MARTERWAG

Hi Olivia,

So sorry to hear about your mom.  My dad's melanoma was also on his scalp.  He is 58 years old now.  His head was itching one evening, my mom's birthday to be precise, so mom and I looked at it and we knew it was not good. 

His lesion was 1.1mm, so not as deep as your mother's, but I wanted to share that he had a wide excision done and SNB.  They removed many lymph nodes from his neck area, right behind/below his ear, and thankfully all nodes were negative.  PET  and CT scans was clear of metastasis to any other locations as well. 

That was nearly a year and a half ago.  Follow-up scans have been clear as well.  We continue to pray for clear scans and continued NED status for him.  Due to his staging he did not need any other treatment, nor was he elgible for any other treatment.

Prayers for your mother.  Waiting is the hardest.

Mary

Hi Olivia,

So sorry to hear about your mom.  My dad's melanoma was also on his scalp.  He is 58 years old now.  His head was itching one evening, my mom's birthday to be precise, so mom and I looked at it and we knew it was not good. 

His lesion was 1.1mm, so not as deep as your mother's, but I wanted to share that he had a wide excision done and SNB.  They removed many lymph nodes from his neck area, right behind/below his ear, and thankfully all nodes were negative.  PET  and CT scans was clear of metastasis to any other locations as well. 

That was nearly a year and a half ago.  Follow-up scans have been clear as well.  We continue to pray for clear scans and continued NED status for him.  Due to his staging he did not need any other treatment, nor was he elgible for any other treatment.

Prayers for your mother.  Waiting is the hardest.

Mary

Perhaps you could try going back to work part time?  You can earn up to $1000 per month and not lose your SSDI.

The application process for SSDI would be the same as the first time if you need to reapply.  You would have the 5 month waiting period for benefits again.

Hoping you continue to do well!!

By the way – I'm in ND – working for the State.  Today I think I'd rather be in Florida 🙂

Perhaps you could try going back to work part time?  You can earn up to $1000 per month and not lose your SSDI.

The application process for SSDI would be the same as the first time if you need to reapply.  You would have the 5 month waiting period for benefits again.

Hoping you continue to do well!!

By the way – I'm in ND – working for the State.  Today I think I'd rather be in Florida 🙂

You may apply online or make an appointment with the SSA office to be done either in person or over the phone.  To apply is the hardest part, gathering paperwork and such.  Do NOT waste your time (and money) hiring an attorney or non-attorney representative.  You can complete the entire process youself and then don't have to pay them 25% of your awarded benefits.  You may have heard 'horror stories' that every one is denied on their first try.  But fortunately (or should I say unfortunately?) for people with melanoma it is pretty clear if the claimant will be allowed.  Here is the critera that must be met for melanoma (found on the SSA.gov website – in the Blue Book of lisings – listing # 13.03):

13.03 Skin.

A. Sarcoma or carcinoma with metastases to or beyond the regional lymph nodes.

OR

B. Melanoma, as described in 1 or 2:

      1. Recurrent after wide excision (except an additional primary melanoma at a different site, which is not considered to be recurrent disease).

      2.With metastases as described in a, b, or c:

                    a. Metastases to one or more clinically apparent nodes; that is, nodes that are detected  by imaging studies (excluding lymphoscintigraphy) or by clinical examination.

                    b. If the nodes are not clinically apparent, with metastases to four or more nodes.

                    c. Metastases to adjacent skin (satellite lesions) or distant sites.

How do I know this?  I am a disability examiner for SSA (my dad has melanoma, which is why I visit this site)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. (this is Title II)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays benefits based on financial need. (this is Title XVI)

Basically SSDI (Title II) is based on your past work history.  When you are working and paying Social Security taxes you earn 'credits' to keep your insured status.  The payments you would be paid are based on how much you earned/paid into Social Security while you were working.  For people who had high paying jobs, this could mean payments of a few/several thousand dollars per month (again, based on your work/payment history).

SSI (Title XVI) is a needs based program.  Any US citizen can apply for these beneifts.  You may not exceed the asset limitations to qualify (somewhat like Medicade limits).  Everyone who is approved for SSI payments receives the same amount per month, which I believe right now is around $675.  SSI is not based on past work.  For example, if you were a stay at home mom who had never worked a job which paid into Social Security, you could still qualify for SSI if you became disabled because you are a US citizen.

I hope that helps.

 

 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. (this is Title II)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays benefits based on financial need. (this is Title XVI)

Basically SSDI (Title II) is based on your past work history.  When you are working and paying Social Security taxes you earn 'credits' to keep your insured status.  The payments you would be paid are based on how much you earned/paid into Social Security while you were working.  For people who had high paying jobs, this could mean payments of a few/several thousand dollars per month (again, based on your work/payment history).

SSI (Title XVI) is a needs based program.  Any US citizen can apply for these beneifts.  You may not exceed the asset limitations to qualify (somewhat like Medicade limits).  Everyone who is approved for SSI payments receives the same amount per month, which I believe right now is around $675.  SSI is not based on past work.  For example, if you were a stay at home mom who had never worked a job which paid into Social Security, you could still qualify for SSI if you became disabled because you are a US citizen.

I hope that helps.

 

 

Hello –

I am a Disability Analyst for the Disability Determination Services (DDS) in ND.  Each state has their own DDS, but we all follow the same Social Security guidelines.  Just to clarify a couple of things…. Yes, if you have stage 4 melanoma, you do qualify.  The listing states:

13.03 Skin.

A. Sarcoma or carcinoma with metastases to or beyond the regional lymph nodes.

OR

B. Melanoma, as described in 1 or 2:

1. Recurrent after wide excision (except an additional primary melanoma at a different site, which is not considered to be recurrent disease).

2.With metastases as described in a, b, or c:

a. Metastases to one or more clinically apparent nodes; that is, nodes that are detected by imaging studies (excluding lymphoscintigraphy) or by clinical examination.

b. If the nodes are not clinically apparent, with metastases to four or more nodes.

c. Metastases to adjacent skin (satellite lesions) or distant sites.

Next, the waiting period for a Title II SSDI claim is 5 months, not 6 as stated above.  The waiting period begins with your onset date, not the date your claim is approved.  For example if you were diagnosed as stage 4 in February 2011 but did not apply for benefits until August 2011 and your claim was approved in September, your onset would be February and therefore your payments would begin in September.  With Title XVI SSI claims there is no waiting period, your payments can only begin as of the month you applied.  Using the same example as above, your payments would include back pay for August since that is the month you applied.  The SSA Office decides which programs you are eligible for based on your past work credits for SSDI and based on your assets for SSI claims.

Lastly, if you are receiving SSI/SSDI payments you ARE allowed to work.  However, you may not have gross income exceeding $1000 per month or you do become disqualified. 

Getting a lawer is not required and doesn't give your claim any greater priority than another.  With a stage 4 diagnosis, it is a pretty clear cut claim, so why give 25% of your backpay to a lawyer?  If you can obtain a copy of your path report or a letter from your doctor prior to applying, that would be helpful.

I'd be happy to try to answer any other questions anyone has.  My dad has Melanoma, which is why Iurk around here 🙂

Wishing you all the best.

Hello –

I am a Disability Analyst for the Disability Determination Services (DDS) in ND.  Each state has their own DDS, but we all follow the same Social Security guidelines.  Just to clarify a couple of things…. Yes, if you have stage 4 melanoma, you do qualify.  The listing states:

13.03 Skin.

A. Sarcoma or carcinoma with metastases to or beyond the regional lymph nodes.

OR

B. Melanoma, as described in 1 or 2:

1. Recurrent after wide excision (except an additional primary melanoma at a different site, which is not considered to be recurrent disease).

2.With metastases as described in a, b, or c:

a. Metastases to one or more clinically apparent nodes; that is, nodes that are detected by imaging studies (excluding lymphoscintigraphy) or by clinical examination.

b. If the nodes are not clinically apparent, with metastases to four or more nodes.

c. Metastases to adjacent skin (satellite lesions) or distant sites.

Next, the waiting period for a Title II SSDI claim is 5 months, not 6 as stated above.  The waiting period begins with your onset date, not the date your claim is approved.  For example if you were diagnosed as stage 4 in February 2011 but did not apply for benefits until August 2011 and your claim was approved in September, your onset would be February and therefore your payments would begin in September.  With Title XVI SSI claims there is no waiting period, your payments can only begin as of the month you applied.  Using the same example as above, your payments would include back pay for August since that is the month you applied.  The SSA Office decides which programs you are eligible for based on your past work credits for SSDI and based on your assets for SSI claims.

Lastly, if you are receiving SSI/SSDI payments you ARE allowed to work.  However, you may not have gross income exceeding $1000 per month or you do become disqualified. 

Getting a lawer is not required and doesn't give your claim any greater priority than another.  With a stage 4 diagnosis, it is a pretty clear cut claim, so why give 25% of your backpay to a lawyer?  If you can obtain a copy of your path report or a letter from your doctor prior to applying, that would be helpful.

I'd be happy to try to answer any other questions anyone has.  My dad has Melanoma, which is why Iurk around here 🙂

Wishing you all the best.

I have a friend who is a social worker for Foster, Eddy & Wells – she's only been there a few years.  I think she works with foster kids a lot. 

I'm in Bismarck – I work for Disability Determination Services (DDS) …. I do the medical reviews of SSI/SSDI claims.  We're a federally funded state program (through SSA).  Each state has thier own DDS.  

I'm not an expert on the qualifications for SSI/SSDI since that's handled by the SSA office, but I know you are not considered to be engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) until you earn over $1000 per month for 2010 (haven't heard if it will go up for 2011).  So I'd question why they told you $740 or $770.  Maybe call to clarify?  Maybe it has to do with your disability payments from the state? 

My dad and sister-in-law have both had melanoma (luckily caught early)- that's why I lurke around here keeping an eye on treatments and such.

I have a friend who is a social worker for Foster, Eddy & Wells – she's only been there a few years.  I think she works with foster kids a lot. 

I'm in Bismarck – I work for Disability Determination Services (DDS) …. I do the medical reviews of SSI/SSDI claims.  We're a federally funded state program (through SSA).  Each state has thier own DDS.  

I'm not an expert on the qualifications for SSI/SSDI since that's handled by the SSA office, but I know you are not considered to be engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) until you earn over $1000 per month for 2010 (haven't heard if it will go up for 2011).  So I'd question why they told you $740 or $770.  Maybe call to clarify?  Maybe it has to do with your disability payments from the state? 

My dad and sister-in-law have both had melanoma (luckily caught early)- that's why I lurke around here keeping an eye on treatments and such.

I have a friend who is a social worker for Foster, Eddy & Wells – she's only been there a few years.  I think she works with foster kids a lot. 

I'm in Bismarck – I work for Disability Determination Services (DDS) …. I do the medical reviews of SSI/SSDI claims.  We're a federally funded state program (through SSA).  Each state has thier own DDS.  

I'm not an expert on the qualifications for SSI/SSDI since that's handled by the SSA office, but I know you are not considered to be engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) until you earn over $1000 per month for 2010 (haven't heard if it will go up for 2011).  So I'd question why they told you $740 or $770.  Maybe call to clarify?  Maybe it has to do with your disability payments from the state? 

My dad and sister-in-law have both had melanoma (luckily caught early)- that's why I lurke around here keeping an eye on treatments and such.

I have a friend who is a social worker for Foster, Eddy & Wells – she's only been there a few years.  I think she works with foster kids a lot. 

I'm in Bismarck – I work for Disability Determination Services (DDS) …. I do the medical reviews of SSI/SSDI claims.  We're a federally funded state program (through SSA).  Each state has thier own DDS.  

I'm not an expert on the qualifications for SSI/SSDI since that's handled by the SSA office, but I know you are not considered to be engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) until you earn over $1000 per month for 2010 (haven't heard if it will go up for 2011).  So I'd question why they told you $740 or $770.  Maybe call to clarify?  Maybe it has to do with your disability payments from the state? 

My dad and sister-in-law have both had melanoma (luckily caught early)- that's why I lurke around here keeping an eye on treatments and such.

I don't really deal with the application process, I just review the medical records once the climant has already been approved by the SSA office (meaning approved in terms of work credit, income, etc.).  I do know that to qualify for SSDI you can not be working and earning more than $1000 per month, gross pay, and the amount of benefits you earn is related to your past work credits (how long you worked and how much you earned).  For SSI it is a needs based award, qualifying is based on your assets (much like qualifying for other programs like Medicaid) and not based on what you earned in the past.  You can qualify for one or both programs.

If he can show documentation (in the form of medical records) that he had a recurrence after an excision he would qualify as long as it was not a new primary melanoma (this would be to qualify under #1).  For #2 it sounds like you are describing "clinically apparent nodes".   They can be clinically apparent based on a physical exam by the physician or by imaging like CT or PET.  Also very helpful are pathology reports.

From what you have described, one current physical exam, preferably along with a scan (I would strongly suggest a scan)  would be all that he would need to do in terms of going to a physician.

Wishing you the best.

I don't really deal with the application process, I just review the medical records once the climant has already been approved by the SSA office (meaning approved in terms of work credit, income, etc.).  I do know that to qualify for SSDI you can not be working and earning more than $1000 per month, gross pay, and the amount of benefits you earn is related to your past work credits (how long you worked and how much you earned).  For SSI it is a needs based award, qualifying is based on your assets (much like qualifying for other programs like Medicaid) and not based on what you earned in the past.  You can qualify for one or both programs.

If he can show documentation (in the form of medical records) that he had a recurrence after an excision he would qualify as long as it was not a new primary melanoma (this would be to qualify under #1).  For #2 it sounds like you are describing "clinically apparent nodes".   They can be clinically apparent based on a physical exam by the physician or by imaging like CT or PET.  Also very helpful are pathology reports.

From what you have described, one current physical exam, preferably along with a scan (I would strongly suggest a scan)  would be all that he would need to do in terms of going to a physician.

Wishing you the best.