Autism and Disability in New York State

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(I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this, if it isn't, I'm sorry and feel free to move it)

I am 21 years old and have attempted and struggled to keep jobs since I was 16. I have very severe anxiety as well as PDD-NOS and when I get really anxious, overwhelmed, and/or stressed, I pass out and faint and end up in the emergency room nearly every time. It's really taking a toll on me because I get really depressed because of it. I'm wondering if going on disability for the meantime while I finish school is the best idea and I'm wondering about the process. I have been attempting to do research but cannot find clear answers so I thought I'd ask here.

What is the process for filing for disability in the US (particularly New York if anybody knows specifics) and how do I start it? I know it is not a quick process, so my hope is to get started as soon as I can.

Thank you

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/condit ... -2-53.html
You are interested in SSI--the other programs such as SSDI are typically for those who have worked long enough to have paid into some insurance system.

Thank you for the link, I appreciate it.

Getting on disability for mental health issues is hard, but not impossible.

You might also look at possible internships or part time jobs while going to school.
You may be able to find a quiet non-service job that you can do. I'd guess that by
going through school services, you may be able to find a better job than if you go via
disability channels such as the programs administered by the link below.

While most people try to focus on what they do--such as being an engineer or cook, you need for focus
on the environment--are you working in a quiet or noisy room? Do you need to work with just a few people or many people. Chances are will start at the bottom and work your way into a better skilled job that meets your needs. That is the way it works around here--folks start at the bottom right off the street with no work history but if management figures out they have actual writing skills and actually show up for work each day--they get promoted into better jobs.

https://labor.ny.gov/workforcenypartners/dpn_dei.shtm

Step 1: Obtain mental health services, if you are not already seeing someone. Take all of the medications your psychiatrist prescribes for you, and keep all your appointments with your psychiatrist and/or therapist. None of this is likely to help one bit. That's OK, just document it all. Keep a record of all the medications that you try, and the therapy you receive, for a period of at least one year.


Step 2: Go to the Social Security website and apply.

How You Apply For Disability Benefits

Have the following information ready:

• Your Social Security number and proof of your age;

• Names, addresses and phone numbers of doctors, caseworkers, hospitals, and clinics that took care of you and the dates of your visits;

• Names and dosages of all the medications you are taking;

• Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics and caseworkers, that you already have in your possession;

• Laboratory and test results;

• A summary of where you worked and the kind of work you did; and

• Your most recent W-2 form or, if you were self-employed, a copy of your federal tax return.

• Social Security numbers and proof of age for each family member who may qualify for benefits; and

• Proof of marriage, if your spouse is applying for benefits, as well as dates of prior marriages if applicable.

If you don't have all the documents you need, don't delay filing for benefits. Social Security will help you get the information you need.

Step 3: The above process will take about three to five months. At the end of which time, Social Security WILL most likely deny your claim. Don't worry about that. They deny everybody's claims. So use those months to do research and find the best disability lawyer in your area. You pay them a percentage of your back benefits. So get the best lawyer you can find. The better the lawyer, the faster you will get your benefits.

Step 4: As soon as you receive the denial letter, immediately call your lawyer and get them started on your case.

The appeals process.

• Reconsideration;
• Hearing by an administrative law judge;
• Review by the Appeals Council; and
• Federal Court review

You will most likely win your case at the second step, the hearing by an administrative law judge. If you are truly disabled, you have a good lawyer, and a reasonable judge, you will win your case for disability benefits.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you everyone. I'm not sure what is going to happen now, but I really, really appreciate your help.