After a simple bump on the head became a triple brain infection, resulting in brain surgery and several additional incurable major health issues, LJ Fullerton was unable to work and she was permanently disabled. She then fought another battle.
LJ explained, “For 30 years, I paid Social Security taxes like millions of people do daily. I was unaware like most, that these taxes also provide other benefits. In December of 2001, I applied for Social Security Disability, which was supposed to help me in my time of need, but I was mistaken.
Social Security Disability (SSDI) is an insurance plan administered by the Federal Government that’s paid for by FICA Tax deductions out of American's paychecks. Millions of people become disabled unexpectedly and over 65.5% of initial claims filed are denied. It can take 3 years or longer for a claim to be processed if it’s denied at every level, which often occurs.”
She continued, “After submitting my forms and a huge stack of supporting records, I was told my claim would take 4-6 months to process. I asked the case worker what I was supposed to live on, and was told to apply for social services (Medicaid, food stamps and cash assistance). I was denied any help based on the cash value of my life insurance policy, which isn’t enough to bury me when I die. This process and paperwork was difficult, humiliating and then to be denied, it added even more to my stress.”
LJ discovered, “On 4/25/02, I got the news my SSDI claim was denied! I filed an appeal and waited, while my incurable diseases got worse with each passing day, due to the ever increasing stressful conditions I had to live with!”
She discovered she had the right to copies of all her records in the system. In reviewing these, she found the SSA internal paperwork was written inappropriately. After filing a misconduct claim, she persevered.
LJ closed, “One month before I lost everything, I was approved for SSDI benefits. It took 1-1/2 years and I won my case without a lawyer. I lost almost all my life savings, and pension money, now I depend entirely on the meager monthly SSDI check. For the rest of my life, I’m forced to live on the brink of total financial ruin, and this stress is killing me.”
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