When I filed for my SSDI in March 2000, I expected the same battle most of us get. It seems to take a couple of years to actually be approved. This is because HCV is not rated by Social Security as a disabling disease. We have to file under the Liver Disease requirements. This means you MUST be able to qualify under that format. You will be approved on the basis of what and how much liver damage you have.

I received my SSDI exactly 25 days after my original filing. I truly believe that the reason I was approved was due to the letters I had included from my doctor as well as family and friends. I’m sure that my adding in copies of the past 6 months of labs along with my biopsy report helped as well. It is rare for someone to get approved that fast, but I am living proof that it does happen!

This is what I did, when I filed my claim:

Step 1.
Get copies of ALL labs, biopsy reports, and doctor reports. Put them in date order and place them in a file separate from your own personal file. These will be a huge help in applying for SSDI. They won’t have to request them from your doctor if you provide them up front.

Step 2.
If possible, attach any other copies of reports and lab work from other doctors regarding your hepatitis C diagnosis. I found that hospitals and doctors only keep records for 5-6 years so get them before the time limit has run out. Even if you don’t plan to file for SSDI anytime soon, you may need these files later and they may not be available.

Step 3.
Ask your former employer to write a letter stating that they would not be able to re-hire you due to the problems stemming from your HCV.

Step 4.
Have your doctor(s) write a letter, using specific key words, detailing your diagnosis. SSDI looks for keywords such as ascites, cirrhosis, fatigue, depression, liver failure, and transplant. If your doctor is willing to cooperate, ask him to exaggerate if need be. Do NOT ask him to lie. A letter from your doctor is a key to getting approved.

Step 5.
If you don’t already have one, ask your doctor to approve a Handicap Parking Placard for you. It will not only help you out daily, but will be another bit of proof of your disability for SSDI.

Step 6.
Ask family members and friends to write letters regarding the changes they have seen in you since being diagnosed. Be sure to have them be very explicit in any changes, from your attitude to your state of depression.

When filling out the SSDI application, be sure to have dates of doctor appointments handy.  Don’t skip any part of the form. If something doesn’t apply, write in N/A so they know you have attempted to answer. Take your time on the form so you are sure to have all the pertinent information. When you go for the first appointment, remember that you are only talking to the people who send your forms in. The medical team, which is usually located elsewhere in the state, is the one who makes the final decision. Usually your forms are sent to the medical team and you aren't there for this process. A hearing isn't always called on the first attempt. Don’t offer too much information, as you may also wind up digging yourself into a hole you can’t get out of.

Do not work, even a part time, while you are trying to apply for SSDI. They will consider you able to work and deny you. You can only have a $700 a month income or they will also deny you. If your spouse works you will most likely not qualify for additional SSI income. This is a supplemental income to the SSDI. When you apply for SSDI you automatically are applying for SSI as well.

Be sure to ask about receiving Medicare after 2 years. They take payment out of your SSDI check, but it will be a supplemental insurance if you already have one, or cover you if you don’t have any insurance now. It is wise to take the Medicare, even if you are already insured because it may cover what your insurance won't.

If you are denied, you have the right to appeal. At that point you may want to contact a SSDI attorney. Most of them are paid after you finally are approved, and that will come out of your first check. They are limited to how much they can charge and for some reason, they seem to get better results on appeal.

You only have a certain amount of days to file your appeal, so don’t wait. Once you get a denial, start the appeal process immediately. You only have a certain amount of days to file the appeal so don't waste time.  Be sure to add any new lab reports and tests to each appeal. Do not give up! Keep appealing until they finally grant you SSDI.

If you are approved, you will most likely receive payment before you receive notice! They will automatically deposit your payment, and all further checks, directly into any bank account you give them. Payment is sent according to your birth day. My birth day is the 3rd so I get my payment on the 2nd Wednesday each month. I got my acceptance letter nearly 10 days later!

SSDI does not recognize Hepatitis C as a disabling disease, but they do accept liver disease, which is why the need for the keywords from your doctor in a letter. Without those keywords you very well may be denied. Not everyone with hepatitis C needs to be on SSDI, but others do. Until it is decided by the powers that be to add HCV to their list, we have to do whatever it takes to get ourselves the financial assistance we deserve.