Social Security
So you want to apply for social security disability (and, by the way, you can if you have MPD), but you dont know how to go about getting approved. Here are a few things you need to know that may increase your chances of your claim being approved.
Applying
It takes about six (6) months for the first decision to come down. When you apply, you will be applying for both SSI and disability. If you dont have a lot of work history you will be denied disability. However, there is another program called SSI (Supplemental Income). I was denied disability becaus i had only one year of work history (gimme a break, I'm only 21)
You will be handed several forms when you go to your local social security office wanting DETAILED reports on why you can not work. They will want a complete list of psychiatric professionals that you have seen, including any hospitalizations. Be sure to include hospitalizations that have occured before your diagnosis.
They will ask your doctor for his professional opinion regarding your MPD. if you are not seeing a MD in regards to your MPD (maybe you are only seeing a psychologist or MFCC) they will send you for further psychiatric analyisis by their own professional. They may want you to be seen by their MD even if you are seeing an MD.
It is VERY important that you not minimize any symptoms in regard to MPD, because the social security office pays much attention to the professional's opinions. A strong suggestion is that you allow your alters free run of the interview, allowing as much switching as possible. (and, it will come easy to do this, as child alters are usually very nervous about seeing a strange doctor, and will sense your anxieties as well. A lot of people will walk into the doctor's office trying to maintain control over themselves and are quickly denied their claim, but on the appeal when they get a second interview they allow the alters to dominate the interview and are awarded their claim.
Social security likes to mail out forms. it is VERY important to fill out these forms and mail them as quickly as possible. (yeah, I know, they can keep us waiting six months but if we keep them waitning more than ten days they get angry) If they ask you to call them, do so the day you reieve the notice. It makes them feel special or something to get the call.
In everything they ask you be brutally honest. If they want to know why you cant work tell them about any switching done at work and how that affected the job. I know its embarrasing to admit that you cant keep control, but it is stuff that they want to hear. If your supporter person is requested to fill out a form (they may mail one to you to give to them) ask him/her to be very honest as well.
Payments
Your first check will vary from person to person. they will ask you when you were diagnosed with MPD and may use that as the day you became disabled. they may use the first psychiatric hospitalization as the day you became disabled. They may back pay you from when you became disabled. As far as back payment goes, Im not sure if they give you a percentage of each month or the full amount. according to my latest research, monthly payments are $494 for a single person and $741 if there are more than 2 in the household. (I'll let you know how true this all is as soon as i find out)
What if I'm Denied?
If you are denied, it is important that you appeal this desision. Ask for a detailed report on why you were denied. It may be that your doctor (hired by social security) does not believe in the existence of multiple personalities. Ask to be re-evaluated by a psychiatrist that has treated other MPD patients and is very familiar with the disorder. Use the appeals process.