The Four P's of Winning Social Security Disability

After realizing that I could not continue to teach due to problems caused by Spasmodic Torticollis and a heart condition, I took a medical leave of absence November 22, 1994, for the remainder of the 1994-1995 school year.

Since I knew that after 29+ years of teaching I would probably never return to the classroom, I started applying for Social Security Disability and my Teachers' Retirement Disability. Knowing that I was undertaking a major and difficult task, I started getting "the wheels in motion" immediately. This is when the Four P's commenced.

P #1 - PRESENTATION

First, I called the Social Security 800 number and set up a telephone interview. While I was awaiting the interview and then receiving the written form developed from the interview, I did my homework. I secured my medical information from all of the doctors who treated me since my first encounter with ST. I had my neurologist and my principal write letters concerning how ST affected my ability to teach. The pharmacist made printouts of all of the medications that I had taken or were currently taking for ST and my heart condition. A copy of my birth certificate was obtained. At this point I prepared a well-organized notebook, using file folders to separate each category of required materials/documented evidence of my disability.

P #2 - PERSISTENCE

After approximately six weeks my claim was denied. I understand that this was quite normal and "part of the process". This made me more persistent than ever. After completing the form for reconsideration of my claim, I secured additional medical evidence, and I wrote a paper stating what a typical day of teaching was like prior to November 22. When I had not heard of anything after six weeks concerning my Reconsideration, I called the Social Security 800 number to see if they could give me that status of my claim. Sure enough, they were able to do this, and that is how I learned that my claim was approved. It was several days later before I received my letter stating this.

P #3 - PATIENCE

Although I had considerable patience with my students, I soon found that I did not have much patience with the Social Security System. However, considering the number of claims filed daily, I knew I had to be patient.

P #4 - PRAYER/POSITIVE ATTITUDE

After I had done all that I could do, prayer and a positive attitude helped me survive the days waiting to hear from Social Security. If you would not be as fortunate as I was, go on to the Hearing Level, as this is where a majority of the cases are won. However, if your PRESENTATION of materials is done in a concise manner, and if you are PERSISTENT, PATIENT, focused on PRAYER, and have a POSITIVE ATTITUDE, I do not think you will need a Hearing. No one likes to feel that he/she is disabled, and I truly do not feel this way, even now. Yes, I am disabled from my jobs as an elementary teacher and the church organist/pianist, but I can still serve as a POSITIVE FORCE to help new ST'rs cope with their problems and living with ST. When I think of all the wonderful people that I have met or talked with by telephone since I was diagnosed early in 1993 with ST, I am sincerely thankful that God saw fit to CHANGE MY LIFE'S COURSE INTO A NEW DIRECTION OF SERVICE.

If you have questions, or if I can be of help to you, please feel free to write or call me.

Bonnie Hawkins

1003 Fourth Street

New Martinsville, WV 26155

(304) 455-5002