Reapplying for SSI?

[Kyoko09]

Hello! I'm new to the UBPN, and I was wanting to talk about SSI relations to my BPI.

Background story:

I'm currently a 20 year old college student, who has had BPI since birth. My parents were originally told that my injury was a pinch nerve and would recover. However six months later, in Feb. 1992 it never did. My parents then contacted a disability lawyer who planned to sue my deliverer. But as a result, my parents were told that they would loose the case and it was better to try for SSI instead.

I believe that they applied and as I was accepted with no movement in my left arm. I was then recommended to Children's Hospital outside of OKC, and was told that only three hospitals at the time conducted BPI surgery: Chicago, Houston and another one, I think Orlando? My parents chose Houston as we lived in Oklahoma.

Anyway, I was a guinea pig of these surgeries, and successfully, I came out with partial movement in my left arm/shoulder. From then on, I was considered a disabled child and received SSI.

When I turned 18, I wanted to switch my mom's beneficary to me, as I was then a legal adult. As a result of transitioning from a disabled child to a disabled adult, I had to fill out a form to be considered a disabled adult. But all of the questions asked "What was your life like before the injury?" or "What could you do before this injury?" I submitted the form the best I could, and was denied.

I then agreed to appeal my case to prove that I was disabled. I was sent to a psychologist in OKC, and a family doctor in Hollis (small town). I was turned down at 19, as SSI stated that I could work, by "watching security monitors." I've only seen one job in my town that does this, and it's at my college, with a security cop doing this job.

I have job training, as I was a receptionist from March to October 2011 through a community program (SWODA). But most receptionist jobs require a typing test with two good hands - I currently type with good one hand.

I have received help from Voc Rehab for college as I'm elibgabe for the Pell Grant, but cannot receive due to my parents tax information. They paid for two semesters, but I failed one of them and ashamed of going back after failing on my behalf. SWODA is paying some of my classes now.

Anyway, I'm now thinking of re-applying for SSI as jobs in my area require heavy lifting and or have three or four applying for one job - and I'm usually turned down due to my age or so-called disability.

I'm re-applying without a lawyer first. I'm receiving help from my Systems of Care team, and one team member has experience with appealing disability cases. If I'm denied, I'm thinking of recruiting a lawyer.

Any advice? Is there another type of form specifically for disabled children applying as a disabled adult?

- Liz (Kyoko is my favorite Japanese name)

[jmar]

my number one advice.....GET A LAWYER before you go any further.

[Carolyn J]

Just keep Appealing UNTIL.....usually people have gotten approved by the 3rd-4th Appeal without a Lawyer,(I believe...could be inerror on this)??
Carolyn J
LOBPI/73+

[chris h.]

LAWYER. YES.i personally haven't applied but in my state youll be turned down automatically even showing up in a wheelchair the first time without one.

[Master DIVER TOM]

Hi, just got back from a dive trip

I read this a few times

Maybe This will Help??????

First do see a SSI lawyer You would be filing with a Lack of income issue. Right

Go for it and let it be, let the lawyer try,First LESS stress

Best Trys !!!! You never really fail even though TRY I can only hope this Help?????????

Tom