Agoraphobia and Social Security
I signed up for social security (SSI) in November of 2007. I had my interview over the phone on December 3rd 2007 and during that interview I told the lady I couldnt go see a doctor ect. and she said because I didnt have very many medical records that they would send me to a doctor for an evaluation. I told her I couldnt go to the evaluation and could they do it at my home and she said no. I then said you wouldnt ask a person with no legs to walk to a doctors appointment would you? She said that people who are bed ridden have to see doctors all the time and I said they dont have a phobia of public places either. Just put them in a wheel chair and theyre fine.
Already I felt like giving up. I called a lawyer after getting off the phone and they took my case even though I havent been turned down. All my paper work was sent through the mail and I filled it out and sent it back to the lawyers office. So, now from my home Ive gotten a lawyer and a doctor (at that time) a few months went by and my psychologistidnt want to cooperate with my SSI claim and on top of that I couldnt afford to keep paying her and social security recommends at the very least you see a doctor once every two months.
Once again I was screwed. No doctor and no evidence to support my claim. I only had a letter my psychologist wrote D.H.H.R trying to help me get a medical card to pay for my visits. Shed do that but she wouldnt help me with my claim. I called my case work or my case examiner often to make sure she was getting everything she needed and that helps move your case along. A tip for you is to not call your local social security office but to call your local D.D.S (Disability Determination Service) they are the ones who handle your case and can give you up to date information on your case. My case worker finally called me one day on accident and told me she was trying to get a hold of my psychologist to get my medical records and I told her that she wrote me an email saying she wouldnt help me.
Then I heard the dreaded words "Ill have to set you up with a doctors exam" well I gave up for sure then. The exam was to take place wit a doctor just 15 minutes away and I couldnt go. I didnt go either and my case worker called and she knew why I didnt go. She said shed have a psychologist come to my house to see me and sure enough on March 12th 2007 she came and was I nervous. My anxiety has gotten worse since February and when she called that morning to get directions I told her could she just come to my door and see that its me and then call me and do th interview? I was kind of joking but she said the interview had to be face to face.
She came and made it quick. She just asked basic questions like my age and how long Ive been married and how far I made it in school. She was finished in 5 minutes and I kept talking because I relaxed once she got here and she kept trying to leave. Now its a waiting game and I should get a decision soon. I dont care about the money but it would help my wife out a lot and other than that I wouldnt care because either way Id still have agoraphobia.
A few tips that Ive picked up along the way.
1. Get a doctor who will help your claim.
2. Dont let anyone tell you that you cant do something. Make phone calls or call a lawyer and find out for sure. I was also told Id have ot go to court if it made it that far and my lawyer said I wouldnt because of my circumstances.
3. You can have your doctor give you your psychological exam if requested by social security. Just be sure to call your D.D.S case worker and let them know.
4. Call your D.D.S examiner often to get updates and to make sure he/she is getting all the information they need.
If you want to sign up for social security disability benefits online heres the link Apply For SSI
Finally, heres a great website that has every social security question you can think of answered. It will answer many questions on how many people in your state get turned down opposed to those who get it th first time. D.D.S phone numbers for your state. And how ot pick a good lawyer and everything in between. Disabilty Secrets