Community Chat

[Witchy Woman]

I'm a former Federal worker, but I must admit that the Social Security disability system is confounding me at the moment. If anyone has any experience, I would appreciate their advice and guidance.

My brother-in-law was gravely hurt a month ago and remains in an induced coma. His recovery is uncertain right now, but we are hopeful. If and when he begins, he is going to be paralyzed for life from the waist down...so he has a long road ahead. It is unlikely he every be able to work again.

In an effort to help, my husband has tried to begin the process of filing for his brother's disability payments from Social Security. The process is confusing and getting answers is difficult, but I continue to try (I'm headed to that office this morning). Right now, they are seeking medical reports which will cannot be issued by the hospital until my BIL is OUT of the hospital. That is not happening any time soon....further, he cannot sign anything while in a coma. Further, the hospital wants hundreds of dollars to reproduce the reports when the time comes. There doesn't seem to be a provision for any of this in the system. So we are left to wait for any financial assistance until a much later date.

While we do not want to get an attorney if we can handle this, it is becoming increasingly frustrating to send stuff in and have it returned for information we cannot provide at this time.

Any advice is appreciated.