Expert: Barry N. Saunders - 10/15/2008

Question
I am a 41 yr old female who sustained spinal cord injury at the T5/6 complete level in 1989.  I qualified and received ssdi benefits for about 4 years before I began working full time.  I worked for 10 years before leaving my job and not returning to full time work.  I wonder if I am eligible to receive benefits again, since I was able to work, did not necessarily leave due to disability.  However, over the past 5 years since leaving my job, I believe I would not be able to hold down a full time job due to disability related issues.  How hard do you think it will be for me to reapply and prove my case?  My husband has urged me for some time to get going on it, but it just seems so lengthy and like I would have to go through so much and make myself seem so gimpy to qualify.  If I believed I had a pretty good case I would go ahead and apply, but if not, it just is not worth it.  I appreciate any help you can offer.  Thank you, Julie

Answer
It appears you still are eligible to receive SSI. You work part time for a period.  You do need to get your documentation together with the idea that the condition has grown worse and you are unable to work.  I would apply as soon as possible.




Barry Saunders