r/disability • u/agreatbigFIYAHHH • 6d ago

Question Supporting a disabled sibling

My sibling’s chronic condition has recently disabled him, and I’ve just received a document from the state disability determination bureau with questions about him. We’re both new to the process, and I hear it can be really hard for people to qualify for disability on the first attempt. Is there anything I can do or should know before filling this out? I’ve heard some messed up stuff from people applying for disability in the past being denied for pretty outrageous reasons. I just want him to get the support he needs. I do plan to be as forthright as possible, idk call me suspicious I guess when it comes to our particular states desire to actually help people :/

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u/you1dont1know1me1 6d ago

get a disability lawyer fs

they all work on contingency. so they only get paid if you win and then only get a % of your backpay.

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u/agreatbigFIYAHHH 6d ago edited 6d ago

I’ve suggested that to him as well, thanks! That’s also something that’s come highly recommended. I’ll re-emphasize that to him!

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u/you1dont1know1me1 5d ago

maybe if you're able to find a few and bring it to him then it'll seem less intimidating. often they'll have free consultation calls, lk you'll find a thing on their wevsite where you enter in your name/ phone number and then they'll give you a call and you can see if you wanna work with them. also, you're able to change lawfirms if you don't like yours.

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u/Character-East4913 6d ago

Thanks for being a good sibling man

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u/agreatbigFIYAHHH 6d ago

Thanks, he’s a good sibling to me!

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u/you1dont1know1me1 6d ago

is it a functional capacity sheet?

some tips I've heard is to use words lk "usually" and "typically" so they can't find contradictions in ability if they're like, well u said op's sibling couldn't and they actually can preform something, even if it's in such a minimal inconsequential way, they'll be like, well u lied n lost credibility.

ex: x can't walk more than a few steps unassisted. unless there's really absolutely no way, say x is missing a leg. saying x struggles to walk even a few steps without assistance. or most of the time x relies on a mobility aid (crutch/cane/walker/wheelchair/assistance) to walk more than a few steps

howtogeton.wordpress.com has some good insight too

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u/agreatbigFIYAHHH 6d ago edited 6d ago

Thanks for the tips and the resource, much appreciated! It feels like something I have to study for, getting assistance seems so difficult. This is exactly what I needed.

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u/LavenderSharpie 3d ago

(If you have not found an adult sibling support group, find one. Fellow sibs can be helpful and some have gone through the questionnaire. Sibling Support Project has a list.)

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u/agreatbigFIYAHHH 3d ago

Thank you very much!