Marsha's Story

I thought my case was simple. After suffering two major heart attacks, my doctors told me I had to make significant changes in my life, including quitting my job as a teacher aide, something I have enjoyed for the past fifteen years. I figured that I would find a job I could do at home part time, like customer service phone work or maybe even doing sewing and alterations. Well, the medication I was on made me dizzy and I could almost feel my energy slipping away day by day. That's when I seriously began to consider applying for disability through Social Security.

Of course I got turned down---doesn’t everybody? So I made some adjustments by moving in with my daughter and her three kids to cut down on expenses. I also figured that I could help her out, too.

Unfortunately, the stress of the move and the kids was too much for me. And the doctor said I really needed to be on bed rest for several hours a day besides at night. Now I saw myself as a burden to my daughter instead of the mother she was used to counting on. One of my friends mentioned her son-in-law had hired an attorney to help him get disability benefits. When she told me about the contingency fees, I knew it was time that I did the same thing.

Because it had been two years since my first application, I had to start all over with the forms. But this time, it was easier because of the helpful, friendly legal staff who was so professional. They prepared me that I could get turned down again (which I did) but that we would file an appeal and keep going.

Just knowing that they believed in my need for help and encouraged me throughout the process made me believe it could be done. Plus they helped me keep track of my medical expenses, doctor visits and my symptoms so that I could explain how my disabling heart disease had affected my life.

It took a while but it really paid off. I can't tell you what a relief it is to know that I can again contribute to household expenses, continue to see my doctor and pay for medicine. I may not be physically better, but emotionally I feel like a different person. If someone out there is waiting for a positive change, I really encourage him or her to contact an attorney who works in this disability field. I would like other people in my situation to have the piece of mind that I have now.

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