Applying for Disability at a younge age(early 20s)

General Health Insurance & Disability Coverage
1

Is there anyone out there that has applied and/or been granted disability at a young age?, for any or all of these conditions:
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Epstein Barr Virus

I have all three of the above conditions, I just turned 22. Just like anyone else struggling, the last thing I want to do is apply for disability. In my mind people will just look down on me, think I’ve given up, think I’m faking it (which basically 99% of my family believes, and any friends I used to have believed), and think I am just lazy and don’t want to work.
I’ve thought for months and months now about disability. The only reason I desire to be granted disability is so I won’t be a burden financially to my mother. She also suffers from Fibromyalgia and hyperthyroidism, and has been for 20+ years; she was granted disability about 2 years ago.

Before I got to the point where I could no longer work at all, I was on top of the world; seems like it’s been 10 years since then. Ever since I was 14, I worked. By the time I was 17, senior in HS, I was a store manager of a retail chain at the mall working 60 hrs a week plus going to school everyday. I went on to run over 7 stores and became an Area Sales Manager for my district, I loved it and I’ve always loved working. If I could I would work all the time, and then I got sick and my whole life went down the drain.
I try to be optimistic, I plan on one day overcoming this and creating a life again. In the mean time tho, I’m sick 24 hours a day, everyday, I can’t remember the last time I felt good…had a good day, wasn’t in pain, woke up feeling rested. No medications give me any relief.
I have no income coming in, haven’t for awhile, I have so many bills…
Health insurance
Doctor bill
Car insurance
Car payment
Phone bill
Credit Card debt
It goes on and on, when I was working I made way more than enough to live comfortably. Since I was 16 I’ve paid all my bills, bought my own stuff, my own car…so my parents wouldn’t have too like they did for my older siblings, including their college.
Well now I’m stuck with all this, and my mom has helped me but she can’t afford too. My dad left us a few years ago haven’t seen him since.

Okay sorry back to the point,
Does anyone have experience being granted disability at a young age for any of the conditions I have? Anyone been denied? What was the experience like?

From the research I’ve done, it seems like I have little chance of being approved.

Anyone out there, I’d love to hear any advice and feedback. I appreciate the time thank you.

I live in Illinois fyi

-Will

2

well I’m 27 and I’ve applied for disability I have a lawyer though you have to find a lawyer that’s going to take you at young age and explain but I have a lot more issues than you too so you probably do have a very low chance of receiving it you might just want to try doing the best that you can cuz before all my other issues I still work in the best I could i understand being in pain but it’s something you’re going to deal with for the rest your life so you may as well look at it like I’m going to live life because you don’t want to give up I mean try for disability if you want but the first time you will be denied everybody is Mines in appeal right now but I’ve been diagnosed with more things so I’ll pray that you get a job or you get disability but I feel like with a little amount of things you have you should still be able to work because a lot of people with just fibromyalgia still work. I hope this helps and I’ll pray for you.

3

Hi, Will.
I wanted to tell you how much I admire your courage and maturity. You have managed quite alot at such a young age and with bravery and determination. What are you doing currently to manage your conditions? I ask as there are many things you can do to help cope and it's really important you explore the many options with your doctors whether or not you decide to file for disability.
As for filing for disability, I haven't filed myself and I have heard it can be difficult, but I also know of many people who have won their benefits. It can be done. If you don't win the first time, it's important to keep at it as I know of people who have won on their third try. I also have heard that hiring a lawyer is optimal and you may not be charged until you win your case. Please also enlist the help of your doctors as I am sure they can be of help in steering you in right direction with paperwork and other documentation.
Good luck, Will, and keep us posted.
Hugs,
Laurie

4

Hi Will,

I am on disability and it can be quite a fight to get it. I found a lawyer who specifically works with disability claims. Mine was only paid because my case was won. They only get paid a certain percentage of your first check when you receive it. I did not have to get anything from my doctors or anyone else. I just had to sign what seemed like a million papers giving the lawyer my power of attorney so they could contact everyone necessary. I even took forms I needed to fill out to them and they helped me fill them out. I had to see 2 doctors chosen by disability and paid for by them. You will probably be turned down at least once but try again. Follow what your lawyer suggests you do. You will need a list of all your doctors, and anyone else you see about your illnesses, with addresses and phone numbers.

Now that's what I went through here in New Jersey and it was over 15 years ago. I wish you a lot of luck. I'm so sorry you are having to do this at such a young age. Keep us informed on how it goes.

Dottie S.