Part 4/4 of Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits if You Have ME/CFS or Fibromyalgia

Описание: Disability experts tackle questions and answers on when and how to apply for benefits, qualification requirements, the application process, and how to medically-document your disability – as well as how to optimize your chances for approval.

View the full playlist for this event:    • February 2022 Sunday Conversation: Applyin...  

Featured speakers are:

Ronald Belluso, Esq., attorney specializing in disability at Keches Law Group, and a MassME Board member. Ron has successfully represented many ME/CFS and other disabled patients through the disability process and at Administrative Hearings and is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimant’s Representatives (NOSSCR).

Ken Casanova, MassME member and Disability Counselor. Ken is the primary author of the Association’s Disability Handbook, “How to Apply for Social Security if You Have ME/CFS,” and has guided nearly 100 people through the disability process over the years. He has been the Association's president twice, and has been a social worker, community organizer, and legislative advocate.

Bob Robitaille, MassME member and volunteer. Bob assisted his daughter win her Disability benefits and now provides guidance to others as a member of our Patient Services team.

Moderator: Karin Dove, MassME Patient Services Volunteer

The content of this conversation applies to chronic illnesses such as ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia, Long Covid, and Chronic Lyme Disease.

This program is part of “Sunday Conversations with MassME,” a monthly speaker series with discussion on a wide variety of topics. For more information about the Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association, visit: http://www.massmecfs.org/

For more resources from this event, including slides and links, go to: https://www.massmecfs.org/news-events...

00:00 Introduction
0:23 When can children receive SSDI?
3:41 Strategies for doctors' appointments
8:12 What is the right amount of documentation?
11:04 What does 'consistency of treatment' mean?
13:22 Attendance at hearings
14:37 What happens when one is too ill to attend a hearing?
16:07 Level of assets to qualify for SSI
20:14 Tips for the disability process
22:57 Does marriage affect SSDI or SSI benefits?
24:40 Applying for disability when self-employed
26:13 Should you choose an attorney from your state?
29:09 Final reminders