Until I became too messed up to work any longer, I had my own place. But because I had to quit work, I had to move in with my Mother.
I called to find out some information on the disability process and what it took to get it. I had to make an appointment and go in and fill out several papers. I had a friend with me and it was a good thing, because at the time, I couldn't even think straight or retain any information in my brain. It was very confusing with everything I had to fill out, how long it would take, what to do in the mean time for money, how much money I would get, etc.
For me, when I had to fill out the paper work, the intake person was a woman and I had to sign all my paper work in front of her. Each paper I signed my name in a different handwriting. I didn't do it on purpose, I just switched each time I had to sign my name. The intake woman saw this and was flabbergasted beyond words. She made a note of this on my paperwork that she personally saw me sign my name to each paper in a different handwriting. I was applying for disability with the diagnosis of MPD. I got my disability the first time without any problems. I don't know if it was because the woman witnessed my handwriting changing each time or what. She was very nice and patient with me.
But, I will have to say, if it wasn't for my friend being with me, I would have been lost. I was to receive a small amount from what I guess they call "welfare" until my disability came through.
My experience with the disability process was a very good one because I have a friend with MPD/DID who had to go to a lawyer to fight for hers. I did not have this problem, again, probably because my handwriting totally changed each time and the woman made note of that. Hope this helps your research some.
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I am responding to the June question about filing for disability.
My name is Holly and I was diagnosed with DID in May
2000 and have been on SSDI since 10/01. I have a
bachelors degree in social work and worked in the
field for 5 years, but had to take FMLA twice to deal
with my mental health issues. I cut back on hours,
then went to waiting tables until I just couldn't do
any thing any more. My work during 2000 was sporadic
and I was unable to pay my bills and I was spiraling
downward mentally into a very black hole. I decided to
apply for disability...I would be lying if I said my
pride wasn't hurt. However, it was a good decision for
me. I had my checks starting in less than a year from
when I applied, but many will tell you that is fast
and doesn't happen that often. I believe the key to
having my disability go through quickly was
documentation and contact with the professionals
submitting info on my behalf. I had been in several
treatment facilities and saw several therapists and
could show the decline of my work history. I contacted
everyone I had listed to inform them they would be
contacted and would appreciate their help.
Today, I am working part time back in the social
service field. I work 15 hours a week and have for
almost 2 years. I went through BVR and was set-up with
an agency that helped me determine if I wanted to go
back into social work or try something else. I did a
30 day internship at an agency with support of a job
coach. That agency offered me a job and I still work
for them. I kept the job coach for extra support for
about a year. I continue my healing with weekly
therapy and a DBT group. Some day I will be ready to
work full time, but the SSDI allowed me not to work
and focus on my healing. It now allows me to gradually
ease my way back into the work force while continuing
to heal without feeling overwhelmed. Jumping back into
the work force with both feet would have set me back,
not forward.
I hope this has been helpful.
Holly