Question:
Hello everyone~
I have been on my journey with my injuries for 6 years now. The wkmns comp portion is just getting to court stages~they deemed me at MMI in May and stopped my comp checks! Now, yesterday my attorney informed me that the insurance company is envoking something called a "26 week rule"??? He told me it means the ins comp. can just choose to delay setling for another 26 wks?!?!
Also, I am now going to start the process for SSDI since it is clear my condition is such that I could no longer perform my job. I am wondering about other peoples expereinces, especially in NJ???
This has me turned upside down with emotion and fear. I would appreciate any and all info you all would be willing to share.
Thanks~Sadies mom
Answer:
#1-Make sure you are going to the doctors on a regular basis pertaining to your *disability*.
Regular could mean every 3-4 months. But, it must be *regular* AND must relate to your disability.
NJ is very strict in this regard.
#2-Start saving $$$$$. (Took me 3 years from filing to decision).
New Jersey is seriously backed up. At least it was 2005.
How old are you? If you are 55+ you may get awarded sooner. I was 53 when I applied. So that should tell you something.
However, I should also tell you I was fortunate than most. I knew what I was getting into therefore, I had "savings" I could tap into as I had been in the workforce for 30+ years.
#3-You really do not need an attorney initially unless you are initially denied & request a Hearing.
#4-If you do obtain an attorney make sure you get one that ONLY HANDLES SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CASES & nothing else. Check your local Yellow Pages. Do not use the ones you see on those T.V. commercials. Every Tom, Dick & Harriat use those.
#5-When you initially file, SS will send you globs of forms to complete. In the meantime, strongly suggest that you go to your doctors office & request copies of your medial records & notes. Tell them you want 2 copies. You keep a copy for yourself. Send the other copy to SS Disability.
My doctor(s) did not charge me for the copies. Thereby saving me copying fees from Kinkos.
#6-After doing the above notify all your treating physicians that you are filing for Social Security Disability Benefits & to make sure that THEY COOPERATE w/them.
#7-If you ARE NOT represented intially, get on the good side of your claims representative in TRENTON. Always make a note of your claim # when calling. Keep in contact w/them every 30 days. They are suppose to keep a 30 day diary.
[b]NEVER EVER UPSET THEM no matter how frustrated [b]YOU get. These folks control your case & can very easily put your case at the bottom of the pile=LIMBO.
For more information, strongly recommend that you check out the Social Security Disability website.
Good Luck & don't forget to start saving up the $$$$$$
Answer:
Thanks for all your wonderful info. I will save this and refer back, I am sure.
I have always seen the docs regularly every 4-8 weeks, at the max. I am now starting to get all my records together to bring for my first SSDI meeting. My attorney had the records now, so thankfully that won't be an issue. We had to have them supeonaed from the workmans comp ins. company!!!
i'm also going to try to get info from my other docs, not related to the injries to show that I had already worked with a chronic illness prior to the accident.
I am very thankful that you answered me!! Thanks again and bless you for your kindness.