Comments on: Will Attending College Hurt My Chances for Social Security Disability? http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/ Social Security Disability Blog - moderated by Jonathan Ginsberg Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:55:11 +0000 hourly 1 By: Major http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8523 Major Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:46:39 +0000 http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8523 It is wrong to assume that schools drop students who have excessive absences; they don't. Colleges and universities are happy just to get your money. And Social Security should be happy that people want the training that will help them become self-sufficient again, or acheive some semblance of self-sufficiency. Professors can accommodate students in ways that employers cannot. And students have control over the types of classes they take and may arrange schedules according to the physical and mental demands of their schooling. So it is a flawed assumption that "if one can go to school, he/she can work". My girlfriend has gotten her SSDI, received her handicapped parking tag and is in thrice-weekly long-term therapy to rehab from spinal injuries she suffered in an auto accident several years ago. SSDI certified her disabled about two years ago after she had been on short-term disability via her employer from the time of the accident. She too would like to attend school because her former profession(s) (licensed cosmetologist/hairstylist and makeup artist for a major retailer), which requires a lot of standing, bending and lifting - as well as extensive arm movement - is pretty much out of the question. Not only should the government allow disabled persons to attend school, it should subsidize their education, with the understanding that their health is to be reviewed after completing the program. Disabled students should get three years to complete every year of their program. Thus, if someone enrolls in a 4-year program, they should be subject to review (physical evaluation, transcripts, job searches, the whole nine yards) after 13 or 14 years. I think that would be a fair trade-off. And disabled persons should not be allowed to pursue any education until they have been on disability for 3-4 years (and should only be allowed to go part-time once they do go to school). They should also not be allowed to attempt part-time work until after 3-4 years, but should be allowed to do so risk free, part-time for a year. IMHO, the government should be encouraging people to get back to work, not hindering them. It is wrong to assume that schools drop students who have excessive absences; they don't. Colleges and universities are happy just to get your money. And Social Security should be happy that people want the training that will help them become self-sufficient again, or acheive some semblance of self-sufficiency. Professors can accommodate students in ways that employers cannot. And students have control over the types of classes they take and may arrange schedules according to the physical and mental demands of their schooling. So it is a flawed assumption that "if one can go to school, he/she can work".

My girlfriend has gotten her SSDI, received her handicapped parking tag and is in thrice-weekly long-term therapy to rehab from spinal injuries she suffered in an auto accident several years ago. SSDI certified her disabled about two years ago after she had been on short-term disability via her employer from the time of the accident.

She too would like to attend school because her former profession(s) (licensed cosmetologist/hairstylist and makeup artist for a major retailer), which requires a lot of standing, bending and lifting – as well as extensive arm movement – is pretty much out of the question.

Not only should the government allow disabled persons to attend school, it should subsidize their education, with the understanding that their health is to be reviewed after completing the program. Disabled students should get three years to complete every year of their program. Thus, if someone enrolls in a 4-year program, they should be subject to review (physical evaluation, transcripts, job searches, the whole nine yards) after 13 or 14 years.

I think that would be a fair trade-off. And disabled persons should not be allowed to pursue any education until they have been on disability for 3-4 years (and should only be allowed to go part-time once they do go to school).

They should also not be allowed to attempt part-time work until after 3-4 years, but should be allowed to do so risk free, part-time for a year.

IMHO, the government should be encouraging people to get back to work, not hindering them.

]]> By: Meg Griffith http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8414 Meg Griffith Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:06:25 +0000 http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8414 I started drawing SSD a year ago for Bipolar, Anxiety and depression. I have been told that I can work so many hours a week. But with everything he read I would not be allowed to go back to school. I have a criminal background due to my bipolar disorder and it is very hard for me to find a job. Can JONATHAN GINSBURG answer this for me???? m griffith I started drawing SSD a year ago for Bipolar, Anxiety and depression. I have been told that I can work so many hours a week. But with everything he read I would not be allowed to go back to school.

I have a criminal background due to my bipolar disorder and it is very hard for me to find a job.

Can JONATHAN GINSBURG answer this for me????

m griffith

]]> By: Anon http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8401 Anon Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:00:24 +0000 http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8401 What I am reading here is very discouraging. I am 21 years old with degenerative disc disease and arthritis. I have only very mild pain most days, but every now and then (sometimes out of the blue, sometimes after exerting myself, and sometimes doing something as simple as bending down), I will suddenly have incredible and occasionally debilitating pain. I am taking classes right now but no more than 15 hours of sitting down (a week). Almost the rest of the time I am in bed, since even walking across campus causes pain later in the day, and so I've been forced to put the kibosh on most activities, or else I participate and suffer the consequences later. I have taken longer classes before that are almost crippling, that's how painful it is for me to sit down (no matter if I use padding or not). Sitting longer than 15 minutes causes pain, and standing also ends up aggravating either my DDD or arthritis. To look at me, I (most of the time) seem fine, but I have been dropped from a payroll before for being "out sick" too often (my manager just assumed that continuing to call out sick was my way of quitting). I do miss classes occasionally due to pain, but most of my classes don't take attendance (so no "proof" there), and I'm not going to go to the doctor every time I need to stay home because my back hurts because it's a waste of time - I already know what the problem is, I've already been prescribed medication that either does nothing or makes me sick, and I've tried everything else (acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, "TENS" unit, massage, and a very brief stab at yoga, as the positions we were supposed to maintain even at the beginning level were too painful). It's very frustrating because there are no jobs at my skill/education level that won't require me to either sit, stand, or pick things up (as part of my job description). And now I'm reading that basically being in college is going to hurt my chances for SSI, when I am in college just so I can gain enough skill/education to work a job that doesn't rely on what I can do physically. I feel I am too disabled to be reliably employed at a job that will not focus on me sitting, standing, or lifting/carrying things, with only half a college degree under my belt, but that I am not disabled enough to receive any help. Unfortunately it seems that things will stay this way until some miracle procedure comes along to even correct the DDD (the main source of pain for me), or, more realistically, until I'm in too much pain, too often, to function at all. What I am reading here is very discouraging. I am 21 years old with degenerative disc disease and arthritis. I have only very mild pain most days, but every now and then (sometimes out of the blue, sometimes after exerting myself, and sometimes doing something as simple as bending down), I will suddenly have incredible and occasionally debilitating pain. I am taking classes right now but no more than 15 hours of sitting down (a week). Almost the rest of the time I am in bed, since even walking across campus causes pain later in the day, and so I've been forced to put the kibosh on most activities, or else I participate and suffer the consequences later. I have taken longer classes before that are almost crippling, that's how painful it is for me to sit down (no matter if I use padding or not). Sitting longer than 15 minutes causes pain, and standing also ends up aggravating either my DDD or arthritis. To look at me, I (most of the time) seem fine, but I have been dropped from a payroll before for being "out sick" too often (my manager just assumed that continuing to call out sick was my way of quitting). I do miss classes occasionally due to pain, but most of my classes don't take attendance (so no "proof" there), and I'm not going to go to the doctor every time I need to stay home because my back hurts because it's a waste of time – I already know what the problem is, I've already been prescribed medication that either does nothing or makes me sick, and I've tried everything else (acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, "TENS" unit, massage, and a very brief stab at yoga, as the positions we were supposed to maintain even at the beginning level were too painful).

It's very frustrating because there are no jobs at my skill/education level that won't require me to either sit, stand, or pick things up (as part of my job description). And now I'm reading that basically being in college is going to hurt my chances for SSI, when I am in college just so I can gain enough skill/education to work a job that doesn't rely on what I can do physically. I feel I am too disabled to be reliably employed at a job that will not focus on me sitting, standing, or lifting/carrying things, with only half a college degree under my belt, but that I am not disabled enough to receive any help. Unfortunately it seems that things will stay this way until some miracle procedure comes along to even correct the DDD (the main source of pain for me), or, more realistically, until I'm in too much pain, too often, to function at all.

]]> By: What if you already on disability and have been 10 years http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8345 What if you already on disability and have been 10 years Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:15:59 +0000 http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8345 I have been on disability 10 years due to seizures. I tried school once and couldn't handle it. I would like to try again. I'm worried if my doctor sign a form and release me for school they will stop my disability. I have to have the form signed for financial aide. Please e-maul me if anyone know the answer. Thanks I have been on disability 10 years due to seizures. I tried school once and couldn't handle it. I would like to try again. I'm worried if my doctor sign a form and release me for school they will stop my disability. I have to have the form signed for financial aide. Please e-maul me if anyone know the answer. Thanks

]]> By: Bill Rhodes http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8294 Bill Rhodes Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:23:55 +0000 http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8294 How does Social Security find out that you attend school? Anybody knows? How does Social Security find out that you attend school? Anybody knows?

]]> By: Cherie Miller http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8197 Cherie Miller Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:06:10 +0000 http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8197 I have worked as a SSD advocate for several years and attending college WILL not just hurt your chances it will, in some instances, make the admin' Law Judge reviewing your case angry that you are wasting the courts time. SS doesn't just look at your medical disability; it looks at whether you can hold down a job. That includes whether you will lose so many work days due to medical appointments and your illness that you will not be employable. Schools generally will drop you for excessive absences, if you can attend enough school days not to be dropped from your classes then you can work. Keep in mind the fact that you will, more than likely, be denied and have to go to the admin hearing level and in most cases it takes 2 1/2 to 3 years for a hearing date. C. Miller I have worked as a SSD advocate for several years and attending college WILL not just hurt your chances it will, in some instances, make the admin' Law Judge reviewing your case angry that you are wasting the courts time.
SS doesn't just look at your medical disability; it looks at whether you can hold down a job. That includes whether you will lose so many work days due to medical appointments and your illness that you will not be employable. Schools generally will drop you for excessive absences, if you can attend enough school days not to be dropped from your classes then you can work.
Keep in mind the fact that you will, more than likely, be denied and have to go to the admin hearing level and in most cases it takes 2 1/2 to 3 years for a hearing date.
C. Miller

]]> By: Garnet Johnson http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8184 Garnet Johnson Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:50:15 +0000 http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8184 I just completed my first semester of college(4.0). I had a light stroke/tia 6yrs ago. Since then I suffer with a severe stress disorder. When I am stressed i cannot comprehend the simplest of tasks, i go blank, get totally fatigued, my head roars loudly so I cannot hear well (Meniere's ear) , then my body temperature raises to the point that sweat runs down my body. I then get extremely sleepy and have to lie down until it passes. I do not take any antidepressant because I do not tolerate meds well. I do take plavix,tenorim (mitral valve/heart racing), nexium(Hiatal hernia)(diverticular disease), 4 baby aspirins, fluid pills and potassium daily. Since the stroke I struggle greatly with my memory and have to read a topic at least 3 times before i can comprehend the subject and understand the directions. I have applied for my ssi in pikevile ky. but was denied twice. they stated that i could do light non-demanding work...so i enrolled in college...Everyday is so stressful because of the demand that i am fatigued all the time. i am single mom,i am divorced (age 49) with one daughter (age 14) Can you help me? I just completed my first semester of college(4.0). I had a light stroke/tia 6yrs ago. Since then I suffer with a severe stress disorder. When I am stressed i cannot comprehend the simplest of tasks, i go blank, get totally fatigued, my head roars loudly so I cannot hear well (Meniere's ear) , then my body temperature raises to the point that sweat runs down my body. I then get extremely sleepy and have to lie down until it passes. I do not take any antidepressant because I do not tolerate meds well. I do take plavix,tenorim (mitral valve/heart racing), nexium(Hiatal hernia)(diverticular disease), 4 baby aspirins, fluid pills and potassium daily. Since the stroke I struggle greatly with my memory and have to read a topic at least 3 times before i can comprehend the subject and understand the directions. I have applied for my ssi in pikevile ky. but was denied twice. they stated that i could do light non-demanding work…so i enrolled in college…Everyday is so stressful because of the demand that i am fatigued all the time. i am single mom,i am divorced (age 49) with one daughter (age 14) Can you help me?

]]> By: derek http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8132 derek Fri, 22 May 2009 04:05:53 +0000 http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8132 Okay, can I clear this up for ppl? You can go to school and can work when you get the disability! It looks bad however, if you do while waiting. I know its ironic. How do I know? A kid with Adhd gets SSI, and goes to a technical college. Not online classes, but a tech college. Also tons work with ssdi.In moststates, for every $2 you make, they take out $1 for your check. Secondly, it does suck. What do you do? If your waiting for ssi( especially in appeals ), you have nothing and cant get nothing. My advice, while your in ur iniial try to have as much documentation as you can and try to get pressumptive disability. Its rare, but having all the doctor support and documentation will help. Also, when ur doc write a note, makes sure it spells out your problems in detail. Not just a note stating," So and so cant work do to this". You need documented proof, and detail. Another thing, they just dont go by a doctors letter, but the documentation thats in your file. Ex. If your filing a mental case( which is best odds of winning btw ), what is in your file. Just going to the ER is not enough. Were you admitted by a doctor? Did you go to the cardiovascular floor because your anxiety attacks/Bipolar,hypomania were so bad?,ect,ect. I am just giving examples. Okay Phase 2-Your case- Most likely there will be a vocational expert. Sometimes they are qualified enough, sometimes not. They really should have medical experts. Also, sometimes in say back injury cases, they will look at records from an occupational therapist. One of the most faked disorders are back/shoulder and adhd. See for those who are lying, an OT can easily see. I learned disability cases for back and shoulder my first class in occupational therapy in college. So, if we learned that in our first class, guess how much else we learned in regards...I will not comment any further because there are ppl who scam the system. Overall, the system can stink! How can sum1 claiming adhd attend college at a tech school( while on disability ) while someone with breast C waits? Answer: It is what it is, and the difference is one person got it, the other didnt. However, if you have the proper documentation both in file and in hand to support your case, then the odds of intially winning are higher. Also, you can have a chance at whats called pressumptive disability( although its rare ). Also, ppl if you dont want to visit the SSDI docs( either because you fear it or dont trust ) then m,ake sure u have your own doctors. More times or not, they send you to a doc because there is a lack of info in your files, you lack doctor visits per your condition you claim, or they want to get a better feel. However, if you have been keeping your appts and your condition is bad, and documented in your files..then theres an okay chance they wont send you to their docs. I was in OT until they extended it, so in a degree of science and cardiovascular I went...lol. This may not be the best I can give you, take it for what its worth. However, anyone that tells you documentation doesnt matter in your file( unless a crazy circumstance ) then A) they are in for pure money, or B) Dont know what they are really talking about. You have better chances if in your files your doctor explains everything out, or in letter. I think documentation figures in more though. So have DOCUMENTATION of your problems. Have it by going to your doctor. Alot of ppl are too proud to tell their doc everything, until things get super bad. Trust me I know what its like, I had 3 concussions, a partial fractured skull, a spinal tap because they thought one of my concussions gave me bleeding in brain( it was that bad ). I broke my clavicle( collar bone ) and still played football and made two more tackles in a football game. However, when it comes to your case and your health, tell your doctor. Sometimes you can have too much pride. One year I played BB with a dislocated biceps tendon in my throwing arm. Plus many other injuries. I had too much pride to tell my coach cause I thought he would pull me out. Well guess what? Your case isnt a sport, and your doc should be bound by confidential not to tell neone( like next door neighbor ect ) about your case. Dont let your pride get in the way of your case. Do note: That if your case dose go to court, when I said you want get anything I meant, while your waiting. I didnt mean you wont win your case, I am just clearing that up if sum1 misunderstood. I know sum1 who won their case by going to court with a very mediocre disability. She told me they had many ppl there. What she was prob referring to was medical experts, plus vo-expert. Most likely because her case was very mediocre, and the judge needed to make a better determination( seems was a sympathetic judge ). However, this person sorta cheated the system. I wont get into why, thats why I said mediocre. So yes you can win in court. Also, some states or judges may or may not be more conservative than others. Hopefully your lawyer( I would think ) would have an idea of what ur judge was like. This is just info from what ive heard and studied. The reason I write, I do feel bad, I suffer from tons of injuries and other,went OT, then cardio and science...cause injuries I went through. Plus I heard stories. GL! Okay, can I clear this up for ppl? You can go to school and can work when you get the disability! It looks bad however, if you do while waiting. I know its ironic. How do I know? A kid with Adhd gets SSI, and goes to a technical college. Not online classes, but a tech college. Also tons work with ssdi.In moststates, for every $2 you make, they take out $1 for your check. Secondly, it does suck. What do you do? If your waiting for ssi( especially in appeals ), you have nothing and cant get nothing. My advice, while your in ur iniial try to have as much documentation as you can and try to get pressumptive disability. Its rare, but having all the doctor support and documentation will help. Also, when ur doc write a note, makes sure it spells out your problems in detail. Not just a note stating," So and so cant work do to this". You need documented proof, and detail.
Another thing, they just dont go by a doctors letter, but the documentation thats in your file. Ex. If your filing a mental case( which is best odds of winning btw ), what is in your file. Just going to the ER is not enough. Were you admitted by a doctor? Did you go to the cardiovascular floor because your anxiety attacks/Bipolar,hypomania were so bad?,ect,ect. I am just giving examples.

Okay Phase 2-Your case-

Most likely there will be a vocational expert. Sometimes they are qualified enough, sometimes not. They really should have medical experts. Also, sometimes in say back injury cases, they will look at records from an occupational therapist. One of the most faked disorders are back/shoulder and adhd. See for those who are lying, an OT can easily see. I learned disability cases for back and shoulder my first class in occupational therapy in college. So, if we learned that in our first class, guess how much else we learned in regards…I will not comment any further because there are ppl who scam the system.

Overall, the system can stink! How can sum1 claiming adhd attend college at a tech school( while on disability ) while someone with breast C waits? Answer: It is what it is, and the difference is one person got it, the other didnt. However, if you have the proper documentation both in file and in hand to support your case, then the odds of intially winning are higher. Also, you can have a chance at whats called pressumptive disability( although its rare ). Also, ppl if you dont want to visit the SSDI docs( either because you fear it or dont trust ) then m,ake sure u have your own doctors. More times or not, they send you to a doc because there is a lack of info in your files, you lack doctor visits per your condition you claim, or they want to get a better feel. However, if you have been keeping your appts and your condition is bad, and documented in your files..then theres an okay chance they wont send you to their docs. I was in OT until they extended it, so in a degree of science and cardiovascular I went…lol. This may not be the best I can give you, take it for what its worth. However, anyone that tells you documentation doesnt matter in your file( unless a crazy circumstance ) then A) they are in for pure money, or B) Dont know what they are really talking about. You have better chances if in your files your doctor explains everything out, or in letter. I think documentation figures in more though. So have DOCUMENTATION of your problems. Have it by going to your doctor. Alot of ppl are too proud to tell their doc everything, until things get super bad. Trust me I know what its like, I had 3 concussions, a partial fractured skull, a spinal tap because they thought one of my concussions gave me bleeding in brain( it was that bad ). I broke my clavicle( collar bone ) and still played football and made two more tackles in a football game. However, when it comes to your case and your health, tell your doctor. Sometimes you can have too much pride. One year I played BB with a dislocated biceps tendon in my throwing arm. Plus many other injuries. I had too much pride to tell my coach cause I thought he would pull me out. Well guess what? Your case isnt a sport, and your doc should be bound by confidential not to tell neone( like next door neighbor ect ) about your case. Dont let your pride get in the way of your case.

Do note: That if your case dose go to court, when I said you want get anything I meant, while your waiting. I didnt mean you wont win your case, I am just clearing that up if sum1 misunderstood. I know sum1 who won their case by going to court with a very mediocre disability. She told me they had many ppl there. What she was prob referring to was medical experts, plus vo-expert. Most likely because her case was very mediocre, and the judge needed to make a better determination( seems was a sympathetic judge ). However, this person sorta cheated the system. I wont get into why, thats why I said mediocre. So yes you can win in court. Also, some states or judges may or may not be more conservative than others. Hopefully your lawyer( I would think ) would have an idea of what ur judge was like. This is just info from what ive heard and studied. The reason I write, I do feel bad, I suffer from tons of injuries and other,went OT, then cardio and science…cause injuries I went through. Plus I heard stories. GL!

]]> By: Tina http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8035 Tina Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:16:52 +0000 http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8035 I am on disability and have been told that I may never return to work again, for sure not as a General Manager of a resturant. I am very interested in taking online and maybe a course or 2 at the local community college. I don't care if it takes me 5 years to complete a course but I do need to change careers and thought this would be the right time. I had back surgery I ended being one of the 20% that came out worse. Why, could be because of the Lupus or Kidney problems I have been dealing with for over 11 years. It doesn't matter but I was told I could never go into my field. What worries me if in five years they say oh you can work and they figure some minumim wage job, and we won't be able to live. I just thought that maybe earning a degree while I stumble through online classes at home could help. Maybe I would even find a job I could do part time to get off disability. I live in Wisconsin so I don't know if that cchanges things. Any wise word anyone can send would be greatly appreciated. I know I can contact SS, but if its a negative I don't want them to know I'm looking. Right now I know I can't go back to work. After the first of the year we are starting with my Kidney issues of not even working at 50% that was not even considered in my social security disability back when I was approved. Don't they want us to try to get off it with what ever help we can get. I am on disability and have been told that I may never return to work again, for sure not as a General Manager of a resturant. I am very interested in taking online and maybe a course or 2 at the local community college. I don't care if it takes me 5 years to complete a course but I do need to change careers and thought this would be the right time. I had back surgery I ended being one of the 20% that came out worse. Why, could be because of the Lupus or Kidney problems I have been dealing with for over 11 years. It doesn't matter but I was told I could never go into my field. What worries me if in five years they say oh you can work and they figure some minumim wage job, and we won't be able to live. I just thought that maybe earning a degree while I stumble through online classes at home could help. Maybe I would even find a job I could do part time to get off disability. I live in Wisconsin so I don't know if that cchanges things. Any wise word anyone can send would be greatly appreciated. I know I can contact SS, but if its a negative I don't want them to know I'm looking. Right now I know I can't go back to work. After the first of the year we are starting with my Kidney issues of not even working at 50% that was not even considered in my social security disability back when I was approved. Don't they want us to try to get off it with what ever help we can get.

]]> By: welovecoupons http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8034 welovecoupons Sat, 27 Dec 2008 22:05:25 +0000 http://www.ssdanswers.com/2008/04/26/will-attending-college-hurt-my-chances-for-social-security-disability/#comment-8034 It took about a year for mine to go through. I was lucky enough to have a partner that made enough for us to survive on. I also sold items on ebay and used coupons to shop. You would be suprised at the items you get for free using coupons. Search for some coupon forums. I know it can be a pain and they always deny the first time, so appeal get an attorney and be pursistant. I called the soc # at least 3-5 times a week and I think that really helped speed it up. Be prepaired if the judge rules in your favor, you still have a wait before you start getting ang money in. Call soc and have your bank account info in there and you can do your kids app on the phone with them before you even get a judgement this will speed payment up in the end. It took about a year for mine to go through. I was lucky enough to have a partner that made enough for us to survive on. I also sold items on ebay and used coupons to shop. You would be suprised at the items you get for free using coupons. Search for some coupon forums.
I know it can be a pain and they always deny the first time, so appeal get an attorney and be pursistant. I called the soc # at least 3-5 times a week and I think that really helped speed it up. Be prepaired if the judge rules in your favor, you still have a wait before you start getting ang money in. Call soc and have your bank account info in there and you can do your kids app on the phone with them before you even get a judgement this will speed payment up in the end.

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