Recieving social security disability in new york state?

I recently came down with a mystery illness. For the past three months I have been to many specialists and have had aton of blood work taken, and no doctor is able to figure out what is wrong with me. They think it might be an autoimmune disease(think something like lupus) but they are hard to pin down so it can take a few years to figure it out. I have to un-enroll for graduate school because I am so tired and in so much pain I usually sleep around 18 hours a day. Since I was in a full time graduate program(and before that a full time undergraduate student) I have a limited work history, all being part time/min wage jobs. My doctor recommened that I might want to apply for SSD, since I can not work or attend school. Does anyone know anything about SSD in new york state? Will that base the benefits on what you have worked in the part or what my income would be if I was able to work a job within my degree? Is there a website anyone an recommend?

First of all, you probably do NOT qualify for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), but you just might for SSI (Supplemental Security Income).

While both require proof of disability for qualification, SSI also has a financial requirement.

If you have an as-of-yet-undiagnosed AI "condition", I'd recommend that you visit the following website:

http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com

It is what I call a "virtual village" of folks worldwide with AI conditions, started over 3 years ago by a lady in her 20's with Lupus. We now have over 4,000 members!! If you click on the Message Board link within the website, it'll take you to an entire page of "chat" forums - chock full of places to: learn, laugh, cry, ask questions, share experiences, etc., with folks JUST LIKE YOU. The first half of the page has generic forums, including one about going to - trying - college/school; another specifically for folks your age - and mine, Baby Boomers!

Also, there's one on Social Security; I am the Moderator for this Forum (as well as for the Boomers one, MS - my AI condition, Work Related) and I have about 2 dozen announcements and stickies that just might answer any question you have; if not, post a question therein, and I'll answer it for you and all others each day!!

Hope you decide to visit and join; I can't stress just how much information we share, and how much we learn from each other.

As for my SS qualifications: I'm currently on SSDI; I was an HR Exec for over 30+ years before triggering SSDI; I'm a Nationally Recognized Disability Advocate and Educator; I've assisted over 2,7500 folks attain disability insurance for which they qualify - worldwide!!

Hope that this helps. Good luck!

go to

www.ssa.gov/onlineservices/

you should be able to find helpful info on that website

I know how frustrating it is just dealing with something unknown attacking your body. I was 24 when I was first diagnosis with R/A. But since then I have had proper testing and have found out I have sjogren's syndrome, Lupus, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and NHL cancer.
First , I would tell you dont get discourage. It can seem to be taking forever. You will go thru periods of depression. BUt keep presssing on to find the answers to your questions. You must apply early for your SSD. Don't get upset if you get turned down the first time ( that happens so often) Sometimes, you can apporved on the first try ( if you are one of the choosen ones, or so it seems :O)
It is better to have an attorney invovled, but be prepared, they want part of the back pay you may be entitled to. It is based on what you have earned in the past, and how many credits you have aquired.
You stated that you only worked part time jobs, so its possible you haven't paid in enough to draw SSD, so they may place you on SSI, which is evaluated by how much income and resources you have currently. I have a couple of members of my group who live in NY and NJ. They say that the state of NY is backed up with caes and it may take you up to 2 years to get an answer. So that is why I say get the proccess started early. Make sure you keep a record of all doctor visits ( ask them for a copy of each report as you see them) , keep a journal also, of when you go, how you feel and of day to day living (such as I woke up this morning and my legs back, head,. neck hurt. I slept for 18 hours on and off today.) If you go to a clinic or the ER then also keep record of that. The more medical records you have, the more proof you have to show just how much your life has changed.
And when you apply, be honest, this is no time to be couragious. Tell them completely what you feel like, how awful, how much pain, describe what it feels like, how it has affected your life.
I have a group for auto immune patients and also cancer patients ( often lymphoma runs in atuo immune patients) We have memebers who work in the medical field that can try to help find answers for your questions. Also the other NY members can share their experiences with applying for your SSD.
You are more than welcome to join. If you would like to check us out, feel free the web site is

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/can...

Good luck with your doctors and I hope they find out what is going on. Just getting a diagnosis can help very much. It is shock at first, but also comfort.