for social security disability.  I'm already stumped on this question.  "Have you been diagnosed with any specific condition that is expected to end in death"?  I have stage 4 melanoma.  Will it end in death?  Who knows?  I hope not, but I feel that realistically the answer is just as close to "yes" as it is to "no".  If I answers yes, a pop up message says……we strongly encourage you to contact a local Social Security office at your earliest opportunity. Even if you do not finish your appliction today, please contact us anyway…… That kind of makes me think that they are asking if I have an illness where there is no chance of survival.   No is probably the correct answer but if I'm wrong in the interpretation, it could hurt my chance of getting approved.  Wondering if anyone on here has filled out an application recently and been approved.  If so, how did you answer that question?

      Thanks in advance!

    Viewing 6 reply threads
    • Replies
        • July 28, 2018 at 2:17 am
        miaka618
        Participant

          You might need to call them to clarify. According to SSA.gov you will qualify for SSD regardless. Here is a link to the conditions that automatically qualify.

          https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/13.00-NeoplasticDiseases-Malignant-Adult.htm#13_29

           

          Good luck!

          • July 28, 2018 at 2:56 am
          kst
          Participant

            Stage 3c and stage 4 melanoma automatically qualifies for the "Compassionate Allowances" fasttrack SSDI.  All you need is your  MyChart with the diagnosis and doctors contact info.  Bring this to the local Social Security office and they will help you complete all required forms according to their website.

            https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423022810
             

              • July 28, 2018 at 2:34 pm
              gmschmidt
              Participant

                Yeah, I've heard and read that stage 4 melanoma automatically qualifies, but I still can't complete the application without answering that question yes or no.  I spoke to an attorney about them filling it out, and they said I didn't need them.   They suggested I do it on line though as opposed to going in, I can't remember why.  On-line is much more conveinent for me anyway.  I guess I'll go ahead and call SSA Monday.  I just thought maybe someone in the same situation as me might have just filled out an on-line app and would know the answer.  The last time I called the SSA the wait time was 90 minutes.  smiley   

                Thanks

                • August 1, 2018 at 6:49 pm
                gmschmidt
                Participant

                  When you say all you need is MyChart, do you mean you pulled it up for them on a phone or computer or did you try to print something out.  I found a link on "my chart" to download records which I did but it's a zip file.  I tried to extract the files (which I have done before) and it says their extracted, but they aren't.  Also its a SDMF file.  ?

                  • August 2, 2018 at 2:36 am
                  kst
                  Participant

                    My doc advised that if I applied for SSDI to print off documents from MyChart that included diagnosis, tests performed, and his contact info.  Once you drop these off at the SS office they will contact the doctor apparently and confirm information.

                  • July 28, 2018 at 3:44 pm
                  Johnjk04
                  Participant

                    My opinion : check yes – go down to the office and get it moving quickly.

                    • July 29, 2018 at 2:20 am
                    GreggL
                    Participant

                      Absolutely check yes. Is it going to end in death? We sure hope not and we'll do everything we can to fight and live as long as possible but they go by statistics and 6-10 months isn't good. That was my prognosis in Feb 2016 when I officially became stage IV. I'm sure prognosis wise nowadays it's better but these immunotherapies are so new they probably don't have alot of good information on it. I'm still here and plan to be for a long time but that doesn't change anything with SSDI. Also, there is usually a 6 month waiting period for SSDI but with stage IV cancer they expedite it for you. That's probably why they said come in as soon as possible. Good luck. Gregg

                      • July 29, 2018 at 6:33 pm
                      MelanomaMike
                      Participant

                        Hi, i did a "Phone" interview, i set up a time for them to call & they did, an alternative to Online or walking in, i did this on June 13th & all i ever hear since is quote:  "Its sitting on the desk in the office" unquote.

                         and like someone said here, us Stage 4 cases qualify as a "Compassionate Allowence" case wich means its "suppose" to "speed up" the paperwork {cuz we are considered terminal in a way} but, im going on "47" days and NOTHING!,  the SS Dept can take our hard earned money out of our checks each week but, when we need a little help with our finances that we PAID INTO! it just blows my mind…hopefully this wont happen to your case…best of luck Anonymouse…

                        • July 30, 2018 at 5:49 pm
                        dmarie
                        Participant

                          Husband applied for SSDI in April (dx 8/2017, stopped working 3/2018). Approved in mid-May, but will not receive payments until July 2018, (so 1st payment in August 2018). Even though it was approved quickly(ish), there is still a 6 month wait to receive benefits. 

                          • August 1, 2018 at 6:33 pm
                          gmschmidt
                          Participant

                            Thanks everyone.

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