Better Care Medical

How does someone apply for disability pay and medical care from the government?

I'm wondering how you go about getting disability pay and free medical care from the government like for regular people with diagnosed mental disorders who are basically unable to perform duties and keep a job and for veterans of wars? I've read that's it's a complicated process with lots of forms and you have to send back yet another different set of forms to appeal your rejection, which is all but granted the first time you apply. Anyone have experience with this?

Public Comments

1. Yes, it can be lengthy. You call your local social security office and tell them you want to apply for disability. A person usually talks with you on the phone and also sends you paperwork - alot of questions. You really need the support of a doctor - a doctor who will write that you cannot work due to mental health. The disability people turn to the doctor - so it is really important that you have the backing of the doc. Sometimes it takes as little as 4 months - to as long as 3 years, depending on how sick you are and what the doctor says. It is wise to get a lawyer who specializes in disability. Most of them will not charge anything unless you are granted the diability benefits. There are 3 "rounds." They can deny you the first time, then you reappply/appeal; then they can deny you the second and re reappply/appeal - then the third time if they deny you, you can take it to the judge and the judge makes the determination. That is why it can take so long. I received mine on the second time. I had a letter from my doctor, two therapists, friends, pastor and mom. I also secured a disability lawyer just in case. I don't know how the Veteren's work - but surely if you call someone at the VA, they can guide you. Good luck and be patient and persistent!
2. I am currently disabled for a mental illness. My doctor encouraged me to apply so I went to social security disability, they gave me the paper work, I filled it out, got all the paper work together for my doctors. My doctors filled out what they needed to , I put it all together and submitted it. Everyone told me I would get denied my first time but I did not i was accepted the first time. After one year I am then qualified for Medicaid.