Fibromyalgia

Lesson 7: Applying for disability

Social Security claims. Private medical insurance claims. What to watch out for. How best to succeed with your claim.

When It Looks Like You Can't Manage Your Job

Many of us, accustomed to working for our living, suddenly find that we can no longer handle our jobs. Too many of us slog along, working halfheartedly and in misery because we need that paycheck. But there is help for people who can no longer work due to their fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.

Some of us may have a disability insurance through work. There are so many of them that it would be impossible to describe the exact quirks and strong points of them all - but do check to see if you have any disability coverage. If so the process in very much like that of another form of disability compensation available to people who can no longer work - US Social Security. Even if you are from another country, you will find that the ins and outs are very similar.

So we'll look at the ins and outs of that process, knowing that almost everything we cover will apply to any private insurance plan you may apply for benefits from, as well as disability benefits in most other countries..

According to Attorney Scott Davis, a lawyer who specializes in Disability claims, the typical claimant fits this profile: In general they range in age from 30 to 60, have worked most of their adult life, have a confirmed physical and/or a psychological disorder, undergo regular and consistent treatment with their doctor/psychiatrist/psychologist, have documented symptoms and limitations significant enough to preclude full time work, and they believe or have good reason to believe their doctor(s) will support their claim for disability.

If you fit that profile, then you've nothing to lose and much to gain by following the advice and resources in this lesson.