Reply To: Social Security Disability

If you meet the age requirements, there is typically a 5 month waiting period (unpaid) in order to qualify for SSA Disability and you must meet ‘blue book’ criteria. The blue book contains a list of “severe” disability impairments and can be found here: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm Info about the waiting period can be found here: http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/151/session/L3RpbWUvMTM4MDI0OTM1Ni9zaWQvUzM1NE1rQmw%3D

Neither GBS nor CIDP are specifically listed in the blue book meaning, I believe, that you would have to go through a longer evaluation process to determine if your condition warrants coverage. More info about that here: http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/page9-8.html

Once SSA-mainland determines your ‘conditions’ meet their criteria of “severe”, they will pass the final decision onto their state offices in Hawaii. Hawaii will use medical evidence to evaluate your ‘impairment’ vs. the ‘conditions’ and make a decision that you qualify, or not. The evidence must show that the impairment is severe and has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months, or result in death.

Another approach, if you qualify, is to use the State of Hawaii TDI program and tap into its benefits without affecting your SSA benefits. You must file the form TDI-45 within 90 days of the disability. Learn more about Hawaii’s TDI program here: http://labor.hawaii.gov/dcd/home/about-tdi

Here is more info about filing for disability in Hawaii:
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/disability-resources-hawaii.html

You have a tall task in front of you and I hope it all works to your advantage. Keep us informed about what you learn so others here can gain from your experience.