I'm starting this journal a little late, so let me get you up to date. About 2 1/2 weeks ago I began the process of applying for Social Security Disability. I first called the 800 number for the Social Security Administration. (The best way to reach Social Security is to call (800) 772-1213 between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm) At that time I spoke to a woman at the SSA. I told her that I was disabled and asked to be sent the necessary forms to fill out. This was where she pointed out (quite nastily) that you just don't ask for the forms, you need to be interviewed first. She asked me some questions, (What was my disability, how long had I had it, when was the last time I worked, etc), then set up a phone interview with my local SSA office. Apparently I passed the interview, the next day I received my forms. In the telephone interview, the person asked me the same questions as the woman at the 800 number.

I received a Disabilty form, about 7 medical release forms to sign, as well as a statement that I also had to sign. I was also told that I needed to send, along with these forms, a "notorized" birth certificate to prove citizenship. A notorized B. Certificate is one with a raised seal on it. To get one of these. Contact your state government, records & vital statistics division. At that time they told me that they had no record of me paying into Social Security for the year of 1986. I was asked to submit to them my tax returns for that year. I did. On Friday (Oct. 3) I received a request for the canceled checks that I'd paid into the IRS for the year 1986. THIS has been a problem. After 11 years, and SEVERAL moves from state to state, I don't have these checks. I also don't have the account number they were written on. This has been my hell this week. Coming up with proof of payment. If you are EVER in this bind, this is what you do. Contact your local Congressman/woman and tell them your story. I called mine today, and they are going to see what they can do to "grease" the wheels of justice for me.

Today, I received yet MORE forms from the SSA. Of the two forms I got, one was a statement determining your physical activities. Such as, can you cook, clean, who does the laundry. That sort of thing. The other form I got was pretty much a duplicate of the original form I'd filled out a week or so ago. It asks your complete working records. What type of jobs you did, for how long, what was involved in daily activities, etc. So, this is where I'm at right now. As the red tape begins to flow, you'll be the first to know! (smile)