will i lose my disability benefits?

[JGC97]

Originally Posted by nightlysparrow

Sorry, but a doctor's declaration will NOT get you on permanent disability. Only a judge can do that, which is why there's all those lawyer commercials. It's usually a 2+ year process, unless you have a terminal illness. And many never get approved.

You're right. I only mentioned starting with the doctor route. A person must first be diagnosed before a judge can make a ruling. I've never known anyone who has been able to get disability benefits without first seeing a physician.

[Electrician4you]

Originally Posted by HereOnMars

Isn't that just tragic that an attorney must sometimes be involved in a clear-cut case for disability? Damned red tape bureaucracy.

Yeah but there are PLENTY of people that are conveniently "disabled" and take advantage of the system. Nothing wrong with a little proof.

[BeauCharles]

Originally Posted by nightlysparrow

Sorry, but a doctor's declaration will NOT get you on permanent disability. Only a judge can do that, which is why there's all those lawyer commercials. It's usually a 2+ year process, unless you have a terminal illness. And many never get approved.

My oldest sister was the only person I personally know of who was accepted on her first try without involving an attorney. She was a payroll manager for a large company for 15 years and eventually her Fibromyalgia and arthritis forced her to go on disability. She fought kicking and screaming to the end - loved her job and didn't want to stop working. She finally had to apply and six months later she got it. I think if you have a solid work history spanning many years and a lot of medical documentation regarding an illness the process may go more smoothly. Repeat "may".