My psychiatrist has recommened I go on a temporary State Disability. Since I have no income right now I am all for this. I need immediate help filling out the form and need to know what to say in order to qualify. I know ADD is not usually recognized as a "true" disability. But my doctor feels it is for me, right now, at this point in time. I'm freaking. and I am so scared of forms. I am so scared of saying the wrong thing. Please, I need your imput now. Site Admin? Joan? Andrew? Garry? Healthwiz? I look at you as experts. But if Any one has done this or knows about this. Please let me know. Thank you

First, Barbette, please don't look upon any of us as "experts". We are more than willing to help, when and where we can, but to paint us as "experts" would only be doing you a disservice.

That being said, I can understand how you might be feeling a bit lost with these forms.

I can make a couple of suggestions/recommendations.

First, I would enlist the assistance of your doctor. He's the one that is pushing you to file for State Disability, and is the most familiar with the particulars of your case.

Second, you can contact your State Advocates' Office (A state listing is available at www.bigsplace.com). They may be able to assist you as well.

Third, and most importantly...take your time and fill the form out correctly. There is no rush. Read the directions for each form field, and answer the question. The directions should be spelled out for you. I understand the form may be a bit overwhelming. Your State Disability office may also offer assistance for people such as yourself that are having difficulty completing the form.

It doesnt hurt to ask for help.

Finally, I helped someone in my family complete a disability form, so I DO know what's involved. While it was overwhelming at first, I took the form one question at a time, and took many breaks. That helped alot.

Im a Canadian so your forms are different to ours

In Canada ADD is not recognised as a disibility unless you havee a learning disabillity attached to it

But I agree with BIG
Take your time
Dont be afraid to ask
theres no such thing as a stupid question

My two cents is that I'd wait for the helpful folks here to weigh in with suggestions before completing the forms- there might be one question that you answer "wrong" that would knock you right out of eligibility.

I was just in Wal-mart tonight to exchange a sandal Mom got for me (she accidentally picked up two RIGHT sandals) and the girl asked if I'd worn them. I said well, yes, I've worn one of them, but not the other as they were both righties, to which the girl told us that "pair" would have to go back to the manufacturer.

I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to find a pair since Mom had to search to put together this pair, but the girl would not bend, their policy is that once it's worn, even for a couple seconds, it has to go back. So this is the type of stupid question that is fraught with peril and you want to wait to get a little insight as to what they're trying to determine by asking it...

I agree with everybody else take your time and have at least one other person check the forms over for you when you are done.

Darnit Barbette: I JUST moved from California....Do you know what I would have done had you posted this just last week? I would have gone to the state disability office and gotten a copy of the same form that you have and so I could actually see it and perhaps help more...but now unfortunately I cannot do that....because I am not there anymore......anyway.... as Andrew said, we are not experts...at least I'm not....I'm struggling just like you and everybody else....:)

I also would suggest to NOT fill out the form alone....perhaps after enlisting the help of your M.D. as Andrew said and Andrew's web site....and contacting state disability office...enlist the help of a friend OR check out a vocational rehab counselor -- it's free...and they could help you....doing this alongside someone is a good thing....actually have them there with you as you write out the answers.......OR check out the disabilities office at the college closest to you....who cares if you're not a student there? It's summer...they may be slow now and some nice counselor in that office may be willing to help...it's worth a shot....Barbette: If you get rejected the first time, keep applying, okay? I was told that by someone once. Oftentimes, they will give disability benefits to people that simply keep applying.....

Why not start your own peer coaching thread here....regarding your disability application....or just keep us posted....okay??? We are all rooting for you:)

Thanks for the support all. I checked out Andrew's site looking for helpful info before deciding to post my dilemma here. What is a Vocational Rehab counslor ? I think I will start a thread in Peer Coaching. This will be a learning experience.

Vocational Rehab is a state run program that offers all kinds of programs mostly relating to careers for people with disabilities, recovering from addictions, physical illnesses, etc. Everyone who hooks up with vocational rehab is assiged a counselor or case worker and together they decide what services are rendered....They offer to send some people back to school for a specific course of study...they might offer to pay for medical treatment for some people, etc. And they offer career counselling as well. And I'm told some people have received ADD testing....In any event, some disability or impairment is necessary to qualify....They would be listed in your phonebook....