A Little Financial Tip to Survive A Life-Altering Diagnosis

Quick Update: Tomorrow (Monday) As you are all aware I am having 2 tests done tomorrow. Endoscopy and also the colonoscopy. This has been a difficult week and Preparing for the tests today has not been fun at all. I am hoping this is all worth it and hoping the Doctors will figure something out and a way to fix the intestinal problems I have been having. Along with that hopefully they will figure out why I am prone to yeast infection in my throat and esophagus. I will continue to keep you all up to date. As usual I don't hold back as I feel it only helps others out there going through the same issues.


This information was past on to me and so as usual I am passing it on to you.

A Little Financial Tip to Survive A Life-Altering Diagnosis



People who've received a life-altering medical diagnosis aren't alone in the trials and adjustments. The U.S. Census Bureau has recorded more than 54 million Americans who have reported a disease or injury affecting their ability to perform everyday tasks at home and responsibilities at work.



That's why the government took notice back in the 1950s of the financial struggles Americans were facing and created Social Security Disability Insurance. SSDI is funded through mandatory payroll taxes from your and my paychecks which in return provide monthly subsidies to those impacted by long-term medical diagnosis.



While SSDI has brought relief and hope to millions, there are a few challenges to overcome in the system. In January 2009, almost 3 million individuals who have applied for SSDI are stuck in the system and will wait an average of 2-3 years for assistance!



Overwhelming? Yes. Still, applying for SSDI is one of the best financial steps you can take when a diagnosis like MS appears to have long-term impact. These benefits are rightfully yours if you qualify. From Allsup's website, below are a few suggestions to help the SSDI process move a little quicker:

1. Determine your eligibility for SSDI. A few eligibility guidelines are 1) you?ve received your diagnosis before full-retirement age (65 to 67); 2) you are not working due for reasons like MS; and 3) you have received a taxed paycheck for five of the last 10 years. For a full list of criteria, visit this link to Allsup.com.

2. Ask your doctor for a written medical confirmation. At the beginning of your application process, you will need a letter from your doctor confirming the diagnosis and listing the conditions that qualify you for benefits. If you don?t, this can slow the process down a month or more.

3. Meet deadlines. If benefits are denied at any stage of the process, there is only a 60 day window to file an appeal. You don't want to miss the deadline or else the process starts over from the beginning.



Don't give up during the application process! Get help early and be persistent. While 60 percent of first-time applicants are denied by the Social Security Administration, it?s also known that two-thirds of applicants who appeal eventual receive their financial assistance. No one could have prepared you for the day the doctor said, It's MS, but there is help available and government funds to give back a little of your stability.